Defender Burghley’s main arena masterclasses are one of the most popular and most-anticipated attractions of the Lincolnshire event (4-7 September), and this year’s line-up is particularly exciting.
The masterclasses take place during the CCI5* dressage lunch break and at the conclusion of the afternoon dressage session on both Thursday, 4 September and Friday, 5 September.
The Burghley 2025 masterclass programme kicks off at lunchtime on Thursday with a fascinating display by the great German Olympic rider and coach Bettina Hoy, entitled “Smart Test Riding”, where Bettina will reveal the secrets to nailing your dressage test performance.
After the conclusion of CCI5* dressage that day, Burghley is delighted to announce that members of the senior British eventing squad for the European Championships at Blenheim Palace will be invited to take the opportunity to practise dressage in the unique atmosphere of Burghley’s main arena in front of the spectators.
The king of British dressage, Carl Hester, will again take the lunchtime slot on Friday, 5 September. This year, Carl will have a very special guest - double Olympic team gold medallist Tom McEwen with one of his star horses - with whom he will demonstrate some of the movements of the CCI5* dressage test and how to ride them. Then a grand prix dressage rider will ride some high-level movements and highlight the differences between the two disciplines.
Carl said: “It’s always great to be at Defender Burghley - one of my favourite events - and I’m looking forward to demonstrating how the questions asked in eventing dressage contrast with the intricacies of grand prix.”
After CCI5* dressage has finished on Friday afternoon, combinations from The Howden Way Young Horse Academy will show off their skills in a masterclass conducted by CCI5* rider and Fellow of the British Horse Society Kylie Roddy, who has worked with these promising horse-and-rider partnerships over the past few years. These stars of the future, likely to include members of the under-21 and CCI3* European Cup championship squads, will work on the flat and over fences.
To add to the weekend’s fun, and to provide a little light relief from the thrill and the tension of the CCI5* sport, the Shetland Pony Grand National will take place in the main arena before cross-country on Saturday, 6 September and before the final session of CCI5* showjumping on Sunday, 7 September.
Defender Burghley is the established highlight of the summer social season. As well as top-class sport featuring both the most famous horses and riders in the world and up-and-coming stars, in the beautiful and historic setting of Burghley Park, the event offers superb shopping opportunities, delicious food and drink, elegant hospitality options and lots to entertain children and less-horsey members of the family.
To find out more about Defender Burghley (4-7 September 2025) and to purchase tickets and hospitality, visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk.
