One of the best eventing riders in the world, Harry Meade is targeting another strong performance at the ‘Everest’ of his sport when he competes at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials next month.
The 43-year-old from Chippenham – who is No 2 in the world rankings – has been one of the most successful riders at the prestigious 5* Lincolnshire competition in recent years.
Meade rides multiple horses at the event and has come third in each of the last editions on 16-year-old mare Cavalier Crystal who he will again be on board between September 3-6.
Bettering three top 12 finishes in 2024 was going to take some doing, but Meade managed this as he came fourth on Annaghmore Valoner and ninth on Et Hop Du Matz in what was his best Burghley showing yet.
When asked what his success there means to him, Meade said: “The success of a season can really be dictated by the results at the 5* events, of which there aren’t many and of which Burghley is the toughest.
“Having been fortunate enough to be third there for the last three years and had three horses in the top 12 two years ago and three horses in the top nine last year, it’s been a very happy hunting ground.
“I just hope I can do my horses justice and get the best performances out of us, from them and me, this year.”
Just as the previous two years, Meade has three rides at Burghley, with Cavalier Crystal returning alongside Et Hop Du Matz, a 12-year-old gelding who Meade describes as a “late developer.”
The latter was his strongest performer at the previous 5* event this year – the Badminton Horse Trials in May – as he finished 15th.
Completing the trio, and returning to the scene, is 17-year-old Superstition who Meade rode to a 12th-place finish on his previous appearance at Burghley in 2024.
Meade said: “Burghley is the gold standard of eventing. You have the stage and setting and test of the very highest level.
“There’s the most wonderful history behind the event and the course, which is arguably the most testing anywhere in the world.
“It’s the Everest that keeps us coming back.
“Burghley is the highlight of our international calendar. We try to produce young horses the whole way through their career towards reaching the pinnacle of the sport, which is events like Burghley.
“It’s very much front and centre of my mind all season.”
Defender Burghley Horse Trials (3-6 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
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