The grounds of Burghley House were bustling with people on the first day of the annual horse trials.
Tradestands, a number of which are Stamford and Rutland based, opened at 9am today (Thursday, August 31) as Harry Meade on horse Away Cruising kicked off the dressage competition.
Crowds of people gathered for the LeMieux Pony Club Jumping while others lined up to take part in the Defender experience.
Spectators watch a big screen at the Defender Burghley Horse trials
And no one went hungry as there are more than 100 street food vendors with snacks including wood-fired pizza, tacos, churros, Greek wraps and loaded fries.
Photographer Paul Marriott captured some of the highlights from day one of the event.
Zara Tindall on Class Affair at The Defender Burghley Horse trials
To find out what people thought of the day, click here.
A Land Rover drives through waterZara Tindall at The Defender Burghley Horse trials in StamfordA Land Rover drives through waterZara Tindall after dressage at the Defender Burghley Horse trialsA dog carried around in a backslingLand Rovers at The Defender Burghley Horse trials inZara Tindall on Class Affair at The Defender Burghley Horse trialsThousands of people have come to Stamford for the eventPeople sat down to take a break from shoppingDogs were welcomeA busy day at The Defender Burghley Horse trials in StamfordThe Defender Burghley Horse trials in StamfordThe Defender Burghley Horse trials in StamfordThe Defender Burghley Horse trials in StamfordThe Defender Burghley Horse trials in StamfordThe Defender Burghley Horse trials in StamfordThe Defender Burghley Horse trials in StamfordThe Defender Burghley Horse trials in StamfordWills Oakden on Oughterard Cooley in the dressage at The Defender Burghley Horse trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire, on 31st August, 2023. Photo: Paul MarriottSpectators arrive early at The Defender Burghley Horse trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire, on 31st August, 2023. Photo: Paul MarriottCrowds watch the dressage at The Defender Burghley Horse trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire, on 31st August, 2023.Oliver Townend on Tregilder waves to the crowd at The Defender Burghley Horse trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire, on 31st August, 2023. Photo: Paul MarriottA member of the Cottesmore club competes in the Pony Club Team competition at The Defender Burghley Horse trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire, on 31st August, 2023. Photo: Paul MarriottA member of the Cottesmore club competes in the Pony Club Team competition at The Defender Burghley Horse trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire, on 31st August, 2023. Photo: Paul MarriottA member of the Cottesmore club competes in the Pony Club Team competition at The Defender Burghley Horse trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire, on 31st August, 2023. Photo: Paul MarriottCompetitors in the Pony Club events walk the course at The Defender Burghley Horse trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire, on 31st August, 2023. Photo: Paul MarriottWills Oakden on Oughterard Cooley in the dressage at The Defender Burghley Horse trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire, on 31st August, 2023. Photo: Paul Marriott
Send your Burghley Horse Trials photos to smeditor@stamfordmercury.co.uk.