Burghley Blog 5

The final day of the 2016 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials! A busy day ahead and it started with a surprise photo shoot of the cakes for the winners which Jon Whowell had in his car. By winners there is one for the winning rider and one for the winning horse. Presented by the George of Stamford.

 

After this a brisk walk to do the annual photo of the 'Bowler Hat Brigade' who the car parks and are the first people you see when arriving and the last you see on leaving the event.

 

Next it was up to the SEIB sponsored ride where anybody can ride there own horses along parts of the Cross Country Course and some of the usually unseen parts of the beautiful park.

 

 

After a quick trip back to the Media Centre it was straight on to the SEIB Racehorse to Riding class in the Main Arena, this is for ex racehorse that have been given a new challenge as show horses.

 

 

Lunch was then the order of the day and preparing for the finale of the event the Top 24 riders going in reverse order. Picking a space between advertising boards inside the arena. I was sat at the east end surprisingly on my own. Was I in the wrong place or did everyone else have the best spot, time would tell I guess but I was happy!

One of my favourite shots is the one below of Bettina Hoy where I love the tail in the air as it goes over the fence.

 

 

Last to go was Christopher Burton who with what had gone before had 5 fences in hand on his nearest rival. In a tense round with the full house crowd silent he and his horse Nobilis 18 had 4 fences down going into the last fence. Once he'd cleared it Christopher had to check on the scoreboard to see whether or not he had won.

 

 

He had indeed!

Before the presentations a treat for all here in this amazing arena a rousing reception for the 2016 RIO Gold medallist Nick Skelton who was interviewed by Steven Wilde.

 

 

Then it was the presentations and Press Conference and the usual bun fight for the picture of the winner with the Land Rover Perpetual Trophy in front of Burghley House surrounded by Land Rover vehicles.

 

 

After sorting through my images and sending some to agencies it was time to pack up and leave.

A Big Thank You to all the Competitors for giving us such a wonderful spectacle, the Horse Trials Committee for a wonderful event, the Press Office Team for looking after us so well, my fellow photographer for their company and banter and finally to you all for reading my blogs!

 

After leaving I ended up following the Team Burton horsebox through Barnack and Uffington which I'm not sure is the best route for a horsebox of that size and it's a good job Chris is better at navigating his horse!

 

 

Congratulations Chris and Nobilis18 and I hope you enjoy your cakes!

 

Can't wait for next year!!!!!