We are well on our way to a five post day on Eventing Nation, which is really just a quick way of getting me to apply to law school. But, eventing news doesn't care about my schedule and thus is life.
As we all know, Burghley is this weekend. The field will be more tame than last year because most of the world's best pairs are headed to the World Equestrian Games in just a few weeks, and only Oliver Townend uses four-stars as prep runs for other four-stars. Speaking of Oliver, he has to be one of the favorites this year because he is riding last year's Burghley champion, Carousel Quest. The pair fell in the Luhmuhlen water and Carousel Quest's health has been a question, but it's hard to pick against such a great rider on such a great horse.
Two horses withdrew from the Burghley Wednesday jog after being held--Rachel Gough's Bow House Mandalin and Ben Hobday's Guna Be Good, according to the Horse and Hound. Two other horses, Quixotic and Star Quality were held but passed on reinspection.
77 horses move onto the dressage, with British team members Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz riding the test ride Thursday morning. It's hard to imagine what that horse couldn't jump.
As we reported last week, you can watch rides for free through Burghley.tv, which requires registration.
Of course, Eventing Nation will have complete coverage of Burghley throughout the weekend. Go eventing.
That picture is crazy!