The 31-year-old and faithful steed Blarney Monbeg Pepper made their Defender Burghley bows at this year’s edition of the famed 5* event, scoring 37.2 in the dressage on day one of the competition.
While the result sees Alderson sit outside the top ten in the Defender Burghley leaderboards, the eventing star admitted the score was the last thing on his mind as he fulfilled a childhood ambition.
Dressage is her weakest phase and she really struggles with it so for her to go into that arena and manage to contain herself in our first main battle made me really happy that she listened to me, said Alderson, who is now based in County Waterford, Ireland.
There were mistakes and things to improve on but for her first 5* attempt, we’re very happy with her.
I’ve been here many times to watch Jeanette Bakewell and the other professionals but to actually be here is a dream come true. It’s kind of a pinch me moment because I never thought I’d be here and I’m very grateful to give it a go.
Alderson and Blarney Monbeg Pepper had actually qualified for last year’s edition of the iconic 5* competition, only for the rider to skip the famed tournament in favour of acquiring more experience.
And while it meant the delay of fulfilling a lifelong dream, Alderson admitted he lives with no regrets.
“We were qualified last year but the mare was only 9 so we wanted to wait and solidify everything, added Alderson. “We’ve had some good 4* star results so our preparation has been good.
“It’s been very valuable because when we started at 4* level we were trending high 30s early 40s in the dressage and we’ve gotten those tests down.
“I took over the horse two years ago and did a couple of seasons of 3* and 4*s and now here we are at 5*.
“The horse went amazingly at Branham and finished fourth and felt incredible there so I hope she feels the same on Saturday.
“She’s her own person. She has got her own personality and that’s the problem with the dressage but for cross-country she thinks on her feet and is brave so touch wood, anything I ask her, she does.”
Defender Burghley Horse Trials (4-7 September 2025) has been a major international sporting and social event for over 50 years. It attracts the world’s top equestrians and is attended by vast and enthusiastic crowds. For more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk
