How women swept Burghley 2026, by the numbers
We tracked the gender split at Defender Burghley from the first horse inspection to the final prize-giving. It started close to even. It ended with women in first, second and third.
Burghley Horse Trials
Gemma Stevens wins Burghley on her dressage score as women fill the podium
Three weeks after elimination at the World Championships, the British rider and 16-year-old Chilli Knight did not add a single penalty all week.
Gemma Stevens has won the 2026 Defender Burghley
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo Defend Burghley Title
The final day at Burghley delivered everything this sport is known for: pressure, movement on the leaderboard, and one rider holding her nerve at the very end.
Ros Canter entered the show jumping
Eventing ace Izzy Taylor and rugby great Philippa Tuttiett hail a standout year for women’s sport ahead of Defender Burghley Horse Trials
With the Women’s Rugby World Cup underway and Defender Burghley Horse Trials set for 4–7 September 2025, two of the UK’s most recognisable athletes — professional event rider Izzy Taylor and