Eventing titan Pippa Funnell admits she battled through the nerves to compete at the 2023 Defender Burghley Horse Trials.

Funnell, 56, completed the dressage phase with 16-year-old gelding Majas Hope as they posted a highly commendable score of 28.8, just 1.9 points behind newly-crowned European champion Ros Canter.

But the British Olympic rider and 2003 Rolex Grand Slam winner has had to learn to overcome her emotions to keep competing at the fast and furious 5* level.

“I have to absolutely accept my nerves,” the Dorking-based rider said. “I have to accept I’m going to go through that phase of thinking I’m too old, why am I still doing it, and all the things I beat myself up about.

“I just have to accept them and just realise once I get on the horse, they go and I start just zoning in and I’ve learnt I have to live with my nerves.

“I wouldn’t say it was fantastic, the trot work I was really delighted with. The first entry was really good for him and all his trot work he stayed lovely and forward.

“He might not be the fastest and I might not be the fastest but I’m just going to come here and enjoy it.

“So far I have enjoyed it so let's hope I do tomorrow.”

Saturday sees the highly anticipated cross-country phase of Burghley get underway on the famed course, designed by Derek di Grazia.

The 1999 and 2001 European champion backed Canter, who is riding in the form of her life after claiming Badminton and double European gold glory already this year.

“Ros is on the crest of a wave and there is no better European champion, she’s class and a lot of us know what it’s like when you’re on that crest,” she said.

“I wish her the best of luck, I wish everyone luck and may the best man win.

“I still think, ‘why do I do it?’, but it’s fun coming, I’ve only got one horse here.

“It’s just fun to come back here and I’ve made myself think I’m coming with a horse that’s got a good cross-country record.

Defender Burghley Horse Trials (31st August - 3 September 2023) has been a major international sporting and social event for over 50 years. It attracts the world’s top equestrians and over 170,000 visitors. For more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk