the burghley horse trials 2025Burghley Horse Trials 2025

The Defender Burghley Horse Trials is a prestigious annual three-day CCI5*-L eventing competition held in September in the parkland of Burghley House, near Stamford in Lincolnshire. It’s deemed by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports to be one of the seven leading top three-day eventing fixtures.

The trials began in 1961 when the 6th Marquess of Exeter offered Burghley as a host venue after a foot-and-mouth outbreak cancelled a Harewood House event. Since then, Burghley has hosted multiple international championships—including two World Championships and six European Championships. Notably, Princess Diana attended the event in September 1989, accompanied by her sister Sarah.

Location & Dates for the 2025 Burghey Horse Trials

In 2025 the Burghley Horse Trials takes place from Thursday 4th September to Sunday 7th September at Burghley House, Stamford PE9 3JY .

2025 Event Schedule: 

  • Wednesday 3th September: First Horse Inspection

  • Thursday 4th & Friday 5th September: Dressage phases and Young Event Horse finals, along with masterclasses and stallion parades

  • Saturday 6th September: Cross-Country day and the ever entertaining Shetland Pony Grand National

  • Sunday 7 th September: Show jumping, qualifier events, band display, and prize presentation

Tickets & Pricing

Full-event ticket pricing is available on the official site, but here are details for grandstand tickets:

  • Saturday (Cross-country grandstand): £15 in advance, £20 on the day

  • Sunday (Showjumping grandstand): £25–31.50 uncovered, £35–70 covered in advance; ( more at the gate)

Young Person discounts are available: ages 12–16 save £10 on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, and £15 on Saturday; ages 5–11 are £5, under-4s free

There are car parking costs, general admission, membership, horse and caravan membership options too. Restaurant options too (avebury and membership – and breakfast or lunch).

Check the official site tickets page for up-to-date pricing for all of the above.

Past Winners & Highlights

Recent champions include:

2024 Burghley Horse Trials Winner

  • Rider: Ros Canter (GBR)

  • Horse: Lordships Graffalo (nicknamed “Walter”)

  • Final Score: 23.6 penalties — this is the lowest (best) score in the 63-year history of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials

  • 2023: Oliver Townend (GBR) on Ballaghmor Class (Secured his third Burghley title)

  • 2022: Piggy March (GBR) on Vanir Kamira

Shopping & Marketplace

The Burghley Horse Trials is exciting in its own right, but also something of a high end shopping extravaganzatoo. The event features hundreds of trade stands and the lively Shopping Village-like experience, offering everything from countrywear and hats to horse and pet accessories.  Shops are open daily from 9:00 am (9:30 am on Sunday), closing at 5:30 pm Thursday–Saturday and 5:00 pm on Sunday. Beyond that also attending is an opportunity to head into Stamford and support the many local shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes in this attractive town.

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Blending elite-level equestrian sport with a wonderful setting, the Burghley Horse Trials remain a highlight of the autumn social calendar. It’s definitely to be experiences and Stamford and all is has to offer is well on the map during this time. It’s a four-day experience of tradition, sport and luxury.