Burghley Horse Trials returns near Stamford
Some of the biggest names in horseriding were in Stamford at the weekend for the Burghley Horse Trials.
Back after a two-year absence for covid, the 61-year-old event made a triumphant return to the grounds of Burghley House.
It is understood about 170,000 visitors attended over the four days, numbers that matched those for 2019, the last year it was held.
Martyn Johnson, event director, said: "We are all exhausted but delighted. Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2022 was everything we hoped for.
"The main competition saw some of the world’s very best horse and rider combinations in action – demonstrating their skill and bravery.
"While the shopping, catering and other activities - including dog agility, the Land Rover experience and military band - all proved hugely popular."
This was Martyn's first year in the job and he was keen to make his mark. The former event rider said feedback had been 'positive', adding: "The event was missed by so many and it felt like quite a task to get it back up and running after nearly three years – but everything went to plan and we have a lot to celebrate."
Visitors, competitors and officials travelled from around the globe to attend the trials, including the event's new cross country course designer, Derek di Grazia, an American based in California.
Princess Anne arrived by helicopter on Sunday afternoon to present prizes to the top three riders. Her daughter, Zara Tindall, was a competitor, but withdrew during her cross country round.
For Martyn the stand-out moment of the trials was watching Piggy March, the Northamptonshire-based rider and working mum, collect the Burghley Challenge Cup as 'winning rider' in the competition.
"She is a hugely popular figure within the world of eventing and has been knocking on the door at Burghley for a number of years," he said, adding that her cross country round was "a masterclass in positive, skilful riding".
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood and comedian Tom Davis were also among the well-known faces.
Many local traders had stands in the pop-up shopping village, where people could browse 600 stands that included jewellery and designer clothes through to artisan gins and locally produced food.
While Stamford's firefighters attended the event with one of the town's fire engines, this was only as an exhibit and to entertain children.
Meanwhile, police did have to respond to several reports of dogs being left in the parking areas, and broke into one vehicle after the owner did not respond to messages put out over the loudspeakers.
