Belinda Sellars has vowed to capture the bravery of the horses on show at Burghley in her new role as the event’s Sculptor in Residence.

Sellars has exhibited at Burghley since the 1900s and has been challenged to create a piece of sculpture that captures what the showpiece event is all about.

She will work alongside Artist in Residence Daniel Crane, who was appointed in 2023, and whose studies from last year’s event will be displayed this year at Burghley.

Sellars said: “I’m really delighted to be attending Burghley — an event I know and love well — in a slightly different capacity this year as Sculptor in Residence, and trying to choose an appropriate theme for a piece that celebrates the event.

“The strength of my work is in the movement and capturing that animation is the challenge at Burghley.

“I’m always captivated by the bravery of the horses on the course and their love of what they do.”

Sellars hails from Suffolk and is no stranger to the equine world. Her previous significant commissions include pieces for World Series Racing Championships, Hickstead Dressage and Chatsworth and Bramham International Horse Trials.

Defender Burghley Horse Trials Event Director Martyn Johnson said: “Since Burghley House is one of the great treasure houses of Europe, and holds so much exceptional art, we are pleased to reflect this heritage in a small way by having an Artist and now a Sculptor in Residence at this year’s Defender Burghley Horse Trials.

“Few things are more beautiful than a top event horse, and these two artists are masters at capturing that.”

Look out for Belinda and Daniel at work on your visit to Defender Burghley Horse Trials. To find out more about Burghley, including how to purchase tickets, visit https://burghley-horse.co.uk/.