The 46-year-old is a veteran of Burghley House but is competing at Stamford this week astride debutant J’Adore Salsa at the iconic 5* event, where the two combined to score 34.4 on day one of the competition.
It is a result that sees Owen outside the top ten in the tournament rankings but the veteran rider was only full of praise for his faithful companion.
“I’m really pleased,” said Owen. “It’s a mare I’ve only had for three years. She was ridden by another rider but things didn’t work out and I ended up with her.
“It’s been quite a journey to get here but now I’ve got the trust of her. She’s really pulling out the stops and improving. Even though she’s 14, she’s still improving and I couldn’t be happier with her.
“I’ve been around here about 14-15 times so I know a Burghley horse when I ride one and she’s showing all the signs of it.
“She’s quite a sassy character, a typical mare who can be a bit hormonal but once she’s onside and you explain things systematically and methodically in your training, she’s very easy.
“Yesterday she was a bit wired and overexcited and overawed with this all but she had a good session last night.
“She came up here and was as relaxed as she’s ever been and full credit to her.”
Up next for the duo is Saturday’s cross-country test, with course designer Derek di Grazia’s reversed course promising plenty of twists and turns.
And while Owen is expecting nothing less, he hopes to use this weekend as a valuable learning experience.
“There’s nothing she can’t do but when you add all the cumulative jumping with the terrain, the course walks very tough, added Owen.
“There’s going to be a lot of tired horses towards the end of the course. Last year, the technicality was easier coming home but here it’s fairly intense.
“It’ll be really interesting to see if they can be as responsive as we think they may or may not be and I’d be very surprised if a horse makes a time.
“They might prove me wrong but as long as she comes back safe and finishes through the flags, that’ll springboard her for future 5*s so it’s important she finishes the week.
“I’ll give her as much help as I can but it is down to whether or not she wants to do it when the chips are down.
“We’re here to learn. It’s now or never for us so we need to know what she’s made of.”
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
