EMMA Thomas is brimming with confidence after completing the Defender Burghley Horse Trials for only the third time in her equestrian career. Icarus saw two refusals on fence 7a after the crowds spooked the horse as they emerged from under the Lion Bridge. He was born to ride around here.”It does not get any bigger than Defender Burghley. But having ridden around its storied grounds for the third successive year, Thomas believes she has emerged from the experience all the wiser. “I’m feeling more self assured.”Defender Burghley Horse Trials (4-7 September 2025) has been a major international sporting and social event for over 50 years.