It has barely been four months since Charlotte Brear’s horse Manor Missile had five holes drilled into his head, but the Leeds duo are back and ready to strut their stuff at the Burghley Horse Trials.

With surgery required on his head and synapses, preparation was halted for Manor Missile and Brear, who made their Burghley debut a year ago, finishing 40th in one of the highlights of the eventing calendar.

Manor Missile will be one of 100 horses taking to the international four-star event in Burghley Park, Lincolnshire from September 1-4.

Event riders will compete in dressage, cross country and show jumping disciplines, looking to follow in the footsteps of 2015 winner Michael Jung as well as six-time champion William Fox-Pitt, currently representing Team GB at the Rio Olympic Games.

And while Brear, 26, admits their training had to take a backwards step, she believes that Manor Missile is in the best position he can possibly be.

“In April he had five holes in his head, a tooth out and Grade 4 stomach ulcers, so just to be going is more than we ever imagined,” she said.

“He’s fit and ready, whether he’s had enough runs I’m not too sure, but the past couple of weekends he has been brilliant.

“If I didn’t think he was ready I wouldn’t take him, but we’re going to go and have a brilliant time. So long as he comes back happy and sound I’ll be happy too. He’s had a bit of a tough time but he’s come out of the other side a lot better.”

The relationship between Brear and Manor Missile goes just beyond the two eventing, first meeting when the foal was just a few months old, competing together since 2009.

It’s a bond which has been integral to their success having trained at Manor Park, Guiseley, with Brear hoping their connection and last year’s experience can lead them in good stead this time around.

“This year I know what to expect a little bit more, although I’m not sure whether that’s a good or bad thing,” she added.

“We had a really good run at Burgham a couple of weeks, not a great dressage which was disappointing but he’s jumped the best I’ve ever seen him. He’s feeling like he’s on top form, but if the cross country is anything like last year will be incredibly tough.

“The whole event is absolutely fabulous, my mum and I go down there and have an amazing time, the atmosphere is fantastic and he tends to ride the occasion, so hopefully he will do there.”

The multi-award winning Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials from September 1-4 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