Burnham Market International Horse Trials 2024 – order or view XC Videos here
This weekend’s Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials (12-14 April) marks a quarter of a century of world-class eventing in the stunning surrounds of north Norfolk.
With the Olympic year ahead, the competition promises to be absolutely top draw as riders seek to get a good run over the testing Alec Lochore designed course to set them up for big targets ahead. Amongst the entries are two of Great Britain’s gold medal winning combinations from Tokyo – Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class and Laura Collett and London 52.
They will face tough competition from an incredibly strong field that includes several former World and European Champions, as well as the reigning title holders, Yasmin Ingham and Ros Canter.
Many followers of the sport will remember the wonderful relationship that Zara Tindall enjoyed with her World Championship winning partner, the striking chestnut, Toytown.
Zara and Toytown competed at Burnham Market several times throughout his career, including in a top 20 finish in the 2006 season when they went on to take the World title in Aachen. Zara has continued to be a regular competitor at Burnham Market and this year brings two strong hopes for the 4*, Classicals Euro Star and Class Affair.
Anyone hoping to take home a CCI-S 4* title, however, will have Oliver Townend to contend with. The undisputed king of Burnham Market, Oliver has amassed an unprecedented 15 CCI4* wins at the event so far and has his eyes set on more. Speaking ahead of next week’s competition, Oliver said, “I want to congratulate Musketeer Events and Burnham Market on their 25th Anniversary. I’ve always had a really good time there."
“I run a lot of horses at Burnham Market in preparation for the big events, because it is always good, safe ground that’s very consistent. It’s been a lucky event for me because I have won 15 4* classes there, and quite a few Advanced and 3* classes as well. Let’s please keep it going for many more years as it is a massively important part of our eventing calendar.”
The event is very much a family affair, having been started by the current organisers, Alec and Emily Lochore and Alec's brother, Hugh. Based locally in north Norfolk, Alec has enjoyed an illustrious career in equestrian sport, including holding significant technical roles at the last three Olympic Games. Alec’s courses are some of the most revered in eventing and will be sure to deliver some top-class competition.
Gates open at 8am each morning, with competition getting underway at 9am (Friday and Saturday) and 8am on Sunday. Tickets are available to purchase now by visiting the MEM website, www.musketeer.co.uk and on the gate.
