Susie Berry is already plotting her next run at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials after completing the famed 5* event for the final time.

The Kettering-based rider, 28, made it third time lucky with Irene Leva in Lincolnshire, having failed to make it through the four-day test with her other entry, Wellfields Lincoln, and with Ringwood LB in 2022.

Berry finished 30th, while partner Max Warburton came 18th as the spoils went to Paris 2024 gold medallist Ros Canter.

“I’m thrilled. Finally, I feel like I’ve been trying to get a horse here or I fell here two years ago so I’m really pleased to get it away and under my belt and I can look forward to having a competitive run next time,” said Berry.

“I’m very pleased with the mare. She’s going to be a very good jumper and this week was always a learning experience for her. We never thought she was going to come and be competitive.

“I’m thrilled with how she’s coped with the atmosphere. She’s been more relaxed here than at any other show so I think that’s a really positive experience for her looking ahead to next year.”

The gruelling cross-country phase on Saturday eliminated just under half of the field and the four-mile track also took a lot out of those who made it through to Sunday’s showjumping.

It was for Berry, though, a big learning curve and an experience that is bound to stand her in good stead when she returns to Burghley in years to come.

“I was more tired than she was after the cross-country, she didn’t feel any different to normal and was full of beans coming up here for the trot-up,” added Berry.

“She is a bit of a freak, most horses would feel quite dead and you’d have to give them a bit of a wake up but she’s a bit of a freak of nature and I’m so excited to give it again next year.”

Atop the leaderboard was Canter, who put the finishing touches to her spectacular summer by adding a first Burghley crown and third 5* triumph to the team eventing title she captured in Paris courtesy of with a record-breaking score.

“It means everything,” Canter told Burghley TV. “I’ve achieved a lot, I’ve been lucky, I’ve achieved some great things and going into this year, the Olympics was this one big box tick and in some ways it's made me a bit flat.

“I’ve stuck to my system and haven’t asked questions about anyone else about how to ride or what strides they're going on. I said to myself: 'you know what you’re doing, believe in yourself', and it’s paid off.”

Defender Burghley Horse Trials (5-8 September 2024) has been a major international sporting and social event for over 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