The Spirit of Burghley
The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is one of the greatest events in the equestrian calendar, a true test of partnership, courage, and horsemanship. For Champion rider Emma Thomas, Burghley 2025 marked another unforgettable step in her five-star journey.
Competing in her trusted Champion Insight Peaked Helmet, Revolve Vent-Air Jockey Helmet and Liber8 Body Protector, all proudly made in Great Britain. Emma approached the week with calm focus and deep gratitude for her horse, Sticky.
Here, Emma shares her Burghley experience, from the first day’s anticipation to the final clear round, capturing the highs, the lessons, and the love that drives every rider forward.
Arrival Day: That Christmas Eve Feeling
"The feeling on Tuesday afternoon, arrivals day, never seems to dim with each passing year.
For me, it feels like Christmas Eve did as a kid, full of excitement and endless possibilities.
Because Burghley comes at the end of the season, there’s a more relaxed feel within the riders’ camp. It’s a small community of us who compete at this level, and for many it’s the last time we’ll see each other before the new year. Now in my third season at five-star, I’m starting to feel more at home among people I once saw only as idols, and still absolutely do."
Wednesday: Trot-Up and Traditions
"After a relaxed morning hacking and grabbing my fix from Jonna the Coffee Man, we headed to the breath taking Burghley House for the riders’ briefing. Being able to take in the house from the inside always reminds me of what makes eventing so special, our venues are truly world-class.
Then came the class photo, and for the first time at a five-star I didn’t have to sit on the floor! It felt like I’d graduated to the next level. After a sudden downpour, trot-up began and Burghley officially kicked off. Sticky was buzzing, towing me down the strip with his signature enthusiasm."
Thursday: Calm Before the Test
"As I was drawn for Friday dressage, Thursday was all about keeping things calm. We’ve learned that Sticky performs best when he’s relaxed, so the day began with gentle hacking and stretching before I walked the cross-country course.
I always do the first walk alone, trusting my instincts and taking notes about what the horse will see at speed. Later, we took Sticky to familiarise himself with the main arena, practising entries through the chute and rewarding him with treats each time.
That evening’s Burghley cocktail party was a lovely way to unwind. A relaxed evening of laughter in the gardens of Burghley House."
Friday: Dressage Dreams Come True
"Friday was a dream. I began warming up down by the stables to stay relaxed, then moved up to the main arena for stretching work. After letting Sticky graze, a trick that helps loosen his jaw and keep him focused, we were ready.
The chute familiarisation worked beautifully; we entered calm and confident. Sticky gave me his best ever five-star test, with brilliant flying changes and real connection throughout.
I was so proud of him. He tried his heart out for me, which is all we can ever ask of our horses.
That evening we celebrated Champion’s 50th anniversary, a special moment for me as a rider who truly trusts and believes in their safety gear."
Saturday: Cross-Country Courage
"I’m lucky that I sleep well before cross-country day, though not everyone does! I went for an early course walk, reviewing my plan and checking the long routes. Derek’s tracks are always clever and testing.
This year’s reversed course layout made me wonder if it would suit Sticky, but I needn’t have worried. After a fun team warm-up (and a quick Rizzle Kicks dance party to calm the nerves), we set off.
Sticky doesn’t warm up over fences before cross-country as it makes him too excited, so we kept things quiet and focused. Once on course, everything clicked. Despite freezing briefly in the Boodles River crossing, he was phenomenal. We finished with our best-ever five-star cross-country time, proving how far we’ve come as a partnership.
Those 60 penalties for the stop couldn’t take away how proud I was. It was the first time I truly felt we were riding from instinct rather than striding and it felt incredible."
Sunday: A Clear Round to Finish
"Sticky came out on Sunday morning feeling fantastic, thanks to my brilliant team, Will Harrison-Jones, who iced him all evening, and Sam Offord and Annabelle Galt, our vet and physio, who keep him feeling amazing all year round.
After a lively second trot-up, it was time for show jumping. I prefer not to watch other riders before my round — it keeps me focused and calm. Going in and jumping a clear round in front of the enthusiastic Burghley crowd was the perfect ending to the week.
Sticky truly loves his job. He was made for Burghley, and his enthusiasm for every phase is such a gift. Collecting my third Burghley completion plaque was a moment I’ll never forget, and I can’t wait to give it another go next year."
Emma’s journey at Burghley Horse Trials 2025 is a beautiful reflection of what eventing is all about; courage, connection, and care. At Champion, we are proud to support riders like Emma who embody the spirit of British Eventing and the values we hold dear: safety, craftsmanship, and integrity.
Emma rides in the Champion Insight Peaked Helmet, Revolve Vent-Air Jockey Helmet and Liber8 Body Protector, each hand made in our Cardiff factory. Built on fifty years of research, innovation, and trust, they represent the very best of rider protection.
Your safety is our passion — today, tomorrow, and at every stride.
to stay protected
Emma Wears
insight Peaked Helmet
Liber8 Body Protector
Revolve Vent-Air Jockey Helmet
