Hungerford rider set for Burghley Horse Trials
WILL Rawlin admits he is bursting with anticipation at returning to the Defender Burghley Horse Trials for only the second time in his equestrian career, writes Mohamed Hamza.
The Hungerford rider and faithful steed Ballycoog Breaker Boy enjoyed a memorable debut last year at Stamford’s Burghley House, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Ros Canter, Tim Price and Harry Meade.
The duo are ready for another go-around at the iconic Trials, where the finest riders in the world compete across three disciplines of show jumping, dressage and cross-country.
“The countdown is on and it has all come down very quickly but I’m super excited to be back at Burghley after being there last year for the first time,” said Rawlin.
“I’m very much looking forward to getting stuck in and competing.
“Burghley has always been special to me and it’s a competition I want to do well at in the coming years.
“The season’s gone well so far. I’m coming into Burghley with expectations to do well and I know where I want to be.
“I’m still young and the horse is inexperienced but we’re super competitive and want to give it our best shot.
“I feel like we’re coming into our own performance wise. He’s 14 now so he’s really coming into his prime and I’m really excited.
“There’s still so much left to come from him as a horse and what we can produce together.
“He’s a horse that will give everything he can.”
This year’s edition of Defender Burghley has an added twist, with course designer Derek di Grazia reversing the cross-country course for the eventing competition and Rawlin is welcoming the added challenge.
“I’ve only ridden it one way so I don’t know what it’ll be like at this race,” he added.
“It’ll be a new experience for me. I liked how it flowed last year but it could suit me and the horse better so it’ll be interesting to see.”
Defender Burghley Horse Trials (September 4-7) has been a major international sporting and social event for more than 50 years.
It attracts the world’s top equestrians and is attended by vast and enthusiastic crowds.
For more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk
