Burghley Horse Trials 2016 is less than a week away.

©Jenelle Christopher

“It’s a real dream come true.”

These are the words of Imogen Gloag, the 21-year-old who is set to make her Burghley Horse Trials debut next weekend.
As you might have guessed, Imogen is the youngest competitor at this year’s event. Despite never having jumped a four star track, she is preparing to give it a red-hot go!

Imogen, who started riding when she was three or four, works five horses from a yard near Chipping Norton. She was introduced to her Burghley mount, Brendonhill Doublet, thanks to her trainer Cecilia Holman. At the time, Imogen had little inkling that this gelding would take her to one of the most prestigious eventing competitions in the world.

With Imogen being just 5’3”, it is little wonder the 16.3hh Bredonhill Doublet is affectionately known as ‘Monster’ at home. The pair started at BE90 level and won the Pony Club Open Eventing Championships the following year, which was a huge thrill. They have since gone on to represent Great Britain at the Junior European Eventing Championships, jumped clear in the CCI3* cross country at Blenheim 2015, and also jumped clear in the CCI3* U25 class at Bramham in June this year.

Despite his name, Monster wouldn’t hurt a fly. While Imogen admits that he isn’t exactly “built for dressage”, the pair have no trouble popping around a three star cross-country course. Being a “real galloping machine”, Monster should relish the hilly track and Imogen is confident they can perform well at Burghley.

We look forward to following Imogen and Monster’s performance throughout the event and wish them well!

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