EVENT DIRECTOR’S FOREWORD

Welcome to Burgham International Horse Trials 2023!

We have received a record amount of entries this time, which is very exciting and the best possible reward for the hard work put in by the Burgham committee, our fantastic volunteers and officials in past years. This has meant extending the timetable - and once again, I cannot fully express my gratitude to everyone who has made this possible. We have a great team - too many to mention my name - but we are so lucky and I am very aware of that.

I must give a huge thank to our wonderful landowners, the Hogg family - they are so supportive and are involved in numerous ways, before, during and after Burgham.

One very special person we shall miss this year is Jean McMeekin, who sadly died a few weeks ago. As nearly everyone reading this will know, Jean managed the main crossing point from the stables field to the competition site - in rain, sleet or sunshine, from the crack of dawn until sundown. She ruled with a rod of iron but a heart of gold, and Burgham will never quite be the same again without her. She will never be forgotten.

We are thrilled to welcome Project Pony as our supporting partner for 2023. This new initiative aims to identify and support up-and-coming young riders by giving them the opportunity to compete on elite event ponies. We will share more with you about Project Pony during the event.

We are also very grateful to our CCI4*-S sponsors Holme Dodsworth Metals, to AW Jenkinson Forest Products for their sponsorship of the CCI3*-S sections, to Encon Technical Solutions Ltd and NIS Group Ltd for supporting the CCI2*-S class, to Blackshaws Garage - associate sponsors and our official vehicle suppliers - and to all of our national class and fence sponsors.

Burgham is the final leg of the Northumberland Challenge. Sponsored by AW Jenkinson Forest Products, Encon Technical Solutions and NIS Group Ltd, the 2023 Northumberland Challenge offers horse and rider combinations entering the CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S classes at Belsay, Alnwick Ford and Burgham the opportunity to win cash bonuses of up to £20,000 for the CCI2*-S and £25,000 for the CCI3*-S, totalling £45,000. This is a brilliant initiative and has been very well-supported by riders and owners. Who will take home the cheques at the end of this weekend…? Oliver Townend has high hopes of CCI2*-S bonus money, while Oliver, Mark Davidson and Yasmin Ingham also have chances of collecting CCI3*-S cash.

I must give a special mention to the Event Horse Owners’ Association, who have helped us provide the owners’ facility at the ringside. They do a superb job of supporting the sport and our all-important owners.

We wish all owners and riders the best of luck over the weekend and hope that you all enjoy a great weekend of sport.

Craig Anderson Event Director