Gemma Stevens Wins Defender Burghley Horse Trials in its 65th Year

Gemma Stevens punched the air in delight after securing her first Defender Burghley Horse Trials victory aboard Chilli Knight, a memorable sporting highlight in the event’s 65th anniversary year.

A clear round to win

A clear showjumping round on the final day sealed victory for the British combination, who finished 13.4 penalties ahead of their nearest rivals and claimed the £120,000 first prize. HRH The Princess Royal attended and presented Gemma with the trophy.

Alongside the main competition’s dressage, cross-country and showjumping, spectators enjoyed the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse finals and the LeMieux Pony Club Team Jumping event.

A big week for Stamford

Held in Burghley House’s parkland since 1961, the event welcomed more than 160,000 visitors this year for world-class competition, shopping and socialising. Covering more than 530 acres, it brings around £20m into Stamford and the surrounding area each year.

Burghley’s shopping village, with 600 trade stands, also celebrated its finest exhibitors. Churtopia Lemonade won Best Food Walk Stand, Anne Marie Designs was named Best Pavilion Stand and art dealer Gladwell & Patterson took Best Large Stand. Lincolnshire’s Freckleface completed the line-up, winning Best Small Stand.

Together, the sporting action and the shopping village showed Burghley’s enduring appeal, bringing visitors and businesses together for one of the area’s most anticipated annual occasions.

Dates for 2027

The 2027 Defender Burghley Horse Trials will take place from 2nd to 5th September. For details, visit burghley-horse.co.uk.