When you realize you've scored a personal best to take the lead at Burghley!

PC: Eventing Nation

What a weekend it was for Lauren at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials! After preparing Team Rebecca's Veronica all summer to aim her at this prestigious event, she could not have asked for a better Burghley debut. 

After settling in nicely and schooling well early in the week, Lauren and Veronica headed into a truly electric dressage ring on Friday, but they threw down an absolutely amazing test to earn a new personal best score of 37.0. 

Lauren knew it wouldn't be a dressage show, and she set out on cross country determined to give Captain Mark Phillips's challenging track her all. Veronica answered every question with confidence, and they came home with just a few time penalties to move them down to 13th headed in the final show jumping phase. Overall, Lauren was thrilled with the ride despite the time faults , with nothing but praise for Veronica. "She's taken me around Burghley and just kept on jumping great," she said.

 

Leaping into the water on their way to coming home clear

PC: Nico Morgan Media

Veronica came back fresh on Sunday and ready for action. They kept all the rails in the cups and added just a single time penalty to finish in 12th place and earn Lauren the trophy for the highest-placed Burghley first timer! 

 

On their way to a top 12 finish!

PC: Nico Morgan Media

As Lauren reflects on the amazing week she and Veronica had at Burghley, she would like to take a moment to thank everyone who contributed to the weekend's success: to Team Rebecca for allowing her to ride such an incredible horse, and to her entire team both in England and in the States, who have all done such an incredible job keeping not only Veronica but all of her horses going while she has been traveling back and forth. And finally, to Veronica, for always giving her all and being the best partner Lauren could ask for. 

N one of this would be possible without the support of everyone on her team, along with her family, friends, and wonderful sponsors. She is so excited to see what is to come, and she's looking forward to continuing to share her adventure with you. Now, it's time for Veronica to enjoy some well-earned rest as Lauren prepares for the rest of the fall season!

Taking in the sights with fellow Team USA rider Lynn Symansky and Donner!