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Under a quintessentially English summer grey sky, the riders and their horses trotted up in style today to commence the 2011 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. There was a large crowd in the stands of the main arena – many equally as well dressed as the competitors – who watched with knowledgeable nods and appreciative applause as the horses were put through their paces in front of the ground jury of Angela Tucker, Michel Asseray and Christina Klingspor.
First to kick off the formalities of the event was the Australian rider, Sam Griffiths with Happy Times who looked in great shape (both of them!) and Sam will be the first competitor in the dressage arena tomorrow at 9:30am. Sam has had great success in the dressage phase recently and should set a good score for the following riders to beat
Holstein Park Leilani trotted up beautifully for Chris Burton – a quick word with him afterwards revealed that he had withdrawn Newsprint due to a minor cut on the leg sustained at Haras du Pin although the horse will be fine and Chris has plans for him at events in the next few weeks. Fellow Australians Lucinda Fredericks with the very buoyant mare, Prada, Bill Levett with Political Trump and Hamish Cargill with Sandhills Tiger all passed successfully.
Andrew Nicholson’s Gatcombe British Open winner Nereo looked fantastically fit and ready to go and there is no doubt that Andrew would be one of the favourites for the event. He now has two rides at the event – Nereo and Avebury, having withdrawn Armada. Fellow New Zealander Caroline Powell had her hands full with last year’s winner, the lovely grey Lenamore and she is also riding Mrs Tilly.
 There is never any chance of mistaking William Fox-Pitt as he trots up his horses. Parklane Hawk is 16.3hh and Neuf des Coeurs is 16.2hh but they look like ponies as they dutifully and obediently trot up with William, looking very smart in his light coloured jacket. Pippa Funnell’s horse Pure Addiction is a stunning looking horse that looks like he may have the movement to match and Mary King seemed to have recovered from her fall at the European Championships last weekend as she put her homebred mare Kings Temptress through her paces – another combination which is being heavily tipped to win this weekend.
Although the serious side of the trot up is of course the fitness of the horse, there are of course other prizes at stake including Best Dressed Rider and Best Shod Horse. The best dressed rider went to American Julian Stiller although my favourite was the 22 year-old British rider, Georgie Spence in a beautifully tailored, cut away powder blue coat, kilt and cream shirt with stock.
 All of the entries were passed although a small number were sent to the holding box for the short, nervous wait which doesn’t change however big or small the event. Despite these few nervous moments the overall atmosphere was one of an enjoyable country house weekend with riders milling around after their horses were led away by grooms as they caught up with friends and officials. Burghley House certainly would be a great place for a country weekend and the imposing spires of what is arguably one of the best examples of an Elizabethan stately home are visible from almost every aspect, providing a beautiful backdrop for the event. The green parkland is lush and, although there has been recent rain, the going looks excellent and we are in for a treat over the next few days.
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