IT HAS been a remarkable six years for Marlborough event rider Lissa Green, who is readying herself for a maiden appearance at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, writes JOE LEAVEY.

Despite growing up with riding in her blood, she needed inspiration in the form of the London 2012 Olympics before deciding to try and make a career of eventing.

Fast forward to the present day and Green has now competed at three four-star events – the highest ranking of horse trials – and is soon to make it four when she lines up at Burghley.

“It was London 2012 era where I realised that I really do quite like this, so I decided to give it a go and build a team from horses that other people don’t want to ride,” she said.

“Preparations have been geared towards Burghley since Badminton. He had one run at the two-star in Barbury and came third and did that really easily.

“I’ve entered twice before, but this is my first start. I’m so excited, third time lucky.”

Green will be among 100 riders taking to the international four-star event in Burghley Park, Lincolnshire, from August 30 – September 2.

Eventers compete in dressage, cross country and show jumping disciplines, looking to follow in the footsteps of six-time champion and three-time Olympic medallist William Fox-Pitt.

And Gree isn’t only who has come a long way in recent years.

Her horse – Hollyfield – was purchased as a short-format gelding in Sweden and has been a companion to Green as the pair have progressed through the ranks, not without a couple of teething problems, mind.

“The first competition I rode him at he broke nine bones in my body, so we went from that to going round Badminton last year,” she continued.

“He keeps surprising me, so I’ve got to have a bit more faith in him.

“I’m excited for Burghley, it’s renowned as being the four-star of the calendar, rather than just a four-star. It’s because of the terrain, the hills, the horses have to be on it and that much fitter.

“It’s his third attempt at four-star and I hope he’s ready for it – I think he is. If it went really well you could dream of a top-20 finish, but you’ve got to ride for it.”

“You can’t not enjoy it, even if you fall off at the first, it’ll be great fun.”

The multi-award-winning Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials from August 30 – September 2 has been established as a major international equestrian and social event in the Autumn Sporting Calendar for over 50 years. For more information visit burghley-horse.co.uk