A WEST Devon rider has qualified for one of the most prestigious international three day events in the world, and hopes this year to beat her previous successes at the elite event. Lucy Wiegersma from Highhampton, and riding her horse Shaabrak, is taking part in the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, held in Stamford in Lincolnshire, which started yesterday and finishes on Sunday. A total of 99 entries have been accepted to take on the challenges of the course designed by Captain Mark Phillips, as well as the technically demanding dressage and show jumping phases. Lucy is competing against a tough international field including world champion Zara Phillips and riders from Australia, New Zealand, Croatia and the USA. Lucy, 30, has an impressive record in the eventing world and is the only woman to have won the British championships at junior, young rider and open (senior) levels. Last year she won the British open championships at Gatcombe and this year rode to fourth place. Lucy has also been nominated as first reserve for the British team in this year?s European championships. This is her eighth event at the Burghley Horse Trials and the talented rider is hoping that she and Shaabrak will be in the top three. Last week Lucy was taken part in the Scottish Open, where unfortunately one of her horses, Beckli, was injured. Her mother Pippa, told the Times: ?She hopes to do well I am hoping that she gets into the top three. She likes to win, and as a professional rider is very ambitious and keen to do well, but I know she would be pleased to at least be in the top five.?
