Biography

It is the fourth consecutive visit for British rider Alice Casburn (23) and her ride Topspin. The pair made a successful debut here in 2022 (19^th) winning Alice, who was the youngest rider competing, the highest placed ‘under 25’, the highest placed ‘owner/rider’ and the Glentrool trophy for the ‘highest rise up the leader board after dressage. In 2023 they completed again (18^th). They retired here on the cross country course last year albeit in June 2024 the combination placed 5^th in the 5* at Luhmuhlen. Later in the year they placed 10^th at Burghley – their third completion of the event and third top 10 place.

Alice, who is based in Corpusty, 16 miles north of Norwich in Norfolk, is not quite the youngest this year – British rider Tom Woodward is 10 weeks younger.

In 2022 with Topspin Alice won team gold and individual bronze medals at the Young Rider European Championships at Hartpury and finished an outstanding season with fifth place at Burghley 5*. In 2019 with Topspin she was a member of the British squad at the Junior European Championships (16^th) and the pair completed their first 5* at Pau in 2021.

Alice who completed an AASE (Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence) with Haddon Training now helps out in her mother’s livery yard.

Alice’s mother Caroline Casburn (nee Sizer) rode at Badminton 1994 and later that year was a member of the British squad at the WEG in the Hague (Grey Ghost). Topspin who is a second generation homebred was originally competed by Caroline in showjumping to Grade A as he was considered too sharp for Alice who eventually took the reins in 2018 when he was 10, after ‘years of being desperate for the ride’.

Alice enjoys regular beach swims, reading and socialising. She trains with her mother Caroline and Judy Hancock.

Topspin owned by his breeder Caroline Casburn is a British-bred AES registered 18-year-old gelding. He is by the KWPN sire Zento out of a mare by the thoroughbred El Conquistador. He is a second generation homebred – Caroline competed Topspin’s Grand-dam to advanced level. He is described as ‘incredibly quirky’ and not the easiest and is especially horse shy in the warm-up arena. He is however considered a member of the family. He is 17.1hh and still lives in the same stable he was born in.