The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials first-timers say “We can’t wait”
There are thirteen riders looking forward to tackling their first Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this weekend (5-8 September). The 4* event is considered one of the most prestigious in the world, and its cross country track – designed by Captain Mark Phillips – is acknowledged as one of the most demanding and exciting to ride.
Alex Postolowsky (seen here at Barbury) is on her way to Burghley
Photo with thanks to Ultimate Images
Lincolnshire-based Alex Postolowsky, 28, who will be making her debut at this level on Paul Newbert’s Islanmore Ginger, says that to ride at the Land Rover Burghley CCI4* competition will be a dream come true for her.
“I’ve been going to Land Rover Burghley since I was small, first for the Pony Club showjumping competition, then a Winergy young rider academy and more recently for the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final, so it’s always a regular fixture in my calendar,” she says. “It’s incredible to be coming to do the 4*competition.”
Watch Alex and Islanmore Ginger at Bokelo CCI3* last year
After watching the preview of the course Alex admitted it looked quite daunting “but it looked easier the second time, so I’m planning to watch it every day between now and then! It looks really jumpable. I could see a plan of how to jump everything and there isn’t anything to catch you out unfairly. It looks like an amazing course and I can’t wait to have a go.”
Fellow Land Rover Burghley first-timer Astier Nicolas (FRA), 24, has already tackled Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and the French 4* competition, Pau. He will be coming to Land Rover Burghley a few days after making his first appearance on the French team at the HSBC FEI European Championships in Malmö, Sweden.
Astier, who is a huge fan of eventing in Britain and who is based near Bristol, said: “The course looks big, as you would expect from a 4* track and a more serious track than Mitsubishi Motors Badminton [where he finished ninth this year]. Discovery Valley [fences 5 and 8] will be really influential; we’re going to have to be very accurate, ride boldly and use our brains.
“The track looks technical and there are some imposing fences. I’m really looking forward to it and hope that my ‘flying pony’ [his little nine-year-old mare Quickly Du Buguet] is as excited as I am!”
Joining Alex and Astier are two other French riders; Stanislas De Zuchowicz and Benjamine Massie. our own Australian Kevin McNab riding Clifton Pinot (who Jock Paget has said is one to watch out and of course we agree). Marcelo Tosi is riding Eleda All Black representing Brazil. The six other Brits are Sophie Jenman, 21, from Kent, 29-year-old Jodie Amos and Matt Heath, 30, from Northamptonshire, Emily Galbraith, 25 from the Scottish Borders, 34 year-old Rebecca Howard from Wiltshire and another 21-year-old – Wills Goodhew from Oxfordshire. Finally renowned German rider Ingrid Klimke will be contesting Land Rover Burghley for the first time.
Rest assured these first time riders, experienced or not, will be giving their all and will be a force to be reckoned with.
Later today we'll bring you some footage of how Kevin McNab has been going in the run up to Burghley. It's going to be a busy weekend with Burghley on in UK and our own Tamworth Eventing CIC3* as well - and we'll be covering both events for you so don't move too far from your computer!
