FEI Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials – Friday Round-up

There was barely a cloud in the sky as competition got underway for this year’s FEI Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials. The whole site in north Norfolk looked absolutely stunning, bathed in the glorious spring sunshine. 

Good weather deserves some good competition, and the international classes did not disappoint. There were plenty of standout performances, including two from the current World Champion, Yasmin Ingham, who is lying in first (Rehy DJ, 29.2) and fourth (Goliath Du Loir, 30.1) in the CCI4*-S after the first day of dressage. 

“We had a really good test today,” said Yasmin, of her leading performance. “Rehy DJ did what I would call a mistake free test, so I’m very pleased with that. He was really onside and produced some really lovely work in the ring. He had a great score, so I’m delighted with that. We are preparing for Badminton, which is really exciting as well, so it’s always good to be polishing up on those dressage marks as best we can.

“And then my future star, Goliath Du Loir, he’s only a nine-year-old. It’s his first 4*, so it’s always interesting to see how they react to the atmosphere, which is great here at Burnham Market. He also produced a lovely test and he’s an exciting horse for the future, so I think a good day of dressage today and blessed with beautiful weather!”

Sitting in between Yasmin’s two horses are New Zealand’s Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park, and Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley, both on a score of 29.9.

In the CCI3*-S, the leaders after the first day of competition are Louise Bradley and Ardeo Mandela. Their score of 27.1 puts them ahead of Alex Bragg and Jaeger Master (27.7) in second and Katie Magee and Cushlas Indigo (27.9) in third.

“I was thrilled with Ardeo Mandela today,” said Louise. “He always does a good test, but it is great to get our nose in front on this occasion. He stayed supple, soft and expressive throughout. What a treat to compete in April in the sunshine! The whole site looks great and looking forward to the rest of the weekend.”

There was also a full day of national classes for the event’s spectators to enjoy, with both horses and riders clearly loving the chance to soak up some sunshine.

The national class winners on Friday were:

Novice Section C, Travis Leigh and Miss Indianna (24)

Novice Section D, Simon Grieve and Best Escapade (21.8)

Open Novice Section E, Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality (22.5)

Open Novice U18 Section F, Coco Lanni and Porsche (27.9)

BE100 Section G, James Avery and Greannanstown Donnacha Dusty (26.2)

BE100 Open Section H, Emily Lochore and Castleroche Rascal (27.3)

Tickets

With the weather forecast for tomorrow looking even better, why not come and join us! Tickets are available on the gate, cash payments only. A cash machine is available in the Spar in Docking. Gates open at 8am tomorrow and Sunday. View the full timetable here.  

Watch live

All the cross country action from tomorrow and Saturday will be available to watch via your mobile, tablet, TV or desktop with H&C+. Visit the Horse & Country website to find out more.

View the courses

All the cross country courses are available to view at CrossCountry App here, https://www.crosscountryapp.com