EMMA Thomas is brimming with confidence after completing the Defender Burghley Horse Trials for only the third time in her equestrian career.
The 26-year-old, from Stratford-upon-Avon, and horse Icarus were fault-free in Sunday’s finale at the famed 5* event, clearing all 12 fences in a time of one minute and 22 seconds, with her final score coming in at 116.9.
Her performance marked the perfect response to Saturday’s cross-country. Icarus saw two refusals on fence 7a after the crowds spooked the horse as they emerged from under the Lion Bridge.
And while they were first in the runner order when it came to Sunday’s show jumping, the duo bucked any nerves to confidently finish at Burghley House, with Thomas delighted to tick off another career milestone.
Thomas said: “It was brilliant. He’s such a jumper. I almost went wild in the middle but that was me and not him for once, and I calmed myself down and just kept it together.
“He tried his little socks off for me and I’m so proud of him. Yesterday in the cross-country was really unlike him.
“He just went a little crowd shy and unfortunately we were in the vicinity of a fence so it was frustrating to get the added 40 on top of it having gone up the alternative route but the rest of the route was probably the best we had together.
“He was so much more measured and controlled and more communication going on both ways.
“What a horse he is. He was born to ride around here.”
It does not get any bigger than Defender Burghley. But having ridden around its storied grounds for the third successive year, Thomas believes she has emerged from the experience all the wiser.
Thomas added: “Maybe not so much when in the zone but in hindsight I enjoyed it.
“It’s nice. I don’t feel overawed anymore. It’s a big thing coming here the first couple of times and I’m so lucky to have been back for a third time.
“I’m feeling more self assured.”
Defender Burghley Horse Trials (4-7 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
