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29.
August
2017.
Canine capers: dogs show the pros how to tackle toughest equestrian challenge

29th August 2017

Canine capers as dogs show the pros just how to tackle Britain's toughest equestrian challenge
 
Watch the video at: https://youtu.be/RZ6YqvEHm00

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (31st August - 3rd September) takes places later this week, when some of the world's finest horse and rider combinations arrive at the sprawling parkland of the Burghley Estate in Stamford, Lincolnshire.

While more used to welcoming equine athletes, this year a team of top agility dogs (and Jack Russell William) were invited to tackle Burghley's daunting cross country course designed by Captain Mark Phillips, where fences are up to two metres wide and 1.20 metres high.

Labradors Pumba, Nala and Keepa, Border Collies Laddie and Wispa, along with German Shepherd Tilda and cheeky Jack Russell cross William, made light work as they tackled logs, gates, brush fences and even plunged into Burghley's famous lake.

Dog trainer Ellena Swift from Swift Dog Training in Banbury said: "When we were invited to come and try out the Land Rover Burghley cross country course I didn't know what to expect, but the dogs were phenomenal; I am so proud of them. In real life the Collies work as sheep dogs, while my Labradors compete in field trial events, Narla the German Shepherd is a therapy dog and William, who is owned by Debbie Lee is a much loved pet.

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Event Director Elizabeth Inman added: "The Land Rover Burghley cross country course is a demanding challenge for the world's best horse and rider combinations, so the 6500 metres of undulating track and 31 obstacles was quite a feat for the dogs as well. The agility, speed and determination of the dogs was astounding and they all seemed to enjoy themselves hugely. Little William the Jack Russell cross was a huge favourite, his plucky determination to keep up with the ‘big boys' knew no bounds... even if a few sneaky detours were required."

Land Rover Burghley will welcomes 160,000 visitors through its gates on 31st August - 3rd September to enjoy not only the adrenaline pumping sport, but also the 600 handpicked tradestands and thriving foodwalk. For more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

-ENDS-

Notes to the editor

About Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

Established in 1961 and held within Burghley Park, Stamford with the magnificent Burghley House as a backdrop, Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is one of three events in the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing and one of only six events CCI 4*events in the world. 

This year the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials takes place from 31 August - 3 September 2017.  In addition to showcasing the very best in equestrian sport, the event is also famous for its extensive shopping avenues, pavilions and food walk and is established as a major social occasion in the autumn sporting calendar.

For further press information:

Carole Pendle

Press Officer

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

07768462601

Email: carole.pendle@caa.com