Countdown to Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2010

Last year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials winner, Oliver Townend intends to defend his title with his winning horse Carousel Quest, at this year’s event (2-5 September).

But with over 100 entries from around the world, Oliver will face serious opposition from many of the world’s biggest names, who will want to secure the £50,000 first prize and claim the The Land Rover Perpetual Challenge Trophy.

If Oliver and Carousel Quest are successful, they will become the first horse and rider combination to win the title two years running since Burghley Horse Trials was initiated in 1961.

Course designer, Captain Mark Phillips reveals his 30-fence cross-country course to members of the press today (Thursday 19 August), and he believes it will maintain “Burghley’s reputation of testing the skill, training and athleticism of both horse and rider”.

Listen to interview with Captain Mark Phillips

• Find out what WEG team member Piggy French thinks of this year’s course in next week’s Burghley preview special issue of H&H, on sale Thursday 26 August

Extra Burghley attractions

This exciting international four-star level competition commences on Thursday 2 September and continues over the weekend. Running alongside the three-day event is the Burghley Pony Club Team Jumping in Ring Two and the finals of the Burghley Dubarry Young Event Horse classes, which aim to talent spot the equine stars of the future.

International trainer Ferdi Eilberg will be joined by his daughter Maria, a member of the British dressage team heading for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky at the end of September, and son Michael, for a dressage display in the main ring on Friday.

And the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials would not be the same without a visit to the 500 selected tradestands that make up the familiar avenues and shopping pavilions offering something for everyone, including specialist foods, clothing, bespoke furniture and tailoring, crafts, jewellery and equestrian products from around the country.

Don’t forget to visit Horse & Hound at stand B33 for the chance to win an Ifor trailer, plus lots more fantastic prizes. You can also save up to 35% when you take out a subscription to either H&H, Horse or Eventing and you can claim a free Masta rug or Harry Hall gilet (while stocks last). And last but not least the latest issues of H&H, Horse and Eventing will be available for just £1 each.

Follow all of the Burghley dressage action as it happens with expert commentary from top dressage rider and trainer Anna Ross Davies at www.horseandhound.co.uk/burghley2010live/

For further information about the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, including how to book tickets, visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk

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