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‘I had the naivety of youth’ – Zara Tindall relives her week winning double gold at the 2005 European Championships at Blenheim

Pippa Roome — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:34:19 +0000

As we enjoy the Agria European Championships at Blenheim this week (17-21 September), 20 years on from the last championship at the Oxfordshire venue, Zara recalls that week in an exclusive feature for Horse & Hound subscribers

Zara Tindall and Toytown galloping through lashing rain to win the gold is the enduring image of the 2005 Blenheim European Championships, remaining in the minds of many who were spectators on that memorable cross-country day. Here’s this special story of those few days in Zara’s own words…

Zara Tindall tells her 2005 Blenheim Europeans story

Back in 2005, the home nation could take 12 riders to a European Championships. Leslie Law, Pippa Funnell, William Fox-Pitt and Jeanette Brakewell were selected for the team and four of the individuals were named straight after Badminton Horse Trials, then the rest of us were called up later.

Toytown – who we called Noddy or sometimes Ginge – and I had been under-25 champions at Bramham Horse Trials in 2002, then young rider individual silver medallists that year, followed by second at Burghley Horse Trials in 2003. He was injured in 2004 and in 2005 went to Luhmühlen Horse Trials for the first five-star there. We finished second to Bettina Hoy and Ringwood Cockatoo, earning selection initially as individuals.

It was an amazing feeling to get that call-up for a first senior championship, especially on home turf, and I knew Toytown was worthy of being there.

In early August, Pippa Funnell’s selected ride Primmore’s Pride was withdrawn as he wasn’t quite right and I was moved into the team, with Pippa taking an individual spot with Ensign. It’s always sad that someone gets a chance because someone else has to miss out – it was so unfortunate for Pippa.

One of the most exciting parts of being on a squad is always the moment when you get your kit – I think it’s the bit that makes it all feel real. We had team training at Eddy Stibbe’s and with 12 of us there it was particularly fun. I had come through young riders with Kitty Boggis (now King) and Matthew Wright, and we had incredible people to learn from like Pippa and William Fox-Pitt.

There was a lot of support, knowledge and experience at that training session and around the team in general. The older riders reminded us to keep doing what we were doing, as it was clearly working and, as obvious as that sounds, it was important to hear to remind us to stick to the basics. Watching experienced people is important in any sport; I’m sure just being around them was a big positive in our performance.

Zara Tindall (née Phillips) and Toytown at the 2005 European Championships at Blenheim, leading the lap of honour as they win individual and team gold. (Image credit: Trevor Meeks Photography)

“Noddy loved a crowd”

Blenheim was my first encounter with the European Championships tradition of a welcome evening where all the teams dress up and do a song – it was hilarious!

The British squad stayed in their lorries and I had two boxes there over the weekend. One was for me and my groom, Catherine Owens – she used to drive me everywhere because I didn’t have my lorry licence at the time – and the other had mates in it. Because it was local, everyone could come and watch.

The crowd all week were incredible. It was so busy and there was a lot of noise. There was a long hack up to the dressage arena and we had to time it perfectly so

as not to overdo or underdo how much work the horses needed.

Yogi Breisner was the British chef d’equipe and Tracie Robinson and Kenneth Clawson were the chief British team trainers for dressage and showjumping. Tracie’s great just before you go into a test as she concentrates on getting the best out of you in the moment.

Noddy was never really chilled, but he loved a crowd. He adored being the centre of attention and thought everyone was there for him. There was always a moment in every test where he liked to tell you he was in control and he was constantly on the edge of doing something he wasn’t meant to be doing – each time, he’d break or anticipate, but then we’d pull it back together.

Zara Tindall (née Phillips) and Toytown at the 2005 Blenheim European Championships. (Image credit: Tim Graham/Getty Images)

I remember flashes of the test – just the impression of being in the arena with the house behind – and that he was pretty good. Our only mistake was a blip in the rein-back. He was a great mover, expressive, with natural impulsion, so those marks came easily to him. But he could struggle with balance and then overcompensate.

We scored 38, which put us equal third alongside Frank Ostholt and Air Jordan, with their German team-mates Bettina Hoy and Ringwood Cockatoo out ahead on 31.3 and Pippa second on Ensign.

“I didn’t have much grip on the reins”

I definitely had the naivety of youth back then – I was 24 – and it’s an amazing feeling. You can never recapture it once you’ve lost it. I remember that first-time buzz of not knowing what might go wrong, just going out across country and getting on with it. It was definitely a precious moment.

I was excited for the cross-country. Toytown was so good in that phase and also quick. Although it was my senior team debut and first time at Blenheim, we all love going to these big events and a championship creates so much excitement. I was third out for the team, after Jeanette Brakewell with Over To You and William Fox-Pitt on Tamarillo, with Leslie Law the anchorman on Shear L’Eau.

The rain was insane. We were drenched. I went through three pairs of gloves in the warm-up and once I started, it was so heavy it was impairing my vision, but you just had to ignore that.

I knew Toytown so well and I was confident – he was the horse of a lifetime, the pinnacle of horses, and going out on him, you felt like you could take on anything. He didn’t enjoy the first two minutes – he was shaking his head because of the rain, with his ears flat back, and I was like, “You have to concentrate mate!”

I probably didn’t have much grip on the reins and rode with them longer than normal, but I let him get on with it. He banked the boxy tables at fence four, but I don’t remember any other dodgy moments and we came home inside the time. He even kept all his shoes on, surprisingly.

For a long time afterwards, whenever it rained, people would say, “Zara’s great in the rain,” and I was like, “It was one time…”

Zara Tindall (née Phillips) and Toytown battle the rain at the 2005 European Championships at Blenheim. (Image credit: Trevor Meeks Photography)

“It was special to put that right”

The most pressure of the week was going into the showjumping. I was leading individually, but the Brits had had a good cross-country day, so as a team we had a comfortable lead.

The final phase was always stressful with Noddy. He was so good across country and quick over a fence, but that didn’t help in the showjumping. He did the bare minimum and wasn’t good at taking fences more slowly and making a shape.

When I first had him, he was so weak and we used to have about four down. We’d done a lot of work trying to build his strength. As he became older, he perhaps just wanted to keep everyone on their toes by having fences down. That was his character. I had to try to keep everything smooth during the round, rather than being too careful as that would backfire.

Zara Tindall (née Phillips) pilots Toytown to a clear to secure the individual European gold medal. (Image credit: Tim Graham/Getty Images)

A rail down at Burghley and the young rider Europeans had cost us those wins. It was special to be able to put that right and nail a clear at a long-format championship event, alongside my peers and all those older guys who I looked up to over the years, with so many family and friends there.

Zara Tindall at the Blenheim European Championships: “Mum presented the medals”

You feel so much relief when you win, it takes away from the actual excitement. Now, I look back and think, “That was pretty cool” – at the time, you just fall in a heap and think, “Thank God for that.”

I remember Ginge was really strong on the lap of honour. We had him all bandaged and booted for the prize-giving as he was such a fragile person and we didn’t want him to do anything stupid. We had a big wreath – it felt like racing in America where they put laurels round the horses’ necks.

Zara Tindall (née Phillips) and Toytown with their medals after winning double gold at the 2005 European Championships at Blenheim. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Mum presented the medals and it was a really nice family story that she had also been European champion, at Burghley in 1971.

My messages were off the charts and the lovely thing about it being close to home was we were back an hour after leaving Blenheim, so the whole team could be involved. When we got there, everyone was in the yard and we went down to my house. I’d been given some big bottles of Laurent Perrier champagne and we drank those, and a lot was drunk out of the cup! It was a great night.

Toytown never competed at Blenheim again, but we led the parade of champions to celebrate the event’s 25-year anniversary in 2015, when he was 22 years old.

I’ll definitely pop up to Blenheim this year to watch. My father will probably make me drive round the cross-country course with him. It’s nice that he’s been able to design a championship there towards the end of his career, with all his experience and knowledge.

As told to Pippa Roome

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‘When I reflect on Blenheim now, it was a fairy tale’ – Zara Tindall looks back on her 2005 double European gold medals

Pippa Roome — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:30:23 +0000

In 2005, Zara Tindall (née Phillips) claimed individual gold at the eventing European Championships at Blenheim Palace on Toytown.

In an exclusive interview with Horse & Hound this week, ahead of this year’s Agria Blenheim European Championships (17-21 September), Zara reflects on that wonderful week, saying: “Looking back now, I was very lucky to be sat on such an incredible horse at a young age. I sometimes wish I had him now, with more experience and knowledge. I don’t know if that would work, though – we were both inexperienced, we came up the levels together and were continually doing something new, having that first experience as a partnership.”

Zara continues: “In eventing, you’re always thinking, ‘that’s done’ and moving on to the next show and at the time, you don’t have time to enjoy victories or realise the achievement. When I reflect on Blenheim now, it was a fairy tale.

“Toytown was so special and that’s what keeps us all going, thinking maybe you’ll find another horse like that. They’re rare; you can’t make them all into that – that’s what my horses have proved to me since.

“What a way to start my senior team career. There was only one place to go from there – down! But we had a good couple of years, especially taking the individual world gold the following season.

“It was always hard to keep Toytown in one piece. He was fragile and so exuberant. He had too much personality really and even hacking at home he was hard on himself. He missed out on both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. I can’t complain though, but you do think about the ‘what ifs’ sometimes.

“It’s still nice to hear myself described as ‘former world and European champion’. It never goes away. It’s for life, it’s in the history books and it’s amazing to be part of that club.”

Read the full story, by Zara Tindall, of her 2005 Blenheim European Championships – available exclusively online for H&H subscribers and in this week’s magazine (in shops from Thursday 18 September).

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from the Blenheim Europeans, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘She truly epitomises our brand’s DNA’: Fairfax & Favor appoints new ambassador

Franchesca Slack — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 11:15:12 +0000

Luxury British fashion brand Fairfax & Favor has welcomed top British event rider Zara Tindall as an official brand ambassador.

Founded in 2013 by childhood friends Marcus Fairfax Fountaine and Felix Favor Parker, the Norfolk-based company has a country-inspired aesthetic. The founders say they aim to create timeless investments for anyone with a passion for style and adventure.

Zara Tindall said: “I have always liked how [Fairfax & Favor] manage to combine timeless elegance with craftsmanship and practicality in their products. Their versatile and stylish designs make it the perfect brand whether that’s for the casual day to day or smarter look when I’m attending events.”

Fairfax & Favor first made its name with their iconic tall Regina boots, which are said to be one of Zara’s favourite styles and a staple in her wardrobe.

Horse & Hound tested the heeled Regina suede boots in 2015 and rated them 9/10. Our tester and then products editor Alice Collins said: “Rarely have I ever owned a pair of shoes or boots so frequently commented on. They are comfortable enough to wear all day every day, and smart enough that you’d want to.”

Zara Tindall wearing Fairfax & Favor Ada Cape, Mini Loxley bag and Regina boots. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Co-founder Marcus Fountaine said: “Zara has incorporated Fairfax & Favor into her wardrobe for many years. These moments have showcased her impeccable sense of style and deep appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. We are delighted to now announce an official ambassadorship.

“She truly epitomises our brand’s DNA, embodying the blend of timeless rural elegance and contemporary sophistication. With an innate understanding of what works for each occasion and her eye for detail, Zara inspires individuality while celebrating the enduring charm of modern rural style.”

Zara Tindall wearing the Fairfax & Favor Ivy waxed jacket and mini Windsor bag. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

You can view the full collection at fairfaxandfavor.com

‘I didn’t really ride him, I just hung on’: top riders on their (memorable) first ponies

Madeleine Silver — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:30:42 +0000

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” has never rung so true when it comes to some top riders’ early equestrian memories on ponies…

Zara Tindall, eventer

My earliest equestrian memory was riding ponies with my brother Peter and doing gymkhanas. My first pony was a Shetland called Smokey.

Trevor Breen, showjumper

My first pony was a 12.2hh grey mare called Skellig Lady – the only pony I ever inherited from my brother, Shane. She loved jumping and would come round every corner, shake her head and take off. I think it gave my mum heart failure every time I went to a show.

Damian Hallam, grand prix dressage rider and coach

My earliest equestrian memory is the amount of time it took to catch my first pony, Magic. We had her on a week’s trial and I got bucked off on day one. I spent the rest of the trial week trying to catch her as she galloped around tacked up – we finally caught her on decision day. I persuaded my non-horsey parents to buy her and she continued to be a little monster. I suppose what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!

James Harper, polo player

I remember going cross-country on my New Forest pony, Donut (who I first played polo on). I was flat out, completely out of control, shouting, “Donut, I can’t stop!” He jumped most things, but liked to do it very fast.

Oliver Hood, showing producer

I remember hunting a pony called Cocky with the Suffolk Foxhounds. I didn’t really ride him, I just hung on. Can’t remember how old I was, but I was pretty small – my feet didn’t come past the saddle, anyway.

Sam Roberts, showing producer

Spindle did everything from Pony Club to hunting. I think that first pony is invaluable for kids. You have to enjoy it and if your first experience isn’t a good one then you probably aren’t going to continue.

Harry Dzenis, eventer

My earliest equestrian memory is doing fancy dress on my Shetland pony Treacle and dressing up as the chimney sweep from Mary Poppins.

William Whitaker, showjumper

Peter Pan was an extremely lazy 12.2hh pony. When I was about nine, I went to an RSPCA charity show wearing three-inch dressage spurs and holding a big whip. When we got to the ring, there was a sign saying “no spurs or sticks allowed” and I didn’t get out of walk the entire class.

Richard Johnson, former National Hunt jockey

Tasty, a liver chestnut 13hh mare was my first proper pony. I did everything from showjumping to working hunter, Pony Club to polocrosse on her. She is the reason I wanted to be a jockey – she didn’t do walking, only flat out. When she died my dad got quite sentimental about it, which is unusual for a farmer. She was very much a family pet.

Tom McEwen, eventer

My first pony was called Sooty, a little black pony that was passed onto every child in our area. He certainly couldn’t be described as an angel.

Mark Kyle, former eventer

My first pony was a naughty 11.2hh grey called Hino, who had a habit of putting his head down causing me to fly straight over his ears.

Harriet Biddick, showjumper

My first pony was called Mischief, the name says it all. I had loads fun on her, especially cross-country. Most of the photos taken of us were pretty blurry because she was so quick.

Harry Skelton, National Hunt jockey

My first pony was Oxo, who was also my brother Dan’s and even my Dad’s [Nick Skelton] first pony – we all learnt on him. I still have some of his tail in my bedside table.

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‘Cheeky chappy’ comes good on influential cross-country day in Blenheim’s CCI4*-L

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 18:45:56 +0000

New Zealand’s Tim Price and Happy Boy have cemented their place at the top of the Blenheim Horse Trials cross-country results with a clear round, clocking just 1.6 time-faults around a track where only one combination finished inside the optimum time.

Happy Boy, a 12-year-old owned by Susan Lamb and Therese Miller, hasn’t been seen competing internationally since retiring across country at Saumur in May and his 2023 season was plagued with bad luck.

“He’s had a bit of an unlucky last 12 months with bits and bobs like he tied up at one point and then suffered from travel sickness at Luhmühlen,” explained Tim after his dressage, which left him equal fourth.

Tim opted to take the long route at fence 15abcd, the James Hallam Insurance Brokers water complex, which prevented him from finishing inside the optimum time around the David Evans-designed track.

“I was deciding all the way up to fence 15 about going long. He hasn’t had the smoothest 18 months with things getting in the way of play, so step one was to get him back on track with a good round and step two was to make good decisions based on him being a bit of a cheeky chappy sometimes,” said Tim, who also holds eighth after the cross-country with his own, Diane Brunsden, Peter Cattell and Lucy and Ben Sangster’s Chio 20.

“I found Happy Boy was galloping so well and got into three-day event mode, as opposed to ducking and diving at one-day events. The clock was looking good but he was also travelling so well, I was in two minds about taking the direct route, because he can sometimes wobble and it’s one of those jumps where as a rider, you didn’t have the opportunity for plan B – you have to jump the element in the water and then channel your horse through, so the decision I made I think was a good one because I was up on the clock and I thought he would run home too.”

Dressage leaders Jérôme Robiné and Black Ice have slipped to second after notching six time-faults and they now sit 1.8 penalties behind Tim and Happy Boy.

“I heard there was a lot of trouble with people having the MIM Clip at fence 19a [The Subaru Quest; a rail, ditch, arrowhead],” commented Germany’s Jérôme. “I was on my minute markers but then after coming out of the top water [fence 15], he needed a bit of time, so I let him breathe and he recovered and jumped well through fence 19.

“I then tried to be fast coming home but I wasn’t fast enough. The ground was a bit slippery for him, so I lost a bit of power, strength and balance through his body.”

Ireland’s Ian Cassells really impressed with a smooth round aboard 11-year-old Kellys Quality, who is owned by Patrick Murphy, and is contesting his first CCI4*-L.

“He’s a bit inexperienced and his natural shape is quite downhill,” said Ian. “He can be quite strong, so I have to be strict with myself to go forward galloping and then really get my body up but keep my reins long to allow him to use his neck and I have to really trust him that way.

“His owner is amazing – I’ve had this horse for five years, he was bought for under €10,000 out of Goresbridge sales and this is the first time that Patrick has had a horse at this level, so I’m really happy for him and for his trust in me.”

Blenheim Horse Trials cross-country results: riders capitalise on speedy rounds

Debbie and Neill Nuttall’s 11-year-old Ardeo Premier built on several top-20 finishes at four- and five-star level with Alex Bragg to clock the equal second fastest round of the day for 0.8 time-faults. This was enough to propel them from 25th after the dressage to fourth.

“It rode exactly as I walked it apart from I saw a horrendous stride in the main arena to the box brush, where I floated a bit to it and he was very good to me to go through there clear,” admitted Alex. “He’s not the fastest horse in the world, but if you can stay on your minute markers, you’re always in with a chance. He’s super smooth and speedy through the combinations and I’m so pleased with how he’s grown up.

“Although he did Luhmühlen five-star, the reason for coming here was to see if he would be suited to a domestic five-star and I think now he could have a Badminton in him.”

Aaron Millar and Count Onyx were the sixth combination on course and this 10-year-old CCI4*-L first-timer, owned by Alexandra Van Tuyll added just 2.8 time-faults to their 29.4 dressage to now sit in fifth.

Daisy Berkeley and her own, Camilla Case, Martha Ivory and Caroline Dick’s 11-year-old gelding Diese Du Figuier were another combination to catch the eye, adding 4.8 time-faults to a 27.9 dressage to sit just behind Aaron in sixth.

Zara Tindall appears to have a strong five-star prospect in her stable in the form of her own and Judith Luff’s Classicals Euro Star. This 10-year-old grey gelding finished incredibly strongly, just adding 3.2 time-faults to their 30.4 dressage to go into tomorrow’s final showjumping phase in seventh.

“He’s had a bit of an up and down year with having issues jumping a ditch rail, corners and skinnies, which all happened at intermediate level,” explained Zara. “But I’ve realised he likes these bigger tracks. He’s got all the potential and he’s so quick and has a lot of jump and gallop, which is so exciting.”

Gemma Stevens, who was second after the dressage with Jalapeno III had a very unfortunate run out at the final combination on course when the mare didn’t seem to lock onto the final narrow element after a big table on a turning line. Heartbreakingly this is where Gemma and this mare fell when in contention last year. They did however complete this time, notching just 5.2 time-faults to leave them in 28th after the Blenheim Horse Trials cross-country results.

New Zealand‘s Jesse Campbell and Diachello, who were third after the first phase, jumped clear up until having a sticky jump into the second water at fence 15, which then made their distance and line to the angled brushes in the middle of the water impossible to achieve, meaning they ran out. Jesse opted to retire after this.

The only rider to finish clear inside the 10min 12sec optimum time was Ireland’s Padraig McCarthy aboard Christopher and Sarita Perkins’ MGH Mr Messack, who stopped the clock with nine seconds to spare. They go into tomorrow’s showjumping in 15th.

From the 75 cross-country starters in this class, 46 jumped clear and 64 completed.

The final horse inspection for the CCI4*-L gets underway at 8am with the showjumping to follow.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Blenheim Horse Trials, Horse of the Year Show, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Burghley title contender falters as a second rider finishes inside the time to strengthen podium bid

Martha Terry — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 13:01:00 +0000

Harry Meade is proving the cross-country king over Derek di Grazia’s influential track at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials. Having already posted a superb pathfinding round on Superstition, he breezed round on Cavalier Crystal inside the time. The mare was third here last year, so Harry knew she could deal with the terrain and conjured a super round from her. They were lying 24th after dressage, but in contention on 31.3 and staying on a clean sheet will move them right into the reckoning for a top placing. They are currently at the top of the leaderboard.

“Superstition was light on his fitness work, whereas with this mare I was confident she’d done all her fitness, so I could get going and keep going,” he said. “She’s game, so I could keep asking her and she was with me the whole way. She’s one I try to keep settled, so we canter very quietly round the one-days but she’s mega on her day.”

Their only slight blip in a beautifully smooth round was a rub on the rails into the Defender Valley at fence 5a, but the frangible device stayed intact. By the time they were at the Dairy Mound, fence 22, they were up on the time and could take a pull at the final fence to coast home penalty-free.

Burghley Horse Trials cross-country proves influential

All eyes were on Emily King in this section of the draw. She was lying fourth on 24.1 with Valmy Biats, who has been in stunning form in 2024 with fourth at Badminton. They negotiated the tricky early part of the course very confidently, but their bid came to a stuttering halt at the final brush element of the Trout Hatchery (fence 11c).

Valmy jumped into the water boldly over the big roll-top, but got to the first corner on a loose rein and a flat stride. He had to stretch over that and then drifted out through his right shoulder and glanced off the second brush. Emily then cantered a circle before clearing the final element and elected to pull up before the next fence.

Another high-profile rider walked off the course early. Zara Tindall and Class Affair had not managed to complete Burghley in three attempts so far, and Zara showed she meant business as she set out. She went long at the Leaf Pit, where she has had trouble in the past, and rode brilliantly at the Trout Hatchery despite the horse backing off. Alas, the short five stride distance to the second Rolex Corner didn’t come off, as Class Affair twisted to make room over the fence, breaking the frangible device and tipping Zara out of the saddle.

US first-timer Mia Farley vowed to come back to Burghley, having picked up just one run-out at the second Rolex Corner on the speedy Phelps, who was tipped to be one of the fastest rounds of the day.

“The terrain is crazy, and it was the busiest beginning of the course I’ve ever had,” she said. “But my horse was so enthusiastic and he just loves his job.”

One to watch at future five-stars

Multi-horse rider Tim Price nursed his first horse, the 10-year-old Viscount Viktor, home in what became an educational round after a run-out and a pin. He paddled over the final house at the Dairy Mound, which is proving influential, but by and large seemed to cope well with the challenge. This young horse was 16th after dressage on 29.5, and came home with his ears pricked and galloping strongly. He will be one to watch as he strengthens and matures.

Francis Whittington was ecstatic to complete a clear round on DHI Purple Rain. He went long at the Leaf Pit, managed to knock out both flags at the second Rolex corner and had a rather rocky ride through the Boodles Raindance, but came home beaming with just 22.4 time-faults.

“I was wrong at the water, but we had a twist and turn, he took it on and landed it,” Francis said. “Up until and after then we had an amazing time, it was controlled and measured. I just wanted a steady start to make sure he was listening.”

To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the Paralympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘We used to joke this leggy foal would be my five-star ride’: local rider makes ‘special’ Burghley debut with home-bred horse

Martha Terry — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 17:28:23 +0000

Since 9.45am Ros Canter has held on to her breathtaking lead with Izilot DHI on the first day of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials dressage. Midway through this phase, Ros’s score of 19.9 is comfortably 8.4 marks ahead of second-placed Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick. However, the chasing pack ebbed and flowed throughout the day, with another five scoring below 30.

Lizzie Baugh raised the loudest cheer in the final session of the day as a local rider making her debut. They produced a pleasing test, with strong trot work. The walk work was a little tense, which carried through to the canter, but the overall picture was one of lightness and elegance. They scored 35.4, and with an outstanding cross-country record, are looking forward to Saturday.

“I used to come here as a child and it was the highlight of my year,” said the 27-year-old. “So to be here competing, and surrounded by all the people I grew up watching it with, is very special.”

Adding an extra touch of magic is the fact that Lizzie’s ride B Exclusive is a home-bred, out of her mother’s event mare.

“It’s been an incredible journey with him, being with him from the start,” Lizzie said. “We know each other inside out, through every single step of his career. He was a lovely, big foal with these great long legs. We always used to joke he’d be my five-star horse, but for him actually to have come through that whole journey is very special. And there’s no other horse I’d rather be sat on than one I’ve known for 14 years.”

Zara Tindall aims for first Burghley completion on Class Affair

Zara Tindall is hoping it’s fourth time lucky with Class Affair after three non-completions here, but the Obos Quality gelding has had good placings at other five-stars. Class Affair began his dressage test nicely, but the 15-year-old was not a fan of the walk pirouettes today, becoming tense, which also affected the next couple of movements and yielded an overall score of 36.8. Their highlight was to round off with a nice halt for sevens.

“He’s getting worse in his old age, and he’s used to the old test so he thinks he knows which way he’s going and he’s anticipating even more – I say go right and he’s like, ‘no it’s this way’,” she said. “He messed up two of his best movements in his pirouettes, but he did nice changes and a nice halt. It’s frustrating because he can do it all beautifully.”

Burghley Horse Trials dressage day one results

The top-six standings at the end of day one are:

Ros Canter, Izilot DHI: 19.9
Pippa Funnell, MCS Maverick: 28.3
Tom Jackson, Capels Hollow Drift: 28.6
Felix Vogg, Cartania, 28.8
Max Warburton, Deerpairc Revelry, 28.9
Tim Price, Viscount Viktor, 29.5
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Incredible rounds, smart debuts and heartbreak: 11 must-reads about Burghley cross-country day

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 16:55:05 +0000

The cross-country day is now complete at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2023 and it was another day of drama, spell-binding rounds and high-profile upsets. Here is a round-up of the key stories you won’t want to miss from Saturday 2 September

It was an action-packed Defender Burghley Horse Trials cross-country day, over Derek di Grazia’s track.

Watch a round-up of today’s action in the video below

Tim Price holds the lead after jumping clear but finishing 20 seconds over the time with Vitali.

Why Tim’s round wasn’t as smooth as he had hoped

Oliver Townend had a rough start to the day…

What happened to Oliver’s early rides?

…but it ended well with Ballaghmor Class

Find out what Oliver had to say about this 16-year-old five-star stalwart

Some of the early riders enjoyed fantastic rounds and have reaped the rewards

What happened to the early competitors?

There was drama for Ros Canter, who was in fifth after the dressage

Find out what happened to Ros and Pencos Crown Jewel

Burghley Horse Trials cross-country day was disappointing for Tom McEwen, who was in fourth after dressage

Find out why Tom and Toledo De Kerser didn’t complete

Pippa Funnell and Sam Watson enjoyed good rounds

What Pippa said, plus Sam’s review of his remarkable little horse’s round

We caught up with Sam’s wife and groom Sparkles Watson prior to him going cross-country

Find out what Sam’s horse is like and how Sparkles juggles the many aspects of her life with great success

Burghley dreams were dashed for some experienced partnerships…

Check out what happened to Emily King and Zara Tindall

…but British first-timer Emma Thomas enjoyed a fantastic round

Find out what this young rider had to say before she went across country on her game little horse

We also met Boyd Martin’s groom Steph Simpson, to find out what it’s like working for the top US rider

Read about why Steph loves her job and what it was like travelling over from the USA with two horses for this week’s competition

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the Burghley action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

Burghley dreams dashed as cross-country mistakes prove costly for some

Alex Robinson — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 12:13:12 +0000

Emily King is “kicking herself” after a “rider error” on Valmy Biats, who was 10th after the dressage phase, on the Defender 2023 Burghley Horse Trials cross-country course.

The pair were going well until the Waterloo Rails when the horse dived slightly to the left and broke the frangible device. Emily regained her composure, putting the mistake behind her to complete her first Burghley cross-country attempt with The Valmy Biats Syndicate’s 14-year-old. In addition to the 11 penalties for a frangible pin at fence 12, the pair also collected 15 for a missed flag at 14C.

“I wanted to set out in a good rhythm with the main aim of bringing him back safe and sound,” Emily said. “I rode a really rubbish line to a railed oxer [fence 12] and it was completely my own fault that we made an error. We managed to scramble it, but his girth got a bit twisted and I dropped my whip. Everything went off balance a bit and I wondered if I should stop, but someone in the crowd yelled ‘Emily, you’re doing great’ so I carried on with the job with no whip and my girth back! But he was amazing.”

After a solid start, the Leaf Pit once again proved a nemesis for Zara Tindall and Class Affair. After dropping down the hill with ease and jumping the big brush oxer, Class Affair lost balance on landing and ran past the final brush. They cleared it at the second attempt and continued around the course, taking the long route through some combinations, until Zara pulled up at the top of Winners’ Avenue before the Cottesmore Leap.

“I saw a big shot and he landed on his head a bit,” said Zara of her problem at the Leaf Pit. “As I went on he got better and better, but he got a bit tired. At some of the combinations he felt amazing, but overall it didn’t work today.”

The Leaf Pit has been a nemesis for Zara and this is the third Burghley in a row she’s encountered problems here.

“We’ll go home and make a plan now; maybe this track isn’t for him, but we’ll have to see,” she said.

Harry Mutch achieved his first-ever 2023 Burghley Horse Trials cross-country finish on his mother Carole Mutch’s five-star debutant Shanbeg Cooley, the youngest horse on the field at just nine-years-old. After a stop at the first part of the Leaf Pit, Harry swiftly got back on track by taking the long route. They returned home safe with 20 jumping penalties and 19.6 time penalties.

Burghley cross-country clear jumping rounds

World number 10 Boyd Martin and his first ride of the day, the Turner family’s Cabri D’Elle mare On Cue, who was 16th after dressage, completed the course clear with 10.8 time penalties.

“She’s a legend of a horse and I love her to bits; it doesn’t matter what the scenario is, she pricks her ears and gets on with it,” said Boyd. “She felt the hill after jumping the Trout Hatchery so I didn’t push her as I didn’t want her to run out of petrol. I accepted that this was her speed and consequently we were a bit over the time.

“My second runner Thomas [Tsetserleg] is fitter so I’ll probably go for it a bit more on him later on.”

Alexander Bragg produced a confident round with the Roe Family’s mare Quindiva on his second Burghley appearance to finish clear with 14 time penalties.

“I saved her too much at the beginning, but this was the right decision for her first Burghley,” said Alex. “I’m over the moon with her.”

End of day update: Ahead of the show jumping, Boyd Martin and On Cue occupy 12th position, Alexander Bragg and Quindiva are in 20th, Emily King and Valmy Biats are 29th, and Harry Mutch and Shanbeg Cooley are 32nd.

Change in tactics pays dividends for Ros Canter as she storms into Burghley dressage lead

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:51:36 +0000

New crowned European eventing champion Ros Canter has taken the lead in the Defender Burghley Horse Trials dressage, scoring 26.9 with Pencos Crown Jewel – the first combination to break the 30 barrier at this stage.

The 14-year-old mare, known as Jasmine at home and owned by Kate James and Annie Makin, performed a polished test under Ros. They scored predominantly sevens with a nine from judge at M, Anne-Mette Binder, for their final halt.

“Jasmine maybe not as conventional as some of my other horses on the flat. She’s quite croup high and finds it quite difficult to stay in balance, but I couldn’t be more delighted with her today,” said Ros, who credited today’s performance with a change in warm-up tactics.

“The plan I had for Badminton didn’t quite come off, so I knew exactly what I wanted to do today. I worked her for five minutes too much at Badminton and then she got a little bit less enthusiastic about doing a flying-change – she has to do flying-changes because she thinks it’s her decision – and at Badminton off the counter counter, I lost all momentum.

“During my warm-up today I did a huge amount of walking – I probably picked her up for 30 seconds at a time and then walked her again and repeated that, and it meant she had a bit more about her when she went in.”

Ros explained she had to be tactical in what she did with Jasmine first thing this morning too, in order to get the best out of her when it mattered.

“She has got an ability to jog in her walk so I brought her out this morning and she worked amazingly, so I put her back after 10 minutes. I thought ‘that will do’, but then wondered whether I should lunge her but I decided that might light her up. Short and sweet seems to be the way forward with Jasmine.”

Emily King, who is making her Burghley debut despite having a reasonable amount of five-star experience under her belt, has slotted into second aboard Valmy Biats. They scored 30, with their flying-changes marring an otherwise smart test.

“There were parts that were the best work he’s done,” said Emily of the 14-year-old gelding, owned by Philippe Brivois and the Valmy Biats Syndicate. “We’ve been trying to change things and improve his whole way of going, which with that, some parts were fantastic, but then a few little blips came as well. But generally, for his progression long-term, I was really pleased with how he was.”

Emily explained that she has had to work hard on Valmy Biats’ way of going.

“I’ve had him over the past three and a bit years and he was really downhill and quite strong when he came to me, so I’ve been slowly trying to get him more and more uphill and lighter.

“He’s always had a good bit of knee action, but then it’s been a case of getting that into cadence and lift and softness. We’ve been really trying to get a bit more lift, but then obviously that rattles a few things and some other things come out the woodwork. As he’s strengthening up and finding it easier, I can feel that it’s going to be really, really good, but it was just a case of keeping it all together today.”

Zara Tindall was another rider to throw her hat into the ring ahead of the lunch break on day one of Burghley Horse Trials dressage. She scored 31.3 with Class Affair, who is owned by Gleadhill House Stud, which puts them into fifth.

“We got a better score last year and I think bits of it were better this year. He was really good in some bits, but also some of it wasn’t quite as sparky as it should have been,” said Zara, who scored the first nine of the day for her final halt from the judge at M. “If we finish on that score, I’ll be taking that.”

Zara explained she has experimented with riding Class Affair in a double bridle this year, and he was ridden in that during his Burghley Horse Trials dressage test today.

“I’m trying the double bridle this year because he’s so tricky in his head. It’s better in some ways and maybe not in others, but it’s worth a try.”

Early leader Tom McEwen has dropped to third with Luna Mist on 30.5, while Oliver Townend and the first of his three rides, Tregilder, are in fourth.

The dressage resumes at 1.45pm.

Olympic medallists, Zara Tindall and comeback horses head to Gatcombe for British open

Pippa Roome — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:30:14 +0000

British Olympic team gold medallists and the defending champion head up the Gatcombe Horse Trials entries for the British open championship at this weekend’s Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing.

Oliver Townend and Tom McEwen both have the horses with whom they won gold at the Tokyo Olympics, Ballaghmor Class and Toledo De Kerser, lining up in the Magic Millions British open championship. Oliver also has Swallow Springs in the class, while Tom has three rides, with last year’s British intermediate champion Luna Mist and MHS Brown Jack joining Toledo on the starting blocks.

New Zealand’s Tim Price and Vitali, last year’s British open champions, are also among the 35 Gatcombe Horse Trials entries for this flagship class, aiming to take back-to-back titles.

Zara Tindall rides her top horse Class Affair in the British open. He is among the contenders in this class who will then head to Burghley Horse Trials; some of these horses may not run across country at Gatcombe, depending on their riders’ build-up plan for the five-star.

Alice Casburn and Topspin will also contest the British open on the way to Burghley – this is the young star’s debut in this class. Topspin was not on his best form at Badminton Horse Trials in the spring, but has since been treated for ulcers and showed his fitness with a recent advanced win at Aston-le-Walls.

Billy Walk On, who was third here last year with Pippa Funnell, and Colorado Blue, third at Badminton under Ireland’s Austin O’Connor, will also be ones to watch. Piggy March’s ride, the 2021 European individual silver medallist Brookfield Inocent – who missed last year with injury but has also returned on good form with a win at Aston-le-Walls last month – is worth keeping an eye on, too.

The Dodson & Horrell British novice championship is the largest of the three main championship classes, with 67 entries. Oliver Townend had a one-two in this class last year, but has just one entry this time, En Taro Des Vernier.