My first horse eventing day out I’ve experienced, and what a fantastic one to attend for my first time.
Burghley Horse trials first started back in 1961 at Burghley house. With over 173,000 visitors during the four day period of the event. With more than 600 exhibitors that you can shop your heart out to of incredible country and equestrian brands, this fabulous event is not one to be missed if this is your cup of tea. I’m by no means an equestrian or anything, I’ve not even ridden a horse before, but this event has given me even more of an interest into the exquisite world of the equestrian life and eventing.
Burghley has also had Royal visitors and competitors over the years, which the likes of HRH The Princess Royal back in 2011 presenting prizes, as well as back in 1971 Princess Anne rode to Burghley and took the European Champion Title. Alongside Captain Mark Phillips also having a longstanding association with the event, winning Burghley in 1973 and going on to becoming the Course Designer. Zara Tindall, their daughter, is the only child of two former winners to compete at Burghley Horse Trials. In both the years of 2017 and 2019, HRH The Countess of Wessex visited Burghley on the Sunday of the Horse Trials to present the winner with the Defender Perpetual Challenge Trophy.
As you can tell, there is a lot of history as well as Royal history at Burghley, which is no doubt one of the reasons why it’s always been such a popular event.
My top tips for attending Burghley:
Wear the appropriate outfit and shoes for the weather forecast
Reason being is, because this event is in an open field with not much cover but the exhibitors stands, make sure to bring two outfit options. I wore a white dress with cowboy boots with a light knit cardigan to throw over my shoulders, thankfully it was a rather warm, yet muggy kind of day so I was fine in this outfit. Where as if it was chucking it down with mud everywhere, I would have needed my wellies and large umbrella that’s for sure. So make sure to plan your outfit ahead and bring a change of outfit incase the trusty British weather changes its mind as it always does.
Bring a picnic
If you’re planning to watch the horse trials from parts of the course, do make sure to bring a picnic, as this will of course save you money and prevent you from having to walk round the event to find food and lose your spot to watch the horses.
Wear comfortable footwear
There is a lot of walking to be done at Burghley, with a bit of a walk from the car park dependant on what parking pass you purchase as well as there being so much to see and do.
Take photos in front of Burghley House
Did you even go to Burghley if you didn’t get a photo infront of the stunning Burghley house? It’s the go to hot spot for the most picturesque photo for the gram.
Book the Defender Experience
This is actually free to experience, but make sure you book this in advance to avoid disappointment. This was a fantastic experience and you are shown how the car works, how it’s pushed to its limits and the incredible design details of the cars themselves. You’ll leave this experience wanting to buy one that’s for sure.
Arrange meet ups
If you’re going and meeting friends or family there, with at times the limited signal, it’s best to organise a meeting spot for everyone so you know where to find each other. I met up with some wonderful creator friends at the Fairfax & Favor stand which was so lovely that everyone was there all at the same time. Brilliant when someone arranges this and you get to see familiar faces.
Bring a tote bag
You don’t realise how much stuff you accumulate whilst walking round, from things your purchasing, to leaflets and samples being handed out. It’s worth having a bag you can whip out to carry everything, this is what I should have done during my visit as I was carrying my phone, vlogging camera, cardigan and my DSLR camera. I’ll certainly be more prepared for this next time.
You can also see the riders practicing at certain parts of the event doing jumps and warming up their horses. You can sit and watch the event happening on the big screen around the grounds also if you fancied sitting with food and drink in a more comfortable spot and not having to miss a moment of the eventing.
I visited on the cross country day, but I must say I’d love to experience the event on a dressage day also. Have you visited Burghley Horse Trials before? What tips would you give me being a first time visitor?
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