Eventing ace Izzy Taylor and rugby great Philippa Tuttiett hail a standout year for women’s sport ahead of Defender Burghley Horse Trials

With the Women’s Rugby World Cup underway and Defender Burghley Horse Trials set for 4–7 September 2025, two of the UK’s most recognisable athletes — professional event rider Izzy Taylor and former Wales captain Philippa Tuttiett — have marked the moment with a sport-swap at Burghley House in Stamford. Taylor hosted Tuttiett for a riding session before testing her own handling of a rugby ball, a light-hearted meet-up that underlined a serious theme: women’s sport is enjoying a surge in profile and momentum. England have opened their home World Cup in emphatic style, beating the USA 69–7 at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light — a result that only adds to the sense that 2025 is set to be a landmark year.

“What a great year it’s been so far for women’s sport and it’s not over yet,” said Taylor. “Here at Burghley we’ve got very competitive females like Ros Canter, the defending Burghley champion, and former winner Piggy March, and we’ve also got the European Eventing Championships in a month’s time here in the UK.”

Tuttiett echoed the point about visibility and access. “It’s been amazing to see so many athletes across so many sports, and to have it so freely available. It’s important for boys and girls to see people who look different doing what they love. We’ve all had setbacks, but if you stick with it you can get where you want to go — at any age.”

After her own saddle time, the Welsh rugby legend admitted she’s keen for more: “I felt like something out of Pride and Prejudice — just not looking as cool! I was lucky to be under the master, Izzy. I learned some basics and it was amazing.”

Looking back: last year’s Burghley champion

Ros Canter, who is expecting her second child early 2026, arrives at Burghley as the defending champion, having won the 2024 Defender Burghley Horse Trials with Lordships Graffalo. Their finishing score of 23.6 set a Burghley record and capped an extraordinary run that also includes Badminton victory and, six weeks earlier, Olympic team gold. The 2024 title carried a £110,000 first prize and confirmed Lordships Graffalo among the modern greats of the sport.

About Defender Burghley

Now in its sixth decade, Defender Burghley Horse Trials is one of eventing’s most prestigious five-stars, attracting the world’s top combinations and vast, knowledgeable crowds to the parkland of Burghley House. This year’s running takes place 4–7 September 2025 with competition across dressage, cross-country and showjumping, and a showground that remains a firm favourite for riders and fans alike. No Taylor’s final word neatly bridges both sports: “It’s really picking up in women’s sport — and that’s fantastic.”