A special simulator is will give ambitious riders the unique chance to have a go at jumping round Burghley’s iconic cross-country course.
The “Musto Mare” will be stabled opposite the World of the Horse pavilion near the Lion Bridge each day.
Visitors to the 2017 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (31 August – 3 September) can get a feel of what it might be like to jump some of the CCI4*’s true rider frighteners, such as the Cottesmore Leap.
Riders will be given up to 15 minutes in the saddle, including a verbal briefing on how the “horse” likes to be ridden.
They will have the chance to jump between six and eight testing fences from last year’s course in what has been billed as a “once in a lifetime chance”.
For those with a competitive streak, there are prizes on offer.
The top three riders from each day will be put forward to win a Musto prize.
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More than 80 combinations are entered to tackle Mark Phillips’ 2017 track.
These include a host of former winners, including Oliver Townend, Mark Todd and Caroline Powell, as well as 17 first timers.
Event director Elizabeth Inman said the standard of entries is “as high as ever” this year.
“As always, Mark Phillips’ cross-country course will provide riders and horses with a true four-star challenge,” she said.
“We’ll see talented young riders such as Lissa Green, Harry Dzenis and Georgie Spence pitted against established campaigners including Oliver Townend and Michael Jung.
“With Andrew Nicholson focusing on his quest for the elusive Rolex Grand Slam, there is all to play for.”
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
