Pippa Funnell and William Fox-Pitt will help to inspire the next generation of equestrian greats by delivering a masterclass during the Defender Burghley Horse Trials, organisers have announced.
One of the more popular features at the annual equestrian event, some of the most famous riders put on a show for the public during the CCI5*competition.
Fox-Pitt, alongside his wife Alice, will deliver ‘Preparing for Burghley’ on Thursday September 5 – the opening day – and pass on some of the wisdom that helped him to a record 14 CCI5* wins, including six at Defender Burghley.
Funnell, a two-time Burghley winner, and husband William, will present ‘Showjumping - working in harmony!’ after dressage finishes on Friday afternoon.
The soon-to-be seven-time Olympian Carl Hester is a Defender Burghley regular and the dressage ace returns to deliver ‘Groom to Grand Prix’.
He will be hoping to have a second Olympic gold medal in his back pocket after anchoring Team GB’s dressage title at London 2012.
Meanwhile, triple Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Henrietta Knight will give a session on re-educating the racehorse during the lunchtime break on day one.
She will work with four riders who have retrained their ex-racehorses to achieve success in other disciplines, including Katie Dashwood (Minella Rebellion), Amanda Brieditis (Kilmarnock Lad), Sarah Pinfield (Kings Bridge) and Lizzie Harris (Glen Forsa).
Meanwhile, the popular Shetland pony Grand National will take place across the weekend.
To find out more about Defender Burghley (5-8 September 2024) and to purchase tickets and hospitality, visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here