With the 2023 Defender Burghley Horse Trials underway, the adrenaline is already flowing among the loyal spectators. With a multitude of equestrian enthusiasts gathered in the stands to witness the magnificence of these four-legged creatures, the Trials have become the talk of the town. Though the Defender Burghley Trials have now caught the spotlight for its thrill-inducing events, it also made many heads turn their way due to the disqualification of the 15-year-old gelding during the first day of the event.
Notably, on August 30th, the customary proceedings commenced with a meticulous examination of the horses, during which the judges made sure about the animals’ soundness and absence of any impediments in their gait and trot. However, during the inspection, the 15-year-old Skip Mill did not pass on the first attempt and was asked to try again, but in the end, the equine got disqualified.
Disappointment at the prestigious equestrian event
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According to Horse and Hound, the jury of the inspection consisted of Christian Steiner as president and two members – Nick Burton and Anne-Mette Binder. In the afternoon, the jury of the horse inspection arrived at the main equestrian ground, took their seat, and gave the green light to start the process. The first person to enter the trail was Christopher Whittle with his fifteen-year-old gelding, Skip Mill. During the inspection, the jury had some concerns about the horse so it asked to trot a second time.
After the second trot, they ordered Skip Mill to be sent to a holding box to be represented again later. In the holding box, the gelding was closely inspected by a veterinarian, Andy Bathe. In the second attempt, the horse was not able to convince the jury and was sadly disqualified as not fit for competition.
This was Christopher Whittle’s maiden visit to the Burghley Horse Trials, which ended in disappointment. All the other horses were cleared on their first attempt. The inspection event also had two prizes for the best-dressed female and male riders.
The best-dressed female rider went to Pippa Funnell, who will ride Majas Hope, and the best-dressed male rider went to Phil Brown, who will ride Harry Robinson at the event. The historical Burghley Horse Trials will commence on the morning of the 31st of August with a dressage event.
About The Burghley Horse Trials
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The Burghley Horse Trials began unexpectedly in the year 1961. The Elizabethan parkland surrounding Burghley House was under the ownership of the Marquess of Exeter.
In that year, due to the outbreak of a disease in the area, an equestrian three-day event scheduled at Harewood had to be canceled. Being a fervent equestrian enthusiast, the Marquess of Exeter extended an offer to the British Horse Society to hold the event on his estate. As a result, since that time, it has evolved into a permanent fixture, marking the commencement of a remarkable historical journey.
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Next year, FEI’s European Championship was held here and thereafter it hosted two World Championships, six European Championships, and one Young Riders European Championship. Now, the event has a prominent place in the equestrian calendar and has over one and a half million visitors.
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The disqualification incident at the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials is unfortunate and the equestrian community was saddened by it. But, the charm of the event remains with many close competitive performances.
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