Rose Nesbitt completed the third and final phase of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials in style to set the foundations for an exciting eventing future.

The Ludlow local, 26, guided her gelding Eg Michaelangelo around a gruelling cross-country course in bleak conditions less than 24 hours before stepping into the showjumping ring, but that did nothing to taint the duo’s performance. 

Nesbitt’s exciting introduction to the big-stage came as Olympic champion Ros Canter put the finishing touches on her spectacular summer by adding a first Burghley title and third 5* crown to her eventing CV.

“He came out full of beans for the showjumping,” Nesbitt said, speaking after completing the last event of her Lincolnshire outing. 

“He jumped so well, he always does on the final day actually. The pole we knocked was actually really my fault, I was just a bit too close to it, but he jumped so well and tried really hard so I’m so proud.”

Nesbitt partnered up with her beloved ‘Jack’ when he was just five year’s old, and while her debut appearance at Burghley marks only the pair’s third competition at 5* level, there was much to admire.

“I really do think we’ve had a great week,” she added. “The show jumping was great - just one pole - but he came out, tried so hard, and jumped really well so I’m delighted to finish off the week at our first Burghley. 

“The whole experience has been amazing. I’m still having to pinch myself that we’re here and we’ve completed it. It’s been a great week.”

This year’s Burghley has been pitted as one of the most competitive in the event’s 63 year history, but Nesbitt believes her comparatively green gelding has risen to the occasion, proving his ability to be competitive at the 5* level.

Given the calibre of competition and the fact Nesbitt withdrew from this year’s Badminton due to a lack of sufficient prep runs, her 31st place finish hints at a bright future.

“I hope we have higher expectations to finish inside the top 10 or maybe 20 next time,” she said, when asked whether the pair’s maiden Burghley outing had set a precedent for what could be to come. 

“He’s a horse that’s really capable at all three phases, but he’ll have a holiday now. He’s been great all season so he’ll have a bit of a chill now and hopefully we’ll regroup over the winter. We plan to do a 5* next spring.

“We’re still very new to the level so we’re learning all the time, but the more experience we can get at 5* level the better.”

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