Michael Owen cannot wait to return to the Defender Burghley Horse Trials, having first competed at the prestigious event just after the turn of the century.
Owen, 47, has participated at the Lincolnshire showpiece on 12 previous occasions and will be on board 11-year-old gelding Darwin at this year’s edition which is being held between September 3-6.
Last year, Owen retired his ride, J’Adore Salsa, during the cross-country stage, always held on a challenging course and always a highlight of his whenever he visits.
Owen said: “I first competed there 26 years ago (with Perks of the Job) and I remember my first ride around there like it was yesterday.
“I couldn’t believe how big the fences were or how many thousands of people were there watching in the crowds – it was just amazing.
“That’s probably my fondest memory and I’ve jumped numerous clear rounds there, on the likes of Highland Prince and Bradeley Law who gave me some amazing rides around there.
“I’ve got some really fond memories of Burghley, which is one of my favourite events.
“I’ve been there numerous times on different horses, but I never get tired of going because it’s such a magical event you dream of competing at.”
Owen and Darwin have competed together for six years, but this is their first in which the combination has participated at 5* events, with Burghley just the Irish Hunter’s second at that level.
Their first was at the Badminton Horse Trials in May, in which Owen finished 28th in what was an encouraging showing from Darwin, particularly in the cross-country part of the competition.
On Darwin’s personality, Owen said: “We’ve had him since he was a four-year-old and he’s a real cheeky chappy at home, a real character.
“He loves jumping and he’s a big rangy Irish red horse. Jumping is his strength and he went round in his first 5* event at Badminton this year and stormed round clear and finished really well.
“It felt like he was born to do it. He’s had a light campaign to freshen him up – I didn’t want him too tired and sour by the end of the season, which can happen with a horse.
“I think he’s a Burghley horse – you don’t quite know until you get there, but he should relish it.
“He ticks all the boxes to be a Burghley horse, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
PLEASE LEAVE IN FINAL PAR - Defender Burghley Horse Trials (3-6 September 2025) 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
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