Competing at FEI Burnham Market: a spring eventing experience not to be missed

Riders heading to the FEI Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials can expect a weekend to remember. Competing at the Horse Trials is a great opportunity to gain experience riding over courses designed by event organiser, Alec Lochore – cross country course designer for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Alec’s tracks are renowned for being honest, educational and beautifully built, asking fair but thoughtful questions that help horses grow in confidence and ability.

A venue steeped in eventing heritage

For more than 25 years, Sussex Farm on the outskirts of Burnham Market has provided a competition environment that feels made for eventing. The dressage takes place in a peaceful, secluded area that helps horses focus, before moving on to the show jumping arena – a striking natural amphitheatre that creates a sense of occasion and offers impressive viewing, without overwhelming horses who are still gaining experience.

The cross‑country course, however, is where Burnham Market truly shines. Making full use of the land’s natural contours, Alec Lochore designs each track to ride beautifully on the well‑drained old turf. The established grass cover, combined with excellent natural drainage, provides riders with consistently good going.

A true education for horse and rider

One of the reasons Burnham Market is so highly regarded is the variety and quality of questions on the cross country course. Riders can expect to encounter:

• Ditches
• Hills and natural undulations
• Corners
• Combinations that challenge accuracy and balance

Whether you’re preparing for Badminton or Badminton Grassroots, whatever your future goals Burnham Market offers an ideal stepping stone for helping horses progress.

A closer look at the classes 

BE100

The BE100 classes provide a brilliant opportunity for less experienced horses and riders to enjoy everything Burnham Market has to offer. With the introduction of GO BE100 classes for 2026, this level is now more accessible than ever, giving riders the chance to experience the venue’s standout features – from show jumping in the impressive natural amphitheatre to tackling the beautifully presented water complex. It’s the perfect way to gain confidence and enjoy a high‑quality run at a premier event.

Novice

Burnham Market’s Novice classes offer riders a superb chance to develop horses in an educational, atmosphere‑rich setting. Jumping in the showjumping arena – a striking natural amphitheatre with excellent spectator viewing – gives horses exposure to a buzzing, atmospheric environment that mirrors the feel of higher‑level competition. Combined with Alec Lochore’s thoughtfully designed cross‑country questions, the Novice classes offer riders the perfect chance to build confidence, develop partnership, and prepare for the next step in their eventing journey.

Intermediate

Intermediate riders can expect a fair but challenging test at Burnham Market. The courses make excellent use of the undulating terrain, encouraging horses to improve balance, adjustability, and focus during the cross‑country. A true mix of technical obstacles on the cross country – including well‑presented ditches, corners, and combinations that require accurate, forward riding – are ideal for those aiming to consolidate experience at Intermediate or preparing to step up again.

Advanced

Burnham Market’s Advanced class asks genuine, top‑level questions, making it an excellent early‑season benchmark. For combinations preparing for major targets later in the season, the track provides the perfect opportunity to assess readiness and sharpen performance. Riders can expect to tackle proper, championship‑style questions – such as an angled hedge to an open corner, and other accuracy‑demanding combinations – all thoughtfully set across Burnham Market’s rolling terrain. 

International

The International classes offer riders the chance to perform on a world‑class stage and join an impressive roll of honour that includes the likes of Laura Collett and fellow Olympic Gold medallist, Oliver Townend. Oliver holds an unprecedented 16 titles at the top level at Burnham Market!

Whether used as preparation for big targets to come or a shot at an early‑season title, these classes deliver high‑level sport with all the atmosphere and prestige Burnham Market is known for.

Ready to make your entry? Click here.