Personal bests, a long-awaited second five-star appearance, and Brits in the top spots: all you need to know from Burghley Horse Trials dressage day one

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Burghley Horse Trials dressage: Piggy March and MCS Maverick
Piggy March and MCS Maverick lead the dressage on Thursday at Burghley 2025.
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The opening day of Defender Burghley Horse Trials dressage saw a field of 26 take to the main arena, bidding to post a low score on the board ahead of Derek di Grazia’s tough cross-country track.

Less than 18 penalties covered the whole field after the final test, with a four-strong group of Brits claiming the only sub-30 scores at the Lincolnshire five-star.

Bethany Stone
Bethany Stone
Features Assistant

A horse owner and rider with more than 20 years experience, Bethany has been writing for equestrian publications since 2017. Over the course of her career, she has reported from major British Riding Clubs and British Dressage championships, covered Badminton Horse Trials and interviewed equestrian sport’s best athletes. Her work can also be found in Country Life, The Field and Breathe magazine.