The Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2025 dressage schedule has been officially revealed, and equestrian enthusiasts can now see when their favorite combinations will ride down the center line.

This year’s competition begins on Thursday, September 4 at 10:00 a.m. and runs through Friday, September 5, at Lincolnshire’s historic Burghley Park.

Judging Panel

The first phase of the event will be reviewed by an experienced international ground jury.

• Andrew Bennie (New Zealand) – President
• Christina Klingspor(Sweden)
• Valerie Pride (USA)

Thursday, September 4 – Key Performances

At 10:00 a.m., British rider Harry Meade takes aboard Et Hop Du Matz, and he will ride again later in the day. Additional highlights include:

• Tom Jackson and Hawk Eye, 11:31 a.m.
• David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed, 11:39 a.m.
• Lucy Latta & RCA Patron Saint (Ireland), 2:08 p.m.
• Piggy March and MCS Maverick, 2:32 p.m.
• Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal – 2:40 p.m.

Friday, September 5 – Top contenders in action

Friday begins with Alice Casburn on Topspin at 10:00 a.m., followed by:

• Katie Magee and Treworra, 10:48 a.m.
• Tim Price and Vitali (New Zealand) – 11:15 a.m.
• Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent, 2:16 p.m.
• Emily King and Valmy Biats, 2:24 p.m.
• Ros Canter & Lordships Graffalo, 2:40 p.m.

Harry Meade returns for his third test with Annaghmore Valoner at 3:55 p.m., bringing the dressage phase to a close.

Guinea Pig Rider

As tradition demands, a “guinea pig” rider will enter the arena before the competitors. This year, Grace Cooper will perform with Cedarmount Cavalier at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. The function allows the jurors to keep an eye on things while also ensuring that the event’s systems run smoothly.

Grace is one of Britain’s most promising young riders, winning the Lisgarvan CCI4-L in 2024* and making her five-star debut at Luhmühlen 2025, albeit she withdrew after dressage.

Looking ahead

After dressage, the focus will shift to Burghley’s famed cross-country course, which has long provided one of the sport’s most difficult challenges. The world’s greatest, including Ros Canter, Oliver Townend, Tim Price, and Harry Meade, will compete to demonstrate stamina, precision, and daring on the challenging terrain.

The contest concludes on Sunday with the final showjumping phase, which will award the Burghley champion for 2025.

Why Burghley Matters

The Defender Burghley Horse Trials is one of only seven CCI5*-L competitions in the world, attracting top riders and horses from all over. Burghley remains a fixture on the eventing calendar, known for its challenging cross-country course and electrifying atmosphere.

Reference: Official dressage timetable and rider list sourced from the Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2025 schedule and public announcements.