Anyone going to Burghley?

[Mirage]

We are going on Cross Country day and are really looking forward to it.I need some new boots too,so will hit the stands.

Anyone else going?

Possibly, have free members' tickets for Sunday but DH was underwhelmed last year and preferred when we coughed up for xc day!

I haven't bought ticket, but pretty sure we will rock up for the cross country day...the kids loved it last year.

Yep...Cant wait..Will also be going to Blenheim..my horse is competing so really looking forward to that as well!

when is it?

Weekend after 31st aug/1st sept..

Cheers

We are! Friday and Saturday is the plan at the moment. Who's your horse Denman?! How exciting!

We are too - for the first time! We're also going to the cross country, any top tips from those of you who have been previously?

Also, what are the practicalities of taking dogs? They are very well behaved and fine around horses, so no worries there.

Very, very excited!

Lucy, we always go to the cross country day at Burghley (25+ years). Top tips are:

1. Arrive early - well in advance of the first to go because it starts getting really busy between 9 and 10am.

1. Dogs are fine on the X country if you take a pooper scoop and of course they have to be on a lead at all times. Lots of people check them into the dog crèche by the bridge if they want to go into the shops (dogs and shops don't mix here).

1. Shopping is great but very, very busy unless you're prepared to miss a chunk of the good riders/horses. It is the main reason why many go on Thursday/Friday as well.

1. Most people walk the course in the direction of the horses. We go backwards from the last jump (or usually one nearest our car) to the start. That way it is less busy and you get to see plenty of horses. We usually watch one or two over every jump with perhaps half a dozen at the Land Rover area where there is a natural amphitheatre and good for lunch etc.

1. Take a rucksack for your food/drink - save buying from the stalls - although there is always an excellent food court/food shopping area in the shops.

1. Finally don't get lulled into thinking you can just stroll over the bridge (either to or from the shops) when the last person is on the course. That is prime time so be prepared to queue.

No extending leads for dogs either.There have been a few incidents of dogs getting onto the course and even chasing horses at cross country events in recent years.

Do you have to take your dogs? We never take ours as it's just too much hassle with the pooping, making sure they're not wrapped round people's legs, or snaffling food from little hands!

If we can't find anyone to let them out during the day they go for a mega long walk the day before and the morning of the event and then are happily curled up for the rest of the day.

I find it so much less stressful without and am pretty sure the dogs do too.

Have to say that we don't take our dog either - just leave him down the side of our house for the day - as he would just be a pest with the crowds. Lots of people do take dogs but I don't find them that suitable as at, say, a point to point or smaller cross country event.

Thanks for the advice - most useful!

No, we don't have to take the dogs, they should be okay outside just this once. I was just wondering whether we'd regret not taking them or if it would be more hassle than it's worth to bring them along. To be honest, it sounds the latter!

It does also seem like taking a picnic is a good idea; I don't fancy the idea of queuing forever to buy lunch. I hadn't been sure whether to take food with us or not, so that's been awfully useful to know, too.

Let's hope we have nice weather...