Simon Grieve’s Burghley blog: I’m feeling very lucky

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is over for another year. I had two rides this year, and I cannot thank my two special boys enough for making me so proud this week.

Yesterday morning was typical of any four-star morning — the atmosphere is a little sombre and there is an air of anticipation as everyone prepares for the cross-country.

I walked the course in the morning with my great mate Phoebe Buckley, and made firm plans about which routes I was going to take. It wasn’t long before I was getting on Splash (Drumbilla Metro) and setting off down to the cross-country start.

He set off with plenty of gusto, but as we approached fence four, he suddenly saw the crowd, which was heaving and I think it took him a little by surprise. He showed his inexperience and went a little green, looking at the crowd but was very genuine and continued on getting better and better as he went. We had a frustrating run out at the Rolex combination, but it was just a miscommunication and he jumped clear around the rest of the track. I’m so excited about him — he’s only 10 and was brilliant.

I had a couple of hours break before I was off again. Douglas was jumping really well, and I couldn’t have been happier with him until he started to tire at the half way point. He never stopped jumping though, but I had to nurse him home a bit. He is such a genuine and lovely horse. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for him.

Both horses trotted up sound this morning, and jumped well in the showjumping round a tough track.

The owners of these two horses have been brilliant. Such fantastic support, and I feel so honoured to ride their two special horses.

I cannot thank my horses enough for their determination, effort and how deep they dug for me this week — I’m thrilled with both of them. Although there are plenty of things that I would have liked to do better, I cannot be happier with my two horses and the fact that I have completed the biggest three-day event in the world TWICE, with two sound and happy horses is wonderful! I’m feeling very lucky.

Simon

Don’t miss next week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine, out on 7 September, for full analysis and reports from Burghley

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now