For Andrew Nicholson more than most, just being at the 2016 Burghley Horse Trials is going to be a monumental achievement in itself.

The New Zealander, who now lives in Wiltshire, suffered a nasty neck injury 12 months ago, damage that surgeons told him would have caused paralysis in 98% of cases.

The former World No.1 fell off Cillnabradden Evo during the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, forced to undergo an eight-hour surgery which ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.

But the Marlborough man, winner at Burghley for a third consecutive time on Avebury in 2014 – the last of his five wins to date – is now back in the saddle and raring to go.

The six-time Olympian will be riding Jet Set IV, Nereo and Qwanza, three 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 despite being on the cusp of a life-changing injury just last August, Nicholson insists preparations are progressing in much the same way.

“Preparations are going well and going along more smoothly. We are doing the same old stuff in training because it is all very important to get right,” he said.

“I had a bad injury last year and it was hard to come back but I am happy with how it has all been going and we are looking forward to doing well.

“At the moment it is all going well, the only thing we have to look at is fitness which is so important. I have been very fortunate to win it before and I love it.”

For some, even just being at Burghley would be an achievement all on its own.

But Nicholson, 52, Olympic team eventing bronze medallist at London 2012 after taking silver 20 years previous, there’s a clear end goal which has been the same from the very start.

“Burghley is a major event – probably the main one of the season. It is huge. It is very prestigious to win it and just to take part is something special,” he added.

“It has a great atmosphere and something I am very privileged to be a part of every year. It’s the pinnacle of our season and one of the toughest on the circuit, but we may need some luck with the weather.

“My horses are peaking well right now and it they are all very experienced and we are excited for the challenge.

“I am there to win and nothing else is good enough. If you qualify, you are there to win.”

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