The countdown is on to one of the biggest weeks in the British eventing calendar as the Defender Burghley Horse Trials returns to Burghley Park from 3 to 6 September 2026.
Burghley has long held a special place in the sport and in the heart of many equestrian enthusiasts. Its rolling parkland, imposing cross-country fences and unmistakable backdrop of Burghley House combine to create an event that tests every part of the horse-and-rider partnership.
The CCI5* competition begins with the first horse inspection on Wednesday 2 September before two full days of dressage take place on Thursday and Friday. Saturday belongs to cross-country, with the first combination due to leave the start box at 11am. The final horse inspection and showjumping will decide the 2026 champion on Sunday.
One notable name missing from this year’s competitive field is reigning champion Ros Canter. Canter and Lordships Graffalo have won Burghley for the past two years, adding the 2025 title to their first victory in 2024. The pair have already enjoyed an extraordinary season, making history with a third Badminton victory before helping Great Britain secure team gold at the FEI Eventing World Championship in Aachen. She is, however, expected to appear on the final day as part of a celebration of Britain’s newly crowned world champions.
Another familiar Burghley winner will be absent from the competitive field this year. Oliver Townend is not entered in the CCI5*, but will return to the Main Arena on Sunday for the official retirement of Ballaghmor Class. The 19-year-old won Burghley in 2017 and 2023 and retires with four CCI5* victories, an Olympic team gold medal and an exceptional record at the highest level of the sport. The ceremony will give Burghley spectators the opportunity to celebrate one of eventing’s greatest horses as he takes a final lap of the arena.
Leading riders in action
Arriving shortly after Britain’s success in Aachen, Burghley offers supporters another opportunity to see some of the country’s leading riders in action. This time, the championship medals are replaced by the distinctive challenge of one of the world’s most demanding CCI5*-L competitions.
Several members of Britain’s successful World Championship squad are among those expected to compete at Burghley. Laura Collett is entered with Bling, while Gemma Stevens is due to partner Chilli Knight.
Harry Meade returns with three horses, including Cavalier Crystal, who has finished third at Burghley in each of the past three years. He also brings forward Superstition and Et Hop Du Matz as he continues his pursuit of a first victory at the event.
The 2022 individual world champion Yasmin Ingham will experience Burghley for the first time with Goliath Du Loir, while Tom Jackson has entered Hawk Eye and United 36. Sarah Bullimore and her home-bred Corimiro will also be among the British combinations hoping to make their mark.
New Zealand’s Tim and Jonelle Price head a notable international presence, with riders from the United States and Switzerland also travelling to Stamford. The field brings together experienced five-star horses and several combinations preparing to step onto Burghley’s famous stage for the first time.
Burghley’s greatest test
At the heart of the event is Derek di Grazia’s cross-country course, where Burghley Park’s natural terrain plays as important a role as the fences themselves.
The horses will need the stamina to cope with the long five-star distance, while riders must balance speed with accuracy across a course featuring up to 45 jumping efforts. The ground team has been preparing the park throughout the year, supported by Burghley’s extensive irrigation system following a particularly dry summer.
Sunday’s showjumping can be equally influential. After the physical demands of cross-country, the remaining combinations must return for a technical final test in the Main Arena, where a single fence can transform the leaderboard.
This year’s CCI5*-L carries total prize money of £388,000, with £120,000 awarded to the winner. Grooms will also be recognised, with £100 presented to the groom responsible for every horse that starts the cross-country phase.
The Spillers Horse Care Prize will recognise the groom of the best-cared-for horse, with £1,000 awarded to the winner and £500 to the runner-up.
More than the five-star competition
Beyond the main event, Burghley’s programme includes the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Finals, LeMieux Pony Club Team Jumping, the Shetland Pony Grand National and the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse HOYS Qualifier.
A series of masterclasses will run across Thursday and Friday. Grand National-winning jockey Harry Skelton appears on Thursday, alongside eventing figures Clayton Fredericks and Andy Heffernan. Carl Hester will take to the Main Arena on Friday, followed later in the day by a session from The Howden Way.
Visitors will also be able to explore Burghley’s extensive shopping village, food and drink areas and family attractions throughout the four days.
World Horse Welfare has been selected as the event’s official charity for 2026. Its presence will include a themed cross-country fence and activities highlighting the charity’s rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming work.
From the first steps down the centre line to the final round on Sunday afternoon, Burghley promises four days in which experience, preparation and partnership will be tested at the highest level.
The Defender Burghley Horse Trials takes place from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 September 2026. Tickets, visitor information and the full provisional timetable are available through the official Defender Burghley Horse Trials website
