The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund’s (MDIRF) white Chausson Flash09 camper was taken from a car park outside the Travelodge Burton A38 Northbound while en route to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.
It was full of stock to be sold, including knitwear, dresses, handbags, costume jewellery and shoes, as well as personal items.
The charity was “devastated” by the theft, but continued to the Lincolnshire event to sell its limited stock that was brought to the site by Cashmere Star Jumpers.
Supporters rallied to help, with someone finding them a table and chairs as well as a hanging rail when they arrived.
Fellow trade stand holders donated stock and many visitors went to give their support during the four days.
MDIRF administrator and fund co-ordinator Rosemary Lang said the charity was “overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of spirit they encountered”.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“We are still stunned at how supportive the equestrian community has been, from comments left on our social media pages through to visitors at Burghley who kindly made donations,” said Ms Lang.
“Ironically when we arrived at Burghley, we had a call from an equestrian in need and this year more than ever, the charity needs financial support in order to ensure that we never have to turn anyone away in their hour of need.”
The consistently successful four-star campaigner was retired from competition in a ceremony at Burghley today
The stolen camper van, registration WA57 FRD, was taken between 9.30pm and 10.45pm on 25 August and has not been recovered. A credit card machine, which was in the van at the time, was found by a dog walker the following day.
The charity is urging anyone with information, or who sees anyone fundraising using a MDIRF branded collecting tin, logo or banner, to contact police.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday
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
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.
![MDIRF Stand At Burghley Horse Trials [1] camper van stolen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HJ77xC9YfBeoGbMYtFmRRj-630-80.jpg.webp)
