A review of our annual Burghley Horse Trials Course Walk and Pol Roger Champagne Tasting.  

We were elated to treat our WiR members with a prelude to Burghley Horse Trials, with one of the world’s finest riders to have ever graced the sport of three-day eventing: Lucinda Green MBE.

Defender Burghley Horse Trials is hailed the world over as one of the eminent three-day events, an affectionately-coined ‘Big B’ trial ( in tandem with Badminton Horse Trials) and one of the most widely streamed equestrian fixtures today.

The inclement weather did little to dampen an electric atmosphere of the morning on day 1 Dressage day. Upon admission into the Pol Roger marquee with a welcome speech and relaxed introductions, Lucinda delighted everyone with her insight and a meticulous breakdown of the cross-country phase.

Fitness was the motto for the day. Praising the Derek di Grazia-designed course, Lucinda, twice-winner of the championship, identified this edition as a predominant test of endurance and patience from the gate. It also rode in the opposite direction to last year.

This particular course in turn asked for optimum rider fitness, in order to set up the horse for repeated gear changes; riders would have to put on the brakes on approach and fasten the transitions between an increased number of combinations, to make up much-needed time.

At 570mpm (metres per minute), the 2026 test would ride slower than the average time for the Grand National, clocking in at a pace of 727 to 767mpm, subject to conditions.

In an era where cross-country times are at the front of the rider’s mind, di Grazia’s plan also demanded a horse-and-rider combination that respected the early uphill requirements.

Its energy-sapping design would cause some horses to run flat earlier in the sequence.

As is custom to ride a quick, free-running first minute in eventing, fences 3 and 4 (the latter being in the water) denied any freewheeling runs and would present a big ask with the presence of the international crowd, additionally to test the bravery of spookier horses.

During our course walk, Lucinda was completely attentive, walking backwards to face our members and had dealt questions frequently to the group already.

Though consistent in challenges from start to finish, Defender Burghley Horse Trials offers one of most challenging cross-country phases in the world, owing partly to its characteristically undulating going.

Standing at the near-vertical drop of the Leaf Pit (7), it was here that Lucinda stressed the need for soft hands on landing, crucially with more rein given to use his neck and head as his “balancing pole”. Part of Lucinda’s core teachings are that he may stabilise himself and the rider on recovery from this emphatic descent, with di Grazia already demanding a strict line on getaway over to the next skinny.

Those wishing to discover Lucinda’s key training principles are strongly recommended to join The Lucinda Green XC Academy, ( https://www.lucindagreenxcacademy.com), an indispensable and convenient hub with essential content from the six-time Badminton winner.

For £37 per month or £370 annually (savings of £74), riders can access video learning, live Q&As on Zoom with Lucinda, her expert guest speakers with breakout room discussions and much more.

Lucinda creates new content for members every week, so your XC skills are constantly improving. The next opening is on Autumn 2026. Sign up!

Pol Roger

Only a private Champagne tasting at the Pol Roger Marquee would be a propos for Lucinda and our WiR members.

George Prideaux explained the production methods of their two Pol Roger Champagne labels, Brut Réserve and black-labelled Brut Vintage in the sunshine, preceding an afternoon of world-class dressage.

Further, on Sunday Team GB would record a 1-2 to the delight of the home crowd. Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight (“Alfie”) landed the Burghley 2026 trophy, with Katie Magee in second under Treworra (“Wilf”).

Our special thanks are extended to the wonderful Lucinda Green MBE, Defender Burghley Horse Trials, Pol Roger and our Partnerships Committee Sophie Chambers for an unforgettable weekend.