Golden girl Tina wasn't wearing her medal but had some golden accessories today
There was probably no better way to kick off the 2017 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2017 than having the British European gold medallists Tina Cook and Oliver Townend present their horses
As we all know, success breeds success and both Tina and Oliver would have to be amongst the top picks for this year’s Burghley title as they bask in the golden glow of ‘Brits back on top’ in eventing. However, having said that, there a quite a few big names in British eventing not competing at Burghley this year although there are many up and comers to keep an eye on
One is Willa Newton who lives close to Burghley and will be one of the riders in the first session of dressage tomorrow on her 15 year old Chance Remark (above)
Willa Newton
One young British rider missing today was Lissa Green who was to compete at her first Burghley but, as is so often the case with horses, fate intervened and Lissa had to withdraw Malin Head Clover at the last moment
“ He has felt brilliant in this whole lead up, he was sound this morning on our wonderful ride together through Burghley Park and now, for whatever reason, he is not. I have no idea why or how this has happened - it could be anything from a bang in the Stable to something in his foot to God knows what. Although not immediately obvious, it is there and I can't risk competing my beloved boy in this condition” says Lissa on her Instagram page
From one daughter of a famous rider to another – Andrew and Steffi Hoy with daughter Philippa
Only three Australian riders are competing here with Andrew riding The Blue Frontier, Warren Lamperd on another gorgeous grey Silvia and Paul Tapner riding Bonza King of Rouges but there is a large contingent of riders from the USA that have descended on the middle of England
Eight American riders are here including Hannah Sue Burnett on the 13 year old Under Suspection. Hannah Sue told us about some of her superstitions at Badminton and they continue here at Burghley
But from the top Brits who are here Gemma Tattersall and her thoroughbred Arctic Soul are certainly ones to watch while another rider on a roll is Izzy Taylor who will be riding Trevidden at his first 4*
And of course the one to watch as always is Michael Jung on his superstar La Biosthetique Sam. Rupert Bell talked to Michael and even got to pat the great Sam!
