Harry Meade, one of the world's top eventers, is targeting another strong performance at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials next month, describing the prestigious 5* Lincolnshire competition as the 'Everest' of his sport.
The 43-year-old from Chippenham, who is ranked No 2 in the world, has been one of the most successful riders at the event in recent years.
Consistent podium finishes
Meade rides multiple horses at Burghley and has come third in each of the last three editions on the 16-year-old mare Cavalier Crystal, who he will again ride between September 3-6.
In 2024, he improved on three top-12 finishes from the previous year, placing fourth on Annaghmore Valoner and ninth on Et Hop Du Matz in what was his best Burghley showing yet.
When asked what his success at the event 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.”
Three rides for 2025
As in the previous two years, Meade has three rides at Burghley. Cavalier Crystal returns alongside Et Hop Du Matz, a 12-year-old gelding whom 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, finishing 15th.
Completing the trio 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, attracting the world's top equestrians and vast, enthusiastic crowds.
