Barnard Castle’s Katie Magee is riding high after Burghley Horse Trials success

A Barnard Castle rider is mixing with the world’s elite – and more than holding her own.

Katie Magee clinched second place overall in the Defender Burghley Horse Trials at the start of the month.

Burghley is a five-star rated event, frequented by Olympic champions, and even earning a chance to ride there is a huge achievement in the sport.

“Burghley is one of the biggest events in the world,” Katie said.

“That’s why people come from all over to compete, or to watch.

“Just being on the estate and being able to compete at that level is a dream come true.”

Although Katie doesn’t come from a horsey background, eventing grabbed her attention early and never let go.

“I remember watching from a very young age and I dreamed of getting to this type of level,” she said.

“I didn’t really have the backing or the owners until relatively late in my career, so it’s been amazing to get ride somewhere I dreamed of being and on what I think is one of the best horses in the world.

“It’s still something I can’t quite believe.”

Katie made her first appearances at five-star events last year at the relatively late age of 43, and Burghley 2026 was only her fifth competition at this level.

So second place, powered by a strong performance in the cross country, represents a huge result.

But perhaps not a surprise.

Katie has been producing Treworra, or Wilf, to give his stable name, for seven years and knew what he was capable of.

“Wilf is a really special cross country horse, so it really suited him that it was a demanding track.

“He did his usual thing and jumped round beautifully.

“I was just honoured to be a part of it,” she said.

And that partnership between horse and rider – in and out of competition – is what keeps Katie hooked on eventing.

“It is an absolutely amazing sport,” she said.

“Everything comes down to the partnership.

“There are years of trust that you have to build up to be able to compete at that level.

“It’s a very expensive sport and it can be a very hard sport, but I think it’s made me a better person.

“Eventing has taught me a lot, and not just about riding.

“Horses can do that full stop.

“Caring for them and appreciating them it’s something I’ve loved throughout my life.”

The current season is coming to an end, but there are still some high profile events to come.

Katie is riding at Blenheim this weekend (September 17-20) and travels to the Netherlands in October for the Boekelo in Enschede next month.

Then, away from competition, comes one of the highlights of the year as Katie gets a chance to work with the horses in preparation for the 2027 season.

“Perhaps my favourite time is in December because we get a bit more leeway to practice things in detail without worrying about competitions.”