We’ve arrived safely at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2015 after a four and a half hour drive, and like last year, I am absolutely blown away. Everything about Burghley is wonderful, from the moment you drive through the gates, and I am feel so lucky to be competing here.
It’s lovely to be back and everyone is so friendly.
Final Burghley preparations
Our last little bits of preparation included a jumping lesson with Corinne Bracken on Monday in the pouring rain at 8am. Derby (Wellshead Fare Opposition) was quite fresh, but he jumped really well and felt on good form.
In the afternoon I worked on a few dressage movements with my step mum Anne Keen, making a few final tweaks and deciding which rein I would enter the dressage arena.
This morning, before we left, Derby went on the walker at 7am, then he had an hour in the field. I rode him for about 20 minutes in the school to give him a stretch and then we were ready to go.
Coral and Derby get ready to leave for Burghley
I’ve driven up by myself and I really appreciated the time on my own with my dog Phoebe for company. It gave me time to think about what lies ahead – and I still feel relaxed and excited!
Derby is pleased to be back!
We’ve parked up, Derby has had a hack around the park – he is delighted to be back – and is now settled in his stable.
I’m really lucky that super groom Alex Van Tuyll is helping me this week. She’s just brilliant and will be staying with me in the lorry before she heads off to the Europeans at Blair Castle on Sunday. With my dad arriving on Thursday and friends and family in time for the weekend, they will be able to give me support once Alex has gone.
Brilliant Burghley goodie bags
I’ve just opened the wonderful bags of goodies each competitor gets on arrival and I have a navy Land Rover Burghley hand and body towels, plenty of Pipers crisps to keep us going, Dreamies cat and dog treats (I haven’t brought a cat!), a candle and dog treats from Joules, Heyland and Whittle smelly things, a voucher for a Joules t-shirt, some chocolates and a lovely Land Rover Burghley notebook and a Zaini head band. What wonderful treats!
Coral
