Gemma and her Badminton hope Arctic Soul are heading to Burgham
An Eventful Life will be filming all competitors on cross country at Burgham International (1) 24-26 March 2017 - find out more here
Burgham International Horse Trials’ March event has attracted a top-class field from all over Britain as Northumberland’s only international event, which runs twice a year (March 24th-26th and July 27th-30th) is becoming an unmissable fixture on the eventing circuit for both professional and amateur riders.
Entries in the CIC3* and CIC2* international classes include two representatives of Britain’s 2016 Olympic team, Pippa Funnell and Gemma Tattersall, both of whom will be travelling more than 350 miles from Surrey to compete at Burgham.
Gemma, who won the CIC3* at Burgham in 2015, is bringing her 2017 Badminton hope Arctic Soul for the CIC3*.
“Burgham fits into the calendar perfectly as preparation for Badminton,” she said, “and I know the cross-country course will be educational and varied and that the ground will be good. The hills are ideal for Arctic Soul’s fitness.
“It’s a very friendly event with a great atmosphere and I really enjoyed my last visit, so am looking forward to it again this year.”
Other British superstars entered at Burgham include the country’s number one event rider, Oliver Townend, who won the CIC3*s at both the March and July events last year, regular British team member Nicola Wilson, and the up-and-coming younger rider Tom McEwen. The latter is bringing new ride Persimmon, who won team silver at the 2015 European Championships with Kitty King, for a first international outing.
International heroes heading for Burgham include Andrew Hoy, triple Olympic gold medallist for Australia, New Zealand Olympic and World medallist Caroline Powell, and Swedish Olympic rider Ludwig Svennerstal.
Burgham International Horse Trials also features national classes from BE90 to open intermediate level, and a bumper entry has been received.
Martyn Johnson, Burgham’s Event Director, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the entries for our first event of the year. Burgham’s great cross-country courses, excellent ground and friendly atmosphere are making it a really popular event with both professionals and amateurs, and it’s a fantastic chance for spectators to see some of the country’s top horses and riders.”
Tickets start from £10 for adults and £7 for children. For more information about the event and to book tickets, visit www.burghamhorsetrials.co.uk.
Can Gemma win again in 2017? Photo courtesy Action Replay Photography
