Burghley Horse Trials – our favourite event of the year
How time flies… A year ago we experienced Burghley for the first time. Set in the stunning rolling hills of Burghley House, just outside Stamford in Lincolnshire, this was an unexpected, wonderful discovery. Ah Burghley – we only have fond memories of you. 
We camped in the grounds (as is the norm for most exhibitors) and were serenaded awake each morning with the ‘clip-clop’ of hooves trotting by. For those not in ‘the know’ (as we weren’t), horse trialling commences early, very early. Meaning that exhibitors are up and at it equally early. I never expected to be serving customers at 7.45am, but at Burghley this isn’t unusual. We paired up with our foodie neighbours, offering Hannibal’s wines with the finest smoked salmon, cheeses to die for and pies – ah, pies…
It surprised us last year that upon submitting our application to exhibit, we were then vetted in action before being considered, let alone accepted! But the organisers of this event know what they are doing and simply get it right. There’s no burger vans, no stinky chippy, no crass bouncy castles (although I do like a good bounce from time to time); it’s Swanksville personified. Pristine gazebos, dazzlingly white and all matching, the exhibitors are hand-chosen to complement one another (not compete) and mindful of providing tens of thousands of visitors with possibly the greatest shopping experience ever (eat your heart out Dubai).
Visitors come from afar – lovely folk, polite, smartly dressed and oh, there’s not a bare torso in sight, oh no. Our favourite ‘groupies’ from last year were the charming and glamourous Texan ladies. They confided to us that they had flown over to watch their trainer’s horse compete, only to miss the entire competition owing to their having such a wonderful time tasting our wines in the sunshine! Well, when the sun shines, everything’s just dandy!
We’ll by providing our personalised wine service on the spot so don’t forget to bring your photos. We have a clutch of complimentary tickets to this year’s event – contact us now if you’re interested in attending. But remember, just as we are vetted by Burghley organisers, we may have to vet you too…!!:-)
Burghley – 1st to 4th September 2016