Defender Burghley 2025: Meet the Debutants

This year, 14 riders are making their Burghley debut. For some, it’s a long-awaited chance with experienced 5* horses; for others, it’s going to be the biggest weekend of their career so far.

Here’s how this year’s debutants line up:

1. Aimee Penny - PSH Encore & PSH Gazelle

Aimee Penny makes her Burghley debut with PSH Encore and PSH Gazelle, adding another CCI5* start to a record that already includes completions at Pau and Luhmühlen. PSH Encore has been top-10 at Blair Castle in the CCI4*-L (2022) and was top-25 at Blenheim last season. Aimee also brings PSH Gazelle, who completed Pau last season and has a strong record at CCI4* level. 

2. Cassie Sanger - Redfield Fyre

At just 20 years old, North Carolina’s Cassie Sanger is the youngest rider in this year’s field. She made her 5* debut at Kentucky in the spring where she finished inside the top-20. Since then, she has been based with Ros Canter in the UK. Since 2008, only 11 riders under 21 have started at Burghley. Cassie becomes the 12th and the youngest rider for USA.

3. Alexander Tordoff - Cool Jack

Alexander Tordoff partners the 17-year-old Cool Jack for his Burghley debut. This pair completed Pau last year with a clear cross-country and just two rails down on the final day. Alex has produced Cool Jack since he was a five-year-old, and together they’ve climbed the levels — from their first Advanced to their first four-star, five-star, and now their Burghley debut.

4. Christoph Wahler - D’Accord FRH

Germany hasn’t had a Burghley runner since 2018, but Olympian and World team gold medallist Christoph Wahler will end the wait. With top-10 finishes at both Kentucky 2024 and Badminton 2025 — making the time cross-country at both — Wahler and D’Accord FRH are in a good position for their Burghley debut. 

5. Daniel Alderson - Blarney Monbeg Pepper

Daniel Alderson makes his 5* debut after an impressive fourth place at Bramham CCI4*-L this summer, adding just 0.4 penalties to their dressage score. The 10-year-old Blarney Monbeg Pepper has jumped double clear at all three of his CCI4*-L runs and has never picked up a cross-country penalty. This combination is one to watch.

6. Elspeth Bryce - Lacoste

At 23 years old, Elspeth Bryce makes her 5* debut with Lacoste, the only horse she has ever competed internationally. Together they have made 19 international starts, and this will be their 20th. They jumped a double clear at Burnham Market CCI4*-S and had a top-25 finish at Burgham this summer.

7. Jack Mantel - Jack Daniels

Jack Mantel made his 5* debut at Badminton this spring with a clear round cross-country. He arrives at Burghley in strong form after jumping double clear at Burgham. From a non-horsey background, Jack now runs a competition and sales yard in Northumberland alongside his partner and horse’s co-owner, Jack-Thomas Watson. And yes, that does make it three Jacks on the team.

8. Kate Rocher-Smith - Dassett Select

Kate Rocher-Smith and Dassett Select return for their second 5* after making their debut at Badminton this spring, where they jumped clear. With the eleven-year-old's cross-country consistency and Kate's eventing experience should stand to them across Burghley's rolling hills. 

9. Katie Magee - Treworra

With completions at both Badminton and Pau already, Katie Magee and Treworra will tackle their first Burghley. Having finished 11th at Badminton this spring, they come here as the newly crowned British Open Champions from Hartpury. 

10. Laura Birley - Bob Cotton Bandit

Now based in Northern Ireland, Laura Birley brings the 17-year-old Bob Cotton Bandit. Together, they’ve already contested both Luhmühlen and Pau at 5* and most recently, they jumped clear cross-country at Burgham CCI4*-S.

11. Lucy Latta - RCA Patron Saint

Ireland’s Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint made headlines with their 2nd place finish at Badminton 2024 on their 5* debut, climbing from 46th after dressage thanks to the fastest cross-country round of the day. After withdrawing from Badminton earlier this year, this will be only their second start at the level — one the Irish have been patiently waiting for.

12. Tara Dixon - Master Smart

Based in Northern Ireland, Tara Dixon — daughter of Olympic rider Karen Dixon — makes her 5* debut with Master Smart. The combination have 16 CCI4* starts under their belt with their experiencing showed at Burnham market this spring when they jumped double clear for 14th place. 

13. Tayla Mason - Centennial

Tayla Mason brings Centennial for their fourth 5* start, but first at Burghley. They impressed at Badminton this spring with a clear cross-country and a top-20 finish, proving they can handle the toughest tracks. Consistent at 4*, they’ll be looking to keep climbing at Burghley.

14. Tom Strawson - Public Address

Tom Strawson and Public Address step up to their first 5* after a string of strong 4* results this spring, including 7th at Thoresby CCI4*-S and 6th at Ballindenisk CCI4*-L. Burghley will also mark Tom's 30th international start.

New names, big stage

From Lucy Latta’s fairytale Badminton to Christoph Wahler’s German return, from Cassie Sanger’s youth to Daniel Alderson’s perfect cross-country record, this years debutants bring fresh stories to the 2025 field.

Some will be here to gain experience. Some may be able to challenge the leaderboard. Either way, they’re names to watch when Defender Burghley gets underway.