When we asked you to vote for your 'Best of British' event, Burghley came out on top — a beacon at the end of the season, where spectators can bask in the glory of the house as they watch the elite of the eventing world swing into action. Seasoned Burghley spectator and H&H staffer Gemma Redrup rounds up the reasons why she'll never miss this eventing extravaganza
1. It’s the pièce de résistance of the British summer
Although the event is technically held in the first week of autumn, the first-trot up usually sneaks into the final day of August and usually the weather reflects this (usually… but not always!). Burghley Park is beautiful even when it’s not decked out with the best eventers and shops in the world, so when you add a dollop of sunshine, a lathering of incredible horses and a sprinkling of something alcoholic, it is very hard to beat.
2. Be within breathing distance of your equine heroes
Burghley is an ideal event to see your favourite horse and rider combinations from just a hoof oil brush’s distance. The best place to spot them away from the main arena and cross-country course is in one of the warm-up arenas where you can see how they carry out last-minute preparations for one of the world’s biggest four-stars.
3. Pimm’s a plenty
Or any other variety of booze for that matter. But being supremely British, Burghley provides Pimm’s by the bucket load — and boy does it taste good.
Continued below…
13 heart-stopping moments at Burghley Horse Trials *PICTURES*
Take a look at our thrills and spills gallery from this premier three-day-event
4. Proper picnics
While we’re on the subject of all things supremely British, the sight of hundreds of top-notch picnics at Burghley is something to behold. Whether you’re a modest sort who is partial to a supermarket-bought sausage roll and a packet of salt and vinegar crisps, or if you’re more of a tables and chairs, champagne, homemade quiche and a pork pie large enough to feed an army sort of person, Burghley can accommodate you. And if you can’t be bothered to pack your car with a picnic, never fear, because the food on offer at the event is phenomenal, so make sure you put the foodwalk on your list of things to visit.
5. Witness stars of the future
It isn’t all about the four-star contenders. Burghley also plays host to a Pony Club showjumping competition and the Burghley Young Event Horse final. This is a great opportunity for you to cast an eye over future potential leading horses and riders.
6. Wallow in shopping heaven
It is true that you can go to Burghley and not even see a horse if you so wish. If shopping is your priority then you’ve come to the right place, with hundreds of fabulous tradestands groaning under the weight of their quality goods. From tack shops galore to superb art or maybe a tweed ensemble, you will be spoilt for choice.
7. Something for everyone
Maybe you’re not interested in horses or shopping…? Don’t worry, there is usually a great Land Rover stand to satisfy the needs of those who love cars — with an off-road driving experience and other features to keep petrolheads happy.
Don’t miss the ‘Best of British’ special issue of Horse & Hound magazine on sale now (4 February 2016), where we remember some of best historic team moments, celebrate British equestrian institutions and more