British rider Piggy March leads the dressage phase at Defender Burghley 2025 on her new mount, MCS Maverick, scoring 25.7 penalties. This marks her first Burghley appearance since winning in 2022, and she has taken over the 12-year-old gelding from Pippa Funnell. Despite Maverick’s excitable nature and some weaknesses in the trot, Piggy praised his canter and overall potential, expressing excitement for the upcoming cross-country phase. Close behind are Alex Bragg on Ardeo Premier with 28.4 penalties and Will Rawlin on Ballycoog Breaker Boy with 28.8.

Other notable competitors include David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed in fourth, Harry Meade on Cavalier Crystal, and former Burghley winner Caroline Powell in seventh. The event continues with top riders like Tim Price, Oliver Townend, and defending champion Ros Canter set to compete. The competition runs from September 4-7, 2025, with live coverage available on Burghley TV.