Royal Visit Draws Record Crowds to Burghley Horse Trials

Impressive visitors and a Royal visit from Princess Anne helped one of the most renowned horse events in the country celebrate its 50th anniversary. Almost 100,000 visitors travelled to the grounds of Burghley House during the first weekend in September to watch the 50th running of the Burghley Horse Trials.

The 3-day event is considered to be one of the most important horse event competitions in the world and this year celebrated its 50th anniversary. The competition offers dressage, show-jumping and cross country riding and attracts overseas and UK based riders.

Helping the 50th anniversary festivities be an event to remember was the appearance of Princess Anne who won the Burghley Horse Trials forty years ago. Princess Anne was in attendance to watch recently married daughter Zara Phillips compete and then presented trophies to the winning riders.

This year’s event was won by Britain’s William Fox-Pitt. Riding Parklane Hawk, Pitt became the first 6-time champion at Burghley. Zara Phillips completed in 10th place.

Event spokeswoman Bridget Jennings commented: “we have had record crowds all weekend, which has been fantastic...It has been an amazing competition, with a brilliant and challenging cross country course designed by Captain Phillips on Saturday. It was good to see all the competitors complete the course in good time.”

As well as the impressive number of spectators, numerous exhibitors attended the event. Exhibitors included Stevenson Brothers Rocking Horses. The talented rocking horse makers commented that they “thoroughly enjoyed the fantastic 50th birthday celebrations at Burghley over the weekend.” http://www.rockinghorses.uk.net/