Wilson heads for Blair after Burghley trials

Wilson and Annie Clover were riding at their first Burghley after some strong performances that saw the pair finish third at Burgham and take victory at Bramham.

They started well in Lincolnshire after scoring 43.9 in the dressage to sit 17th, but came unstuck during the cross-country and were eventually eliminated.

But Wilson - who will compete for Great Britain at the Longines FEI European Eventing Championships in Blair Castle this week - refused to be downhearted and says there are plenty of positives that she can take from the trip.

“I think Burghley is the ultimate four-star in the world,” said the London 2012 silver medallist. “It’s a challenging cross-country course with the terrain and the atmosphere, and it’s just such a friendly event.

“It’s so special to be here and I’m very privileged lucky to be here and have a horse to ride.

“We were keeping everything crossed for the weekend, and it’s a shame we couldn’t just complete the competition and have a very happy, safe, and sound horse.

“It’s a big deal but you never know until you try if they’re up to it. She’s certainly fit and well so we were optimistic.”

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is one of six four-star events in the world and sees the best riders from across the globe descend on Lincolnshire to prove their worth.

And, while it might not have gone to plan for Wilson she says that she was delighted with the efforts of Annie Clover.

“I was very pleased with my dressage. There were obviously little bits and pieces throughout the test which could have been better,” Wilson added.

“It was such a shame that she cantered out of her first vault, but she did some lovely extended trot work and her changes were nice so I’m really pleased with her.

“She potentially could have got a better mark, without those mistakes of course, which would have been ideal. She went to Kentucky to do the four-star there and got 45, and she got a 44 here so she’s been very consistent, but it could have been a bit better.

“She’s a very laidback horse and very cool under pressure, so the atmosphere generally doesn’t affect her, which is lovely and very strange actually.

“Sometimes it’s nice to be able to give her a little bit more lift, but this is her first Burghley and we are happy enough.”

The multi-award winning Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (3rd-6th September) has been established as a major international equestrian and social event in the Autumn Sporting Calendar for over 50 years. For more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk