HOW good it felt to move on from the pressure and controversies of the Olympics to savour the quality of Burghley, the five-star that started when it stood in for Harewood in 1961 because of foot-and-mouth.
My Burghley memories start in 1964 at the Pony Club championships when a Beaufort team including Jane Holderness-Roddam and I were beaten into second and then I rode Rock On to fourth in 1968. I then designed the cross-country for most of the next 30 years.
With Martyn Johnson in charge, Tim Henson chair of the Director's Advisory Group and unprecedented investment and co-operation from the Burghley Estate, the event moves forward in leaps and bounds, with the help of Defender sponsorship.
The team must navigate the challenges of the internet, social media and declining spectators at outdoor events.
Happily, this year Burghley maintained their numbers and improved spectator experiences so hopefully the future is assured, but this is an ever-changing minefield.
THE WORLD'S BEST DESIGNER
THE presence of three Olympic horses in Ros Canter's Lordships Graffalo, Austin O'Connor's Colorado Blue and Susie Berry's Wellfields Lincoln contributed to making this year special.
This story is from the September 12, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 12, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Is it time for a scheduling rethink?'
Ronnie Lee Jones on calendar clashes and the growing trend of leasing
Bloodstock auctioneer
Shirley Anderson-Jolag on a background in performing arts, practising with her dog and imposter syndrome
'You could put your granny on him'
Losing your confidence, or not having much to begin with, can be both frustrating and traumatic. Alex Robinson meets riders who have pushed through barriers, aided by some special horses
Nielson nails it
An exciting new partnership seals grand prix honours and several riders come to the fore on unexpected catch rides
What's that noise?
Diseases of the upper airway are colloquially known as problems with the horse's “wind”, and often manifest as noise. Phil Cramp MRCVS explains
Oliver Townend
A man who'd prefer to let his horses do the “talking”, the nine-time five-star winner sits down with Catherine Austen to discuss the inimitable Ballaghmor Class and why he considers horses his true mates
Happy groom, happy horse
Top grooms give Charlie Fiset an insight on how the best employers help them thrive in the work they love, and how to recruit quality employees
Pocket rocket springs a surprise
Annabel Widdowson launches her 2025 campaign with a double qualification and a 15.2hh mare is flying
'I viewed myselfas a girl - no match for the men'
Geraldine Rees on her historic ride in the 1982 Grand National and her knack of finding sympathy with tricky horses
Soegaards Bon Royal
Laura Tomlinson's grand prix star took her back to London for the first time in eight years and looks set for a bright future. Oscar Williams meets him
