By Lucy Wilde

Padraig McCarthy believes the prestigious Defender Burghley Horse Trials can be the much-needed antidote to concerns over horse welfare.

Equestrian eventing was thrust into the limelight for all the wrong reasons at this year’s Paris Olympics after a video emerged showing three-time gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin whipping a horse in training.

But Irish Olympic event rider McCarthy, who is based near Beaworthy, is certain Burghley can showcase the very best of eventing to a whole new audience.

“Burghley is the pinnacle of eventing in the world,” he said, speaking after completing his dressage phase astride Lady Ophelia.

“Everybody recognises Burghley as the toughest and the one at the top level and everybody knows our sport is questioning itself a little bit, so I think this week is a wonderful showcase for eventing.

“I think the dressage case that we saw with Charlotte Dujardin was a reminder that as a sport we’ve been a little bit slow in being proactive and explaining what we do and how we look after the horses.

“I don’t think horse welfare is an endemic issue in eventing. Absolutely not. The vast majority of horses are extremely well looked after and cared for, the riders go without so the horses can get whatever they need, but I do think the onus is on us to keep promoting the sport in a positive light.”

The Tipperary native turned Devon local also praised the awareness of the wider horse-riding community, but suggested there was still work to be done to improve transparency with the public.

“I think everybody is acutely aware of how important it is to better ourselves in how we do things and present our sport. I think it is still a relatively new sport in historical terms, we’re learning as we go, but we have to stay open to doing that.

“We also have to explain what we’re doing and sometimes put our hands up and say when we’ve made a mistake.”

As for McCarthy’s personal ambitions at the infamous Stamford venue, the 47-year-old recorded a score of 33.9 in the dressage with 12-year-old mare Lady Ophelia, but wants to go all in in the cross country.

“I’m delighted with our performance, that’s the best test I think she’s ever done in her life at any level. We’re not troubling the leaders but it’s a real victory for us as a team. She was absolutely amazing," said McCarhy.

“She did everything that we’ve asked of her - she can normally get a little bit uptight and I thought a Friday afternoon dressage would be a bit difficult - but it’s her first 5* and she’s been amazing.”

Lady Ophelia has come a long way since her first FEI event at the 2* level in 2021, with seven 4*s under her belt, but McCarthy believes her inexperience at 5* level is no cause for concern.

“It’s a different kettle of fish at Burghley, there’s some of the biggest skinnies I’ve ever seen in my life here but she’s got a good cross country record and is a very tough mare," he added.

“I think establishing a good relationship, a partnership with your horse, is everything at an event like this. I think this is the ultimate test of horsemanship. If you look at the jumps on the cross-country course, the horse has to believe in you and you have to believe in your horse.

“I’m very confident in her ability and know she’s going to try and give everything.”

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