Watch top eventing horses and riders compete at Burnham Market

Crowds can enjoy the wonderful spectacle of local riders competing on the same field as some of the biggest names in eventing on April 14-16, 2023.

The event is a chance to watch great horse and rider partnerships in action (Image: www.eventsthroughalens.com)

Situated at Sussex Farm, there’s a fantastic view of the cross country course from the spectators’ mound, which is high enough for a sea view, too. Head to individual jumps for close-up excitement, including everyone’s favourite, the water jump – always a great place to enjoy the thrills and (occasional) spills of the event.

Bringing a lorry load of horses is Olympic team gold medallist and 'King of Burnham Market' Oliver Townend. He has won the four-star class an incredible 15 times since 2007. Joining him are his Olympic gold medal winning team mates Tom McEwen and Laura Collett.

The star-studded line-up continues with current Under 25 British National Champion Greta Mason competing, plus Norfolk's rising star Alice Casburn, a Young Rider gold medallist who took the eventing world by storm last year, finishing fifth at Burghley Horse Trials.

There are courses for all at the Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials, April 14-16 2023. (Image: Nick Rosendale (ETAL))

The event is expected to attract 700 horse and rider combinations over the three days with courses for all – from 100cm grassroots classes up to the headline four-star international class.

The spectators' mound gives a great view of the event - and the sea (Image: Nick Rosendale (ETAL))

Along with the excitement of the cross country phase, there is plenty more to entertain, including the grace and precision of the dressage phase and the nerve-racking showjumping where one heavy tap on a pole adds penalties to the rider's score.

An aerial view of the show-jumping ring at the Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials (Image: Nick Rosendale (ETAL))

A shopping village offers essentials and treats for horses, riders, spectators and dogs, while there is also plus a bar, a variety of food stalls and other attractions.

Event organiser Jenny Meiklejohn said: “It’s a fabulous occasion and a great spectacle for all the family. What is lovely is that we have riders of all levels competing alongside Badminton and Olympic champions.

"Being a relatively small site, the event has a uniquely intimate feel, and even if it rains and rains the venue's amazing sandy soil means the water just disappears. Simply put, it's a very good day out.”

There will be some very impressive riding at the horse trials later this month (Image: Nick Rosendale (ETAL))

Running since 1999, The Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials attracts not only horse enthusiasts and eventing fans but families from all over Norfolk and holidaymakers, too.

The horse trials is one of only a handful of its kind in East Anglia. As a highlight in the Norfolk calendar, an estimated 9,000 people are expected to join the fun over the three days.

Tackling a fence in the showjumping ring (Image: Nick Rosendale (ETAL))

Tickets are available in advance online or (cash only) on the gate on the day.

Three-day tickets for adults are £23 and children aged five to 15 are £8. Under fives are free. Single day tickets in advance are £8 for adults on Friday and Saturday, £3 under 15s (under fives free) and advance Sunday tickets are £10 for adults, £4 for children. Hospitality tickets, which include forward parking, programme, refreshments and a buffet lunch, are also available.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit musketeer.co.uk