Nesbitt off to a strong start in maiden Defender Burghley Horse Trials

By Lucy Wilde

Rose Nesbitt could not have asked for more from her gelding on her debut appearance at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials.

The 26-year-old runs her own yard in Ludlow, Shropshire, but is swapping the behind-the-scenes work for centre stage as she searches for a maiden Burghley triumph after an impressive dressage phase.

Ros Canter set the bar high with a course score for the history books during the first day of competitions, recording a mark of 19.9 - the second highest ever recorded at the Stamford venue - but Nesbitt broke some personal records of her own.

“I’m really pleased with how that went,” she said after her gelding Eg Michealangelo recovered from his first experience on the prestigious green grass.

“He tried really hard and a pb of 30.9 at 5* level? I can’t ask for much more than that.”

Nesbitt was the last to go during the second morning session of the dressage phase, so had a considerable wait before she could put her nerves aside and guide her gelding across new ground.

Following esteemed riders including New Zealand’s world champion Tim Price and Britain’s former world number one Oliver Townend would be an unenviable task for most but Nesbitt proved unfazed.

“This is my first year here. I’ve done Badminton but it’s just really exciting to be here," she said.

“Everything about Burghley is unique, from the amazing cross-country course to the house and the crowds, it’s just got an incredible feel here. I’m just feeling very lucky to be here.”

With the notorious cross-country course up next - four miles of undulating ground and 30 fences deemed to be the most punishing in the world - Nesbitt simply sees the challenge as an opportunity to learn.

“The cross-country course is huge but everyone who comes to Burghley knows that it’s going to be an absolutely massive track,” she added.

“Michealangelo is a very good cross-country horse and we know each other very well, so we’re going to take it as it comes.

“I’m late to go in the running order so at least that gives me an advantage to watch a few people and see how it’s riding.”

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