Matthew Heath learning from intense Defender Burghley Horse Trials experience

By Lucy Wilde, Sportsbeat

Matthew Heath had his work cut out for him as he took to the Defender Burghley Horse Trials’ cross-country course not once but twice in one day.

The four mile trail, which traverses uneven terrain and tasks riders with navigating sharp turns and hair-raising fences, is pitted as the toughest in the world - not one many look forward to tackling.

For Rutland’s Heath however, having the opportunity to confront the ultimate test of horsemanship and refine his technical skills was one he will forever relish.

“It was so intense early on,” he said, after completing his second run of the course with gelding Askari.

“He just tripped at one stage and I tried to get him up there but once you leave him a bit exposed, he doesn’t have the natural confidence to do it for himself and the second penalty I just got in his way.

“I’m actually really pleased with him. I think he’s on his limit at this level and last year was a big test for him, this year was stronger.”

Heath previously led Askari to a top 30 finish at the event in 2023, but slipped to 43rd place after the second phase of three at the Stamford venue.

“He got really fighty with the hand and dinked out of an angled rail. Frustratingly, I’d even walked it. He was tired at that point and nothing was coming out how I wanted it to," he said.

“He’s not bred-blood at all, so to jump round two Burghley’s, I’m really proud of him, we’ve come a long way from where we were.

“Burghley is the biggest one in the world, last year he found it a real effort and this was an awful lot tougher. In a funny sort of way, I’m pleased with him.”

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