Defender Burghley Horse Trials is one of those events where country style and practicality really do need to work together. You want to look put together, but you also need to be ready for a full day outside, plenty of walking and the sort of September weather that can change completely within an hour.
Burghley Horse Trials 2026 takes place from Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th September. Dressage runs on Thursday and Friday, cross-country is on Saturday and the final showjumping takes place on Sunday. What you wear can depend slightly on the day you are attending, but comfortable footwear, sensible layers and a weatherproof outer layer are always a good idea.
The good news is that dressing practically does not mean losing the classic country look. Here are my outfit ideas for women and men, including a smarter traditional option and a more practical outfit for anyone planning to walk around the course while still looking good.
What Should You Wear to Burghley Horse Trials?
The best Burghley outfit includes comfortable waterproof footwear, trousers or jeans that allow you to move easily, light layers and a waterproof or water-resistant jacket. Neutral country colours such as olive, navy, brown, stone and cream are easy to wear and will still look smart even when the weather turns.
Burghley's own visitor information advises everyone to wear suitable footwear because of the park's terrain. It also warns that the weather can range from hot and dry to torrential rain, which sums up exactly why layers are so important.
A Classic Country Outfit for Women
If you love the traditional Burghley look, I would keep the outfit simple rather than trying to wear every country trend at once.
Start with a fitted shirt, fine knit or lightweight quarter-zip, then add slim or straight-leg jeans in a dark blue, olive or neutral shade. On top, a Barbour Classic Beadnell Wax Jacket gives you that instantly recognisable country look without feeling too formal.
For footwear, it is hard to go wrong with the Dubarry Galway Women's Leather Country Boots. They are waterproof, comfortable and smart enough for a country event, so they work particularly well with jeans tucked in or slim pincord trousers such as the Dubarry Honeysuckle Jeans.
A small leather crossbody bag, simple stud earrings and a lightweight scarf are enough to finish the outfit. I would avoid carrying a large handbag, especially on cross-country day, as it quickly becomes annoying when you are walking between fences, food stands and the shopping village.
The outfit:
- Wax jacket in olive or navy
- White, blue or softly checked shirt
- Fine knit or lightweight quarter-zip
- Dark jeans or slim pincord trousers
- Waterproof leather country boots
- Small crossbody bag
This is probably the easiest option if you want to look classic and polished but still feel comfortable all day.
A Practical Women's Outfit for Walking the Course
If you are going on cross-country Saturday, planning a course walk or simply know you will be on your feet from morning until late afternoon, I would make footwear and waterproofing the priority.
Choose a proper waterproof jacket rather than relying on a wax jacket if heavy rain is forecast. The Ariat Coastal Waterproof Jacket has a clean, flattering shape, so it still looks smart while giving you the sort of protection you actually need in wet weather. The Härkila Orton Tech HWS Women's Jacket is another good choice if you want something more traditionally country.
Pair it with lightweight stretch trousers, such as the Seeland Larch Stretch Trousers, rather than very tight jeans. They are easier to walk in, dry more quickly and will not feel as restrictive if the day becomes warm.
On your feet, I would choose an all-weather trainer or a low country boot rather than a technical walking boot. The Dubarry Curragh Women's All-Weather Trainers are ideal for this type of event because they look much neater than traditional hiking footwear but still have a waterproof lining, good grip and lightweight cushioning for a long day on your feet. The olive colour also works naturally with green, navy and neutral country clothing.
The outfit:
- Breathable base layer or T-shirt
- Lightweight fleece or quarter-zip
- Proper waterproof jacket with a hood
- Stretch outdoor trousers
- Waterproof country trainers or low ankle boots
- Crossbody bag or small backpack
Keep the colours tonal—olive, brown, navy and cream—and even a very practical outfit will still feel smart and coordinated.
A Classic Country Outfit for Men
For men, a classic Burghley outfit does not need to be complicated. A good shirt, comfortable trousers, a wax jacket and brown boots will always look right.
Start with a cotton Tattersall shirt such as the Hoggs of Fife Inverness Shirt. Add an Alan Paine Barton Merino Quarter-Zip if the morning is cool, then finish with the Barbour Bristol Wax Jacket.
For trousers, dark jeans are perfectly acceptable, but navy or stone chinos give the outfit a slightly smarter finish. The Meyer Roma 316 Chinos contain stretch, which makes them more comfortable for a long day than a very rigid tailored trouser.
If conditions are dry and you are mainly staying around the arena and shopping areas, the R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots look polished without being overly formal. If rain is expected or you want something a little more practical, the Ariat Wexford Waterproof Chelsea Boots are a better all-weather option.
The outfit:
- Tattersall or Oxford shirt
- Fine quarter-zip knit
- Olive or navy wax jacket
- Dark jeans or stretch chinos
- Brown leather Chelsea boots
This works particularly well for dressage or showjumping days when you want to look smart but not dressed up.
A Practical Men's Outfit for Walking the Course
For cross-country day, comfort underfoot matters much more than wearing your smartest boots. The course covers a large area of the park, and soft or uneven ground can make an ordinary pair of fashion boots feel very uncomfortable after a few hours.
Start with a breathable T-shirt or base layer, add a lightweight fleece and carry a proper waterproof jacket. The Härkila Orton Tech HWS Jacket is waterproof and windproof but still has a classic country shape. For a lighter option, the Hoggs of Fife Ardross 4-Way Active Jacket gives you stretch and weather protection without feeling too heavy.
Wear stretch outdoor trousers rather than stiff denim. The Härkila Fjell Trousers have a practical country look, but the stretch panels and articulated knees make them much better suited to a full day of walking.
Finish with a smart waterproof trainer or low country shoe rather than a heavy walking boot. The Dubarry Kempton Men's Waterproof Trainers have a clean, understated look while still giving you waterproof protection, cushioning and grip for walking around the event. If you prefer a brown leather style, the Ariat Terrain Ease Waterproof Shoes are a low pull-on option that looks more like a country boot while remaining comfortable and practical.
The outfit:
- Breathable base layer
- Lightweight fleece or gilet
- Waterproof, windproof jacket
- Stretch outdoor trousers
- Waterproof trainers or low country boots
- Cap and small backpack
What to Wear on Each Day of Burghley
Thursday and Friday: Dressage
Dressage days are a good time to wear the smarter classic-country outfit. You may spend more time around the main arena and shopping village, so a wax jacket, shirt, knitwear and leather boots work well. Just check the forecast before choosing Chelsea boots over waterproof country boots.
Saturday: Cross-Country
Cross-country day is the one to dress most practically for. Expect a lot of walking and choose waterproof trainers or low country boots with good grip that you have already worn in. A waterproof jacket, stretch trousers and a hands-free bag will make the day far more comfortable.
Sunday: Showjumping
Sunday can be slightly smarter again, especially if you have grandstand seats or hospitality. A classic wax jacket and boots outfit works well, but keep a waterproof layer nearby because wet ground from earlier in the week will not disappear overnight.
My Burghley Packing Checklist
Even when the forecast looks good, I would take:
- A lightweight waterproof jacket or packable raincoat
- Comfortable trainers, shoes or low boots that have already been worn in
- An extra pair of socks in the car
- A small umbrella, if permitted under the current event guidance
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- A refillable water bottle
- A hat or cap
- A small crossbody bag or backpack
- Plasters for any unexpected rubbing
- A boot bag or old towel for the journey home
One of my main tips is not to wear brand-new boots for the first time at Burghley. Even the best-quality footwear needs to suit your feet, and a long day walking around the park is not the time to discover a pressure point.
Can You Wear Wellies to Burghley?
Yes, wellies are a sensible choice when heavy rain has made the ground very muddy. Choose a supportive pair that fits properly and wear comfortable socks. If the weather has been dry, waterproof outdoor trainers or low country boots will usually be more comfortable for a full day on your feet, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with reaching for your wellies if conditions demand it.