Category Archives: Royal Windsor Horse Show

Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Revolution Sports, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show Unveils All-Star International Line-Up

Leave a comment

CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show welcomes the world’s best horses and athletes from 8-12 May 2019. The Show will play host to elite equestrian competition across four FEI equestrian disciplines: Show Jumping, Dressage, Driving, and Endurance.

International CSI5* Show Jumping

Current World No. 1 and winner of the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2019, Steve Guerdat will headline the shortlist of leading riders set to compete in the prestigious Castle Arena at Royal Windsor Horse Show. On Sunday 12 May, in the Rolex Grand Prix – the highlight of the event’s Show Jumping action – Guerdat will be looking to emulate last year’s victorious performance in the class. This year, with a record-breaking prize fund of €500,000, the Swiss maestro will be determined to maintain his position at the top of the rankings.

Guerdat is one of six of the world’s top 10 Show Jumpers set to appear at the 2019 edition of the Show, highlighting the appeal that Royal Windsor enjoys among the jumping community. Competing against Guerdat will be compatriot and this year’s FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final silver medallist Martin Fuchs and current World No. 3-ranked Swedish rider Peder Fredricson. The latter, fresh from claiming a bronze medal on home turf at the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Gothenburg, will be joined by fellow Swede Henrik von Eckermann, the current Rolex Grand Slam live contender.

World No. 5 Daniel Deusser will be returning to the Show in a bid to replicate last year’s stellar performance where Germany’s Olympic bronze medallist won both the CSI5* Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for the King’s Cup and the CSI5* Pearl Stakes. Kent Farrington rounds off the top 10, and, after returning from a serious leg injury in 2018, is beginning to reclimb the rankings. Given his pedigree, spectators can expect another bold performance from the American rider, who will be hoping to mirror his 2017 victory in the Grand Prix.

Representing Great Britain in the top 10 is Ben Maher, who will be joined by a large British contingent, featuring John, Michael, and Robert Whitaker, William Funnell, Laura Renwick, and 19-year-old prodigy Harry Charles. Also sure to receive a strong reception from the throng of British supporters will be Scott Brash, the only rider ever to have won the inimitable Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

One contender who will be particularly popular among music fans is Jessica Springsteen, daughter of rock legend Bruce. The 27-year-old has built a strong Show Jumping career, claiming the CSI5* Falcon Stakes at Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2017.

Travelling from Ireland will be young rider Bertram Allen, who is widely tipped as an up-and-coming talent, and will be joined by his fellow countryman Billy Twomey. Adding further international experience to the class will be Canadian Olympic individual gold medallist Eric Lamaze and Italians Alberto Zorzi and Lorenzo de Luca.

International CDI4* Dressage

Top riders from across the world will challenge some of Britain’s best when the Royal Windsor Horse Show hosts the Al Shira’aa CDI4* Dressage Grand Prix and Freestyle to Music on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 May, respectively. Among the world-renowned names confirmed to compete is homegrown hero Carl Hester, the London 2012 team gold medallist and a rider who needs no introduction. Having already achieved so much within the discipline, Hester will be looking to further add to his illustrious collection of medals and accolades, as he returns riding Nip Tuck. The duo is sure to be backed by vociferous domestic support.

Household name, and the first Dressage rider ever to win Sky Sportswoman of the Year in 2014, Charlotte Dujardin will be returning to the iconic grounds after giving spectators a masterclass in success when she claimed the Dressage title at the Show in 2018. Teammate and friend to Carl Hester, the pair will be putting their friendship to one side as they go head-to-head.

Joining the British team will be Olympian Richard Davison; after coming third – following Dujardin and Hester – in 2018, Davison will be setting his sights on the top spot, along with fellow team mates Louise Anne Bell and Vicky Thompson Winfield.

Adding to the British line-up will be a strong start list of international talent, including Caroline Chew, Katherine Bateson Chandler, Kate Dwyer, and Heike Holstein.

International CAI3*/CAIO4* Driving

The CAIO4* Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix, one of the most important driving events in the UK, and an FEI World Cup™ qualifier, returns for another adrenaline-fuelled competition. A real test of horsemanship, the event includes three stages: driven dressage, the marathon stage, and cone driving for the three competition categories: horse and pony, four-in-hand, and horse pairs.

This year’s roster of 28 competitors involves drivers from 11 nations, with arguably the most well-known in the class being Australia’s Boyd Exell. The current indoor and outdoor World Champion has had much success at Royal Windsor in the past, with a victory last year propelling him to a total of nine wins at the Show. This year, Exell will be looking to secure an impressive 10th win at Windsor and further cement his position at the top of the world rankings.

Attempting to foil the Australian’s challenge at Windsor will be four drivers from the Netherlands, three of whom feature in the top 10 of the Driving World Rankings, with both Bram Chardon and Koos de Ronde accompanying Exell in the top three. Bram Chardon will be competing against his father and multiple world champion Ijsbrand Chardon. Completing the Dutch quartet is Mark Weusthof, he himself a FEI World Driving Championships gold medallist.

The CAIO4* will be heavily dominated by British drivers, with six athletes competing, including well-known equestrian stuntman Daniel Naprous, who, in recent years, has put in a number of thrilling performances at indoor shows, such as Olympia, The London International Horse Show. Completed by experienced sisters Karen and Pippa Bassett, as well as Wilf Bowman-Ripley, James Broome, and Dick Lane, Great Britain’s four-in-hand line-up looks set to mount a strong challenge.

A back-to-back 2014 and 2015 winner, the USA’s Chester Weber is no stranger to success here and will be looking to regain the form that pushed him up the rankings. He is joined by his compatriot Misdee Wrigley-Miller.

In the CAI3*competition, the horse pairs will contain a field of 20 athletes from 10 countries, including four-time Windsor horse pairs winner Beat Schenk. The Swiss will be looking to emulate his 2018 performance at the Show but will face stiff opposition from British competitors David Matthews, Libby Priest, and Chris Smith, the current chairman of British Carriagedriving.

Another eight drivers will compete in the CAI3* pony four-in-hand, including Roger Campbell, who picked up third place at the 2018 edition of Royal Windsor Horse Show. Campbell will believe he can elevate himself to the next level and pick up first place this year. The Netherlands’ Jan de Boer, last year’s winner, already has seven wins to his name at Windsor and will hope to perform once again to the same high standards that he holds himself to. However, he will have to contest the vocal support of the home crowd for domestic drivers Sara Howe and Rowena Moyse.

International CEI1*/CEI2* Endurance

On Friday 10 May, Windsor will welcome competitors for the Royal Windsor Endurance supported by the Kingdom of Bahrain. The long-distance event will see the best equestrians from around the world ride across Windsor and Ascot countryside, as they compete in the 80km and 120km classes, which will be a true test of stamina and teamwork.

Show Director Simon Brooks Ward said: “The quality of international entries that 2019’s Show has managed to attract is testament to Royal Windsor’s strong appeal and stature within the equestrian community, furthering its reputation as one of the world’s top shows. Once again, we welcome the world’s best horse and rider combinations to Windsor and are excited to host a number of elite equestrian competitions for our loyal spectators.”

A list of entries for each discipline can be found here.

Tickets to Royal Windsor Horse Show can be booked online at www.rwhs.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0844 581 0755 from the UK and +44 (0)121 796 6100 internationally. Windsor residents should call the Windsor Information Centre on 01753 743 589.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)203 176 0355

Dressage, Driving, Revolution Sports, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

Unprecedented Number of National Entries Announced for Royal Windsor Horse Show

Leave a comment

Organisers of Royal Windsor Horse Show announced a record-breaking number of entries for this year’s Show. Almost 3,000 entries have been received across the national Showing, Show Jumping, Carriage Driving, and Dressage classes.

Show Director Simon Brooks-Ward commented: “It is very gratifying to see the level of entries for Royal Windsor growing so well. The team work hard to put together a schedule that appeals to all levels of competitors and I am proud that their work is paying off.”

Chief Showing Steward Nigel Hollings said: “To see an incremental increase of entries every year is a feat which should not be understated, particularly given the new rule changes that have been brought in this year. I’m sure it will be another special year to remember for the Show, and we are excited to see which competitors come out on top.”

National Showing

Hosting over 140 Showing classes, the 2019 edition of Royal Windsor Horse Show will welcome some of the biggest names in Showing, as competitors travel from far and wide in the hope of being crowned champion.

Names to look out for this year include former racehorse Cue Card, a prolific National Hunt racer who won an incredible 16 races in his career, including one at the Cheltenham Festival in 2010. Cue Card will be competing in the RoR Open In-hand Show Series Qualifier, after recently joining renowned Showing producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable at her home in Essex.

Further complementing the Showing line-up will be Buckinghamshire-based Irishman, Rory Gilsenan, who, only three months after undergoing emergency cancer surgery, returns to the Working Hunter stage at Royal Windsor, where last year he claimed the Working Hunter crown on the now-retired mare, Kenlis Carrera. Whatever happens at Windsor, Rory will undoubtedly receive warm applause from spectators in the Castle Arena.

Speaking ahead of the event, Rory’s wife, Vanessa, said: “He’s so intent on competing at Windsor that he wouldn’t risk starting the next round of chemo in case it made him too tired. He is determined to try and win again here – it’s like no other venue in the world.”

Sure to be keeping a watchful eye on her own horses will be Her Majesty The Queen, who will be hoping to replicate her many years of success at the annual equestrian event, particularly after she won the 2018 Part-Bred & Anglo-Arab Championships with Whalton Highwayman.

National Show Jumping

In addition to the CSI5* International Show Jumping classes, Royal Windsor Horse Show also offers top-class National Show Jumping action, with several of the UK’s most talented riders confirming their attendance at the Show. Ben Maher, who currently sits at No. 7 in the FEI world rankings list, will be one to watch, as will young rider Emily Moffitt, who has reaped the benefits of being trained by Maher. Both riders will be going head-to-head in the H&C TV Senior 1.35m Open Jumping Competition.

One of Britain’s leading Show Jumpers, Laura Renwick, will be looking to further improve her already sterling reputation at Windsor but will be up against good competition, including husband and wife, William and Pippa Funnell, and the rapid Guy Williams, who will have spectators holding their breath, as he competes across a range of classes with his Dutch Warmblood, Mr Blue Sky UK.

This year’s Show will welcome a strong contingent of young British talent, as many of the next-generation Show Jumpers confirm their attendance. Young names to look out for include 20-year-old Joseph Stockdale, and brothers William (20) and Oliver (16) Fletcher. All three riders – who have had exciting starts to their careers – will take each other on in the The ClipMyHorse.TV Under 25 Jumping on Sunday 12 May, bringing in the hottest young talent on the Show Jumping circuit.

Another surname that carries a lot of weight within the equestrian community is that of Alfie Bradstock, son of Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning National Hunt trainer Mark Bradstock. Having already represented Great Britain in both Eventing and Show Jumping, the 25-year-old is now firmly committed to Show Jumping and will be looking to continue his impressive form at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Tickets to Royal Windsor Horse Show can be booked online at www.rwhs.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0844 581 0755 from the UK and +44 (0)121 796 6100 internationally. Windsor residents should call the Windsor Information Centre on 01753 743 589.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)203 176 0355

Driving, Revolution Sports, Royal Windsor Horse Show

CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show to Host Extreme Driving for First Time Ever

Leave a comment

Spectators are set to be thrilled by the extraordinary talent of fearless Carriage Drivers as Extreme Driving supported by Karen and Hugh Scott-Barrett, premieres at CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show on Sunday 12 May. World-class competitors will battle it out in the Castle Arena, as they manoeuvre a team of four galloping horses around a technical course that demands exceptionally high levels of skill and speed.

In an exciting double first for the sport, this will mark not only a Royal Windsor debut, but also the first time the event will be run in an outdoor venue. This will be staged in front of the spectacular backdrop of Windsor Castle.

The four-in-hand Driving competition brings with it a £10,000 incentive, which combined with the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix, creates one of the richest prize funds in Carriage Driving. The total prize fund equates to over £22,000 and reaffirms Royal Windsor’s importance within the international equestrian circuit. The increased prize money is expected to attract many of the world’s most skilled Carriage Drivers, promising an unmissable afternoon of entertainment and top-grade competition.

Show Director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “The growth of the 2019 Show truly reflects the event’s prominence within the equestrian calendar. Extreme Driving will be a fantastic competition to watch, and one that will be thoroughly enjoyed by both spectators and competitors, and the Show is enormously grateful to Karen and Hugh Scott-Barrett for their generous support of the class. The atmosphere during the Extreme Driving at Olympia is always electric and we expect more of the same at Royal Windsor, and we’re eagerly awaiting to see how the Drivers will fare with the added space of an outdoor arena.”

GBR Carriage Driver Daniel Naprous commented: “It will be a really exciting event this year, not only for spectators but also for competitors. The outdoor space is much bigger than what we are used to at Olympia and most competitions on the World Cup™ tour. It will be really interesting to see the straight-line speeds mixed with the tight turns and manoeuvres of the obstacles. Plus, all the Drivers will be bringing their indoor teams so it will be fast and furious.”

Also included in the week’s Carriage Driving programme is the three-phase CAIO4* Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix. Bringing adrenaline pumping, mud-flying action, the competition gives contenders the opportunity to qualify for the FEI Driving World Cup™ Final. Created by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in the 1970s, the competition comprises three phases: Driven Dressage (Thursday 9 & Friday 10 May); the Marathon Stage (Saturday 11 May); and Cone Driving (Sunday 12 May).

Tickets to Royal Windsor Horse Show can be booked online at www.rwhs.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0844 581 0755 from the UK and +44 (0)121 796 6100 internationally. Windsor residents should call the Windsor Information Centre on 01753 743 589.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)203 176 0355

Community/Charity, Royal Windsor Horse Show

Leading International Equine Acts Set to Perform at ‘The Pageant’

Leave a comment

The Victorian Pageant, held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle on the evenings of 9, 10, and 11 May, has announced that three additional world-renowned international equestrian acts will be travelling over 5,000 miles to be part of the spectacular event.

Making the journey to the iconic setting will be performers from Oman, including 40 musicians playing alongside The Oman Royal Cavalry trick ride, while from the United Arab Emirates, and performing at Windsor for the first time, the Dubai Mounted Police will bring not only their 40-horse Musical Ride, which jumps through fire, but also the world-renowned Dubai Police Pipe Band. The line-up of international acts will be further complemented by the exceptionally talented Hungarian Csikós, who will also be performing at Windsor Castle for the first time.

The 90-minute evening show will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria and will be staged by a BAFTA award-winning team. The Victorian Pageant will transport the audience back to the Victorian era, drawing on some of its typical characters and characteristics, such as the sing along Music Hall, Gilbert & Sullivan, and Charles Dickens’ Oliver. Some 400 horses, 40 carriages, dancers, and musicians will make this an event to remember.

The relevance of these newly announced international displays to Queen Victoria’s 63-year reign was the importance she placed on the Empire and the Silk Road. Along this epic route, merchants began their journey in the Far East before heading West towards Europe, travelling through the Middle East. In ancient times, this journey could take up to two years, and of course this voyage was all carried out on horseback. The Victorian Pageant will celebrate the undeniable impact that horses have had on the development of society, as we know it, through performances from international equestrian acts from countries that featured along the route.

Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “This will be the first time that the Dubai Mounted Police have performed in the UK and we feel truly honoured that they have chosen to display their act for us. They, along with the Oman Royal Cavalry and its Mounted Band, and the Hungarian Csikós, are three of the world’s leading equine acts, and I have no doubt that they will treat the audience to some enthralling and unforgettable moments.”

The Oman Royal Cavalry and its Band’s performance differs from the Dubai Mounted Police in that it has a more traditional focus. The march is filled with the bright colours of the red, green, and gold silks of the Royal Cavalry. The cavalry has strong ties with events seen by the Royal Family, having performed to great acclaim during Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration at Windsor in 2016 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at The Pageant in 2012.

The Dubai Mounted Police will stage the largest Musical Activity Ride at The Victorian Pageant with 40 horses. They are well known in the Middle East for their panache and riding skills and will be accompanied by a large Pipes & Drums Band. This is the first time that a British audience will have seen this famous equestrian display.

The final international act to be announced are the Hungarian Csikós, a collective of traditional mounted horse-herdsman. There are only ten of the original Csikós riders in the world, of which six will be at the show. Their horses are trained to lie down for long periods of time on the Hungarian Plains and this will be demonstrated, along with the Puszta Five. Three horses in the lead are controlled by one rider who stands on a further two horses at the back. The gallop down the arena will be breath-taking.

Spokesperson for the Hungarian Csikós, Péter Szladek, commented: “Tradition is a big part of life in Hortobagy, the largest National Park in eastern Hungary, and means everything to those involved in the display, so to be able to perform at this incredible setting in Great Britain, a nation that values equestrian tradition as much as our own, means so much.”

The event is also delighted to host another first: the Csikós National Champion in horse archery. Be prepared for a real thrill, as he will demonstrate firing arrows from a cantering horse at targets held up by his assistants. This is one display not for the faint hearted.

Tickets for The Pageant are on sale now and visitors may purchase them online at www.windsorpageant.co.uk or via the box office on 0844 581 0755.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)203 176 0355

Breeds, Dressage, Driving, Hunter/Equitation, Pony, Revolution Sports, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

Unprecedented Number of Entries Expected for CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show

Leave a comment

This year, Organisers have added more classes to the 76th annual CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show giving a total of 147 Showing classes – the highest number in recent years. The best of the Brits are expected to compete at the iconic venue and it is anticipated that it will attract the largest number of entries yet.

Over 55,000 spectators will visit the famous showgrounds set in the private grounds of Windsor Castle from 8-12 May 2019 for five days of unmissable competition. For those hoping to contend, the windows for entries are as follows: Show Jumping, 5-12 March 2019; Showing and Carriage Driving, 7-29 March 2019.

New classes this year include Showing classes for Cleveland Bays (in hand and ridden), an RoR Open in Hand Show Series Qualifier, and In Hand classes for Pure Bred Arabs. New national Show Jumping classes include an Under 25 competition on Sunday. In addition, The Pony Club is running its Dressage Championships at the Show and there will an Oxford – Cambridge Varsity match Dressage competition.

Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “Each year we receive the highest standard of entries which is a true testament to the Show, reiterating its importance in the equestrian calendar. With even more added to the Show’s programme this year, it will be extremely exciting to see which competitors shine throughout the week, and which classes are the most hotly contended.”

Britain’s leading competitors will be vying to make an impact in front of the home crowds. Her Majesty The Queen has been a regular contender, having had a number of significant wins over the years.

One of the country’s leading Showing producers, Jayne Ross, who is well aware of what it is like to win at the prestigious Show, commented: “There is an aura about Windsor from the moment you arrive, and if you’re really lucky and you win, you get a fantastic picture of being presented with the trophy with the backdrop of Windsor Castle. There is just nothing quite like it.”

Classes to look out for include:

Wednesday 8 May

Equitop Myoplast Senior Foxhunter
National 1.30m Open Jumping Competition
Land Rover National 1.40m Open Jumping Competition
Hunters
Hackneys
Senior Horses / Ponies, In Hand and Ridden
Cleveland Bays
Ridden Part Bred and Anglo Arabs
RoR, In Hand

Thursday 9 May

Senior 1.35m and 1.45m jumping
Working Hunters
Inter Hunt Team Knockout
Light Trade Turnouts
Polo Pony
Coloureds
Private Driving
Ridden Pure Bred Arabs
In Hand Pure Bred and Part Bred Arabs
RoR Ridden

Friday 10 May

Senior 1.35m Grand Prix
Grades B and C Jumping Competition
Mountain and Moorlands In Hand
Hacks
Cobs
Sword, Lance, Revolver, and Tent Pegging
Coaching Marathon
Pony Club Dressage

Saturday 11 May

The Oxford-Cambridge Varsity Match
Land Rover Inter Schools Show Jumping Competition
Land Rover Services Team Jumping
Senior 1.45m Grand Prix
Mountain & Moorland Ridden
Mountain and Moorland Working hunters
Show Ponies
Child’s Leading Rein and First Ridden
Mountain & Moorland Lead Rein, First Ridden

Sunday 12 May

Under 25 Jumping Competition
The Champagne Laurent-Perrier Meet of the British Driving Society
Pony Club Show Jumping Competition
University Jumping Challenge
Working Hunter Ponies
Show Hunter Ponies
Riding Horses
Purebred and Part Bred Portuguese Lusitanos, Ridden (English)
Side Saddle Concours d’Elegance
Purebred and Part Bred Spanish Andalusian, Ridden (English)
Appaloosas, In Hand and Ridden

More information on how to enter can be found here.

To book tickets for Royal Windsor Horse Show, visit www.rwhs.co.uk. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the box office on 0844 581 0755 from the UK and +44 (0)121 7966 290 internationally. Windsor residents should call the Windsor Information Centre on 01753 743 589.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)203 176 0355

Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Revolution Sports, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

A Record-Breaking Year for CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show

Leave a comment

Royal Windsor Horse Show (8-12 May) is set to become the UK’s richest show for competitors by offering a record-breaking prize fund at the country’s largest horse show. Showcasing a star-studded line-up in its spectacular setting, the increased prize fund and new additions to the event reaffirm its prominence in the global equestrian calendar and popularity amongst fans.

The annual Show, which has witnessed some truly special moments over the years, combines the highest level of sporting action with an unforgettable shopping and gastronomic experience, and a host of thrilling live entertainment.

World-Class Equestrian Action

Having grown in both stature and importance year-on-year, Royal Windsor remains the only UK event to host first-class international competitions in four of the eight FEI disciplines: Dressage, Carriage Driving, Endurance, and Show Jumping, helping to attract some of the biggest names in equestrian sport, including Olympic, World, and European champions.

Having drawn in six of the world’s top 10 riders in 2018, including the winner of the Rolex Grand Prix and the current world number one ranked show jumper, Steve Guerdat, the heightened status of competition is expected to draw in the world’s best horse and rider combinations in Show Jumping to date. This year’s CSI5* Show Jumping will be held on 10-12 May, culminating with the most prestigious competition, the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday 12 May. History will be made in Windsor this year as it was announced that the Grand Prix’s prize fund has been increased from €300,000 to a staggering €500,000, bringing the total prize fund to €875,000.

Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping champion, Scott Brash, who will be aiming to emulate Guerdat’s performance last year, commented: “Royal Windsor is like no other Show; it’s set in one of the most spectacular outdoor settings, and attracts an incredibly knowledgeable and informed show jumping crowd. Having such a strong line-up of world-class competitors each year really reflects the Show’s growth and importance. I believe spectators will be in for something special this year and I really look forward to competing.”

Taking centre-stage on the evenings of Thursday 9 and Friday 10 May, and adding to the event’s international-standing, will be the Al Shira’aa CDI4* Dressage Grand Prix and Freestyle to Music. Having previously welcomed a stellar line-up of entries, the Castle Arena expects to host the most dominant forces in Dressage, including Charlotte Dujardin CBE and Carl Hester MBE.

New to the event and adding a splash of invigorating up-and-coming talent to the line-up will be the Pony Club Dressage Championships and the Under 25 Show Jumping competition. Taking place on Friday 10 May and Sunday 12 May, respectively, stars of the future will be going for gold beneath the iconic Windsor Castle in two tightly fought competitions featuring the most talented young equestrians in the country.

One of the most popular events of the week, the high-octane CAIO4* Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix, firmly stands as the one of the UK’s most important Driving events, giving competitors the opportunity to qualify for the FEI World Cup™ Final. Created by The Duke of Edinburgh in the 1970s, the event takes place over four days of the Show and consists of three-phases: Driven-Dressage, the Marathon, and Cone Driving.

On Friday 10 May Windsor Great Park will host the ultimate test for horse and rider – the CEI2* Royal Windsor Endurance Ride. Set around 120km of beautiful Windsor and Ascot countryside, it is one of the most picturesque long-distance rides in the UK.

As the most important Showing competition in the UK, the event kicks off the Showing season with over 120 classes enticing thousands of competitors from across the country. With several new additions to the already extensive programme, including the in-hand pure bred Arab and part bred Arab class, and the Cleveland Bays, which brings Britain’s oldest breed of horse to the showground, it is expected to be the most competitive year yet. All eyes will be on Her Majesty The Queen and her horses, as she attempts to reproduce some of her long list of successes at the Show.

Displays and Performances

Along with the top equestrian sport on offer, ticket holders will be treated to exceptional entertainment across the five-day event. International displays include The Hungarian Csikós, Stunt riders from Azerbaijan, and performers from Oman. From home, The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Regiment, The Household Cavalry Mounted Band, and The Musical Drive of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will take centre stage in the Castle Arena throughout the week.

Adding some grassroots action and drama to the week’s performances will be the Land Rover Shetland Pony Grand National and the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games. As firm favourites among crowds, the young age of these competitors will be no reflection of their bravery as they throw themselves into explosive races much to the delight of the spectators.

The Pageant

On the evenings of the 9, 10 & 11 May, Royal Windsor Horse Show will host The Pageant 2019, a musical feast of entertainment which celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria. The 90-minute show will encompass everything from the Music Hall, the Industrial Revolution, Gilbert and Sullivan, Charles Dickens, and our military heritage (The Crimean War and The Great Game). More information about The Pageant 2019 can be found online here.

To book tickets for Royal Windsor Horse Show or The Pageant, visit www.rwhs.co.uk or www.windsorpageant.co.uk. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the box office on 0844 581 0755 from the UK and +44 (0)121 7966 290 internationally. Windsor residents should call the Windsor Information Centre on 01753 743 589.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)203 176 0355

Community/Charity, Royal Windsor Horse Show

‘The Pageant’ in Private Grounds of Windsor Castle Celebrates Birth and Reign of Queen Victoria

Leave a comment

This May, one of Her Majesty The Queen’s favourite annual fixtures, Royal Windsor Horse Show, returns with a glorious new twist. 2019 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, a significant occasion which will be commemorated in celebratory fashion. Staged by a BAFTA award-winning team on the evenings of 9, 10 & 11 May in the Show’s Castle Arena, The Pageant, a 90-minute spectacular, will bring together memorable and exciting events from this golden age of discovery. The show will encompass everything from the Music Hall, the Industrial Revolution, Gilbert and Sullivan, Charles Dickens, and our military heritage (The Crimean War and The Great Game).

Compered by Alan Titchmarsh MBE and filled with music throughout, tickets for The Pageant are in high demand. Spectators will be treated to an outdoor theatre production involving a 600 strong troupe of artists, dancers, and participants in addition to over 400 horses and 30 carriages. There will be readings from Queen Victoria’s diaries and poems from Tennyson laced with equestrian action and music from the period.

A host of international acts will be travelling to the iconic Windsor Castle to join the celebrations and play an important role in the 90-minute show, including participants from Oman, the Hungarian Csikós, and stunt riders from Azerbaijan. From the UK there will be Shetland Ponies and their young jockeys, Pony Club riders, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and a ‘Balmoral’ Quadrille, complete with pipes, drums, and Scottish dancers. In homage to Dickens, a scene from the renowned film and play ‘Oliver’ will be a highlight.

Producer, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “When you reflect on the Victorian Era, you realise that there is so much to work with. We have picked some of the best bits to give our audience a real experience of the 19th century and a much-loved Monarch.”

This ceremony joins The Pageant Series at Royal Windsor Horse Show, which in the past has included notable events such as All the Queen’s Horses (2002), Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo (2008-2011), The Diamond Jubilee Pageant (2012), and Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations (2016).

This year, The Pageant will be supporting a number of charities including The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, a charity dedicated to supporting young leaders throughout the Commonwealth, providing them with a platform on which to amplify their ideas, and inspire others to join in.

Tickets for The Pageant are on sale now and visitors may purchase them online at www.windsorpageant.co.uk or via the box office on 0844 581 0755.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)203 176 0355

Community/Charity, Royal Windsor Horse Show

‘The Pageant’ at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Leave a comment

2019 celebrates the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria and to mark this significant occasion, the BAFTA Award winning team of the 2016 Best Live Event (The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations) will stage The Pageant on the evenings of 9th, 10th and 11th May at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Presented by Alan Titchmarsh, The Pageant Compere, the 90-minute show will bring together memorable events from the Victorian Era including Elgar, the Music Hall, Gilbert & Sullivan, Dickens, Rail Travel, and the Industrial Revolution. With only 3,500 seats for sale each night, The Pageant should prove to be the hottest ticket in town.

A cast of artists, dancers, and performers, together with 500 participants, over 400 horses, and 30 carriages, will re-create 19th Century Great Britain and the Reign of Queen Victoria in a theatrical tableau beneath the floodlit Windsor Castle.

The show will be choreographed by Dougie Squires MVO, who was responsible for the stage direction of The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations.

Alongside the Household Cavalry and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will be the Czikos from Hungary, the acrobatic and daring Land of Fire Display from Azerbaijan, Pipes & Drums, Dancers from the Music Halls, performers from Gilbert & Sullivan Operas, and a Balmoral Dressage Quadrille.

This joins the Pageant Series at Royal Windsor Horse Show, which over the years has included All The Queen’s Horses (2002), Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo (2008 to 2011), The Diamond Jubilee Pageant (2012), and The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations (2016).

Tickets for The Pageant go on sale next week and visitors may purchase them online at www.windsorpageant.co.uk or via the box office on 0844 581 0755.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins – rEvolution
E: gjenkins@revolutionworld.com T: +44 (0)203 176 0355

*Featured/Spotlights, Driving, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

Champions Crowned at CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show

Leave a comment

The final day of Royal Windsor Horse Show provided top class sport and entertainment across the showground as the week’s Champions were crowned.

The pinnacle of the CSI5* Show Jumping, the Rolex Grand Prix went to Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat after a gripping jump-off, featuring some of the world’s best riders.

After a fantastic week of Showing action, which included wins for Her Majesty The Queen, the Royal Windsor Supreme Ridden Showing Championship went to Robert Walker and his Hunter Champion, View Point.

Her Majesty The Queen was present to watch the retirement of her homebred former racehorse, Barbers Shop, winner of the Royal Windsor Supreme Ridden Showing Championship in 2017, in an emotional ceremony in the Castle Arena.

SHOW JUMPING: A SPECIAL VICTORY FOR STEVE GUERDAT

A thrilling Rolex Grand Prix provided the perfect finale to Show Jumping at Royal Windsor, with the world’s best riders in action, all looking to claim the prestigious title and the €75,000 first prize.

A full field of 30 riders contested Bob Ellis and Kelvin Bywater’s up-to-height 1.60m course, which posed several challenges, with faults falling evenly throughout the course. 10 combinations jumped clear through to the jump-off, setting up an exciting climax.

Britain’s William Whitaker was the first to take on the shortened course, jumping a brilliant clear round to put the pressure on. Cousin Robert Whitaker followed and showed that the time could be beaten, but was the first of several combinations to incur four faults at the Rolex oxer at the last.

Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) put in a physical display of riding to push Caspar 232 on between fences and take the lead with an impressive time of 44.31; however, it was Laura Kraut (USA) with new ride Catwalk 22 who lay down the gauntlet to the remainder of the field, knocking 0.79 seconds off Gaudiano’s time. Kraut, who has only had the ride on the eleven-year-old Catwalk 22 for three weeks, showed her brilliance, making slightly wider turns, which allowed a smooth and fast-paced round to take the lead.

With four left to go, including two Olympic champions and the reigning European champion, it was a nail-biting conclusion, and it was Steve Guerdat (SUI) with his consistent mare Bianca who managed to pip Kraut to the post with a relentless pace and quick turnbacks to shave another 0.41 seconds off the time, finishing in a time of 43.11. Canada’s Eric Lamaze riding Fine Lady 5, one of the fastest combinations on the international circuit looked like he had the class in the bag as last to go, crossing the line in a time of 41.82, but was another to succumb to the final fence, finishing on four faults.

Celebrating his victory, Guerdat, who last competed at Windsor at the European Championships in 2009, where he won team gold, said, “Windsor has been a good place for me. I had a really good feeling coming in to today. Bianca has been jumping really good and gaining experience and she felt really fresh and happy to jump this week. It might sound crazy, as amazing as she is, but this is the first class we have won together, so I’m really pleased for he; she really deserves it; it’s very special.”

Earlier in the day, there was a British victory in the Palm Speed Stakes, with Robert Smith taking the win riding the eleven-year-old grey gelding Cimano E.

As second to go, compatriot William Whitaker set the standard aboard Lammy Beach, however his lead was short-lived as Wilm Vermeir (BEL), already a winner this week, shaved 0.2 seconds off his time to take over the top spot. Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano, always a threat against the clock, wasted no time from the start, making an exceptionally tight turn to the final line to go faster still, posting a time of 54.87 aboard the nine-year-old Einstein.

With a strong field to follow, the pressure was on to post a fast time, which resulted in a few mistakes as riders chased the leading time. Robert Smith negotiated the twisty track brilliantly, moving quickly across the ground and making the tightest of turns throughout to set the new pace with a time of 54.01, over half-a-second faster than Gaudiano. Smith’s time proved unbeatable, Frenchman Olivier Robert gave it his best shot, making a new move inside an oxer to number eight, but his effort was only good enough for third position.

Speaking after the class, Smith said, “It’s always great to have a home win, but the Show here at Windsor is as good as anywhere in the world and it’s always top-class competition. The classes this week have all been fast and very competitive, so it’s not easy to get in the money, so I’m really pleased to be going home with a win.”

DRIVING: A NINTH VICTORY FOR EXELL

The world’s number one horse four-in-hand driver, Boyd Exell from Australia, showed yet again why he has held this title consistently over the last decade. He steered his team of black horses – three Gelderlanders and an Oldenburg mare – to his ninth CAIO4* Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix victory at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

With nearly 20 penalties in hand after the marathon, the result seemed never in doubt, but the cones course still has to be driven and course designer, Johan Jacobs from the Netherlands, had set a course that presented a strong challenge to all drivers. Last to go, Exell had one ball down and collected 0.33 time penalties but he remained the comfortable and much applauded winner.

Edouard Simonet from Belgium, a protegee of Exell’s and winner of the marathon section here last year, retained the second place which he had claimed after the marathon, his team of black Arab cross Friesians looking ever more confident. Third place – and an outstanding result – went to Bram Chardon, the 25-year-old son of Ijsbrand Chardon, the Netherlands’ leading driver over two decades; he moved ahead of his father in the cones phase at this, his Royal Windsor debut in horse four-in-hands.

Switzerland’s Beat Schenk, leader after the marathon phase, retained his winning position in horse pairs, to record his fourth Royal Windsor victory. The ten-time Swiss champion pairs a black German-bred horse with a grey Lippizaner; with them he also took the bronze medal at last year’s World Horse Pairs Championship at Lipica, Slovenia. Germany claimed second and third places in this class with Sebastian Warneck and Dennis Schneiders, moving up from third and fifth, respectively.

In pony four-in-hands Great Britain’s hopes were high when young driver Roger Campbell’s excellent marathon put him into second place overall. In third place behind him, Tinne Bax from Belgium applied all possible pressure in the cones phase by posting the only double clear of the class. With less than one penalty between them, Roger could have neither driving nor time penalties; sadly, his one cone down dropped him to third. The winner was Jan de Boer, whose team of Welsh ponies rose to the occasion to give the Dutchman his seventh Royal Windsor victory.

SHOWING: ROBERT WALKER REIGNS SUPREME

Wednesday’s Hunter Champion, View Point ridden by Robert Walker, remained foot perfect in the electric Castle Arena in front of Her Majesty The Queen to become this year’s Royal Windsor Supreme Ridden Showing Champion. Sixteen of the week’s high-class champions came before judges Carl Hester MBE and Charlotte Dujardin CBE to select which stood out above the others.

Hester said: “We were looking for a correct type that looked easy to ride and covered the ground effortlessly.”

The reserve went to the reining Horse of the Year Show Supreme Pony, Lucy Richardson’s Welsh Section A gelding, Thistledown Van Der Vaart, ridden by her daughter Lilly and produced by Sharn Linney.

Earlier in the day, North Yorkshire-based William Pittendrigh jumped one of the few clear rounds to win the Intermediate Working Hunter Pony Championship, and a storming gallop clinched his first Royal Windsor title. His partner was his mother’s six-year-old Silver Lough. Reserve went to the class runner-up, Jodie Creighton, who traveled from Northern Ireland specially to compete at the prestigious event with her seven-year-old, Newmarket Alloy, earning the Royal International ticket as Silver Lough had already qualified.

Oli Hood floated away with the Riding Horse Championship sponsored by Mr and Mrs Phil Swallow for the second year running on Annabel Jenks’ stunning gelding Diamonds Are Forever, who triumphed here last year with Oli’s father Allister. When local rider Jayne Ross won the small class and stood reserve with Diane Stennett’s Casino, the result was an exact duplicate – not only of last year’s Royal International Horse Show, but also The Horse of The Year Show, where Diamonds Are Forever went on to stand Supreme Champion.

Gayle Telford, Revolution Sports + Entertainment
E: gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk T: +44 (0)203 176 0355
www.rwhs.co.uk

Competitions, Driving, Pony, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

World’s Best Out in Force at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Leave a comment

Her Majesty The Queen was present to watch the afternoon action in the Castle Arena, presenting several awards, including the Best Turned Out Trooper and The Challenge Cup and Queen’s Plate for the winners of the Land Rover Services Team Jumping.

Daniel Deusser continued his stellar Royal Windsor form to take the pinnacle of the day’s competition, The CSI5* Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes For The King’s Cup with Britain’s Guy Williams taking the evening’s Falcon Stakes, much to the delight of the home crowd.

In the Driving, a familiar face sits in pole position of the horse four-in-hand ahead of the cones phase, with eight-time Royal Windsor winner Boyd Exell occupying the top spot.

SHOW JUMPING: DEUSSER AND EQUITA MAKE IT TWO FROM TWO WHILE WILLIAMS POSTS A WIN FOR BRITAIN

Daniel Deusser and Equita Van T Zorgvliet made it two from two on their Royal Windsor debut, winning the feature class of the day The CSI5* Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes For The King’s Cup.

Bob Ellis and Kelvin Bywater’s 1.55m course posed several challenges in the first round, with a difficult line of two doubles catching several combinations out early on and a particularly spooky swan themed fence causing a few problems too. 10 of the 30 starters jumped clear to make it through to the competitive jump-off, which featured many of the world’s best riders.

First to go in the jump-off was the class winner from two years ago, Laura Kraut (USA), riding Catwalk 22, who jumped immaculately to set the standard with a clear round in a time of 38.99. Canada’s Tiffany Foster took over the pole position as fourth to go with a particularly tight turn to fence eight, the swans, to shave 1.87 seconds off Kraut’s time; however, her lead was short-lived as Britain’s Robert Whitaker rode an immaculate round, turning especially tight to the double down the final line to take over the top spot. Next into the arena, 2008 Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze (CAN) showed that the time could be beaten, riding a very fast round, but the twelve-year-old gelding Chacco Kid clipped the vertical going into the final double to finish on four faults.

With two former world number one riders still to come, Whitaker’s lead was never secure, and Kent Farrington (USA) came close, his nimble chestnut gelding Creedance covering the ground quickly, but with slightly wider turns they finished 0.03 seconds slower. As last to go, Daniel Deusser, riding Equita Van T Zorgvliet, retained his top form, making all the turns and striding out between the fences to post an exceptional time of 35.51 and take the victory, lining up a meeting with Her Majesty The Queen, who presented The King’s Cup to the winner.

Speaking after the presentation, Deusser said, “It’s turning out to be a good show for me this week. I’m wondering why I haven’t been here before! I’m really happy with how it went today. I managed to make a couple of really tight turns, so I thought I was quick, but I knew Robert’s horse was big striding, so I couldn’t relax. The win is extra special as I will now get to meet the Queen, which is a great honour and I am really looking forward to it.”

The highlight of the evening performance, the CSI5* Falcon Stakes, provided top class entertainment with the world’s best riders back in action. Speed was a major factor from the start, with only 10 places available in the jump-off, it was only the fastest of the 16 clear rounds from the first round that made it through. The top ten then returned in reverse order, with the advantage falling to USA’s Laura Kraut as the fastest clear in round one to be the last to go in the jump-off.

Qualifying in tenth position, Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano was first to tackle the shortened jump-off course and put the pressure on from start, with his foot flat to the floor throughout and smooth tight turns posting a clear round in 35.75 seconds. Britain’s Scott Brash followed him into the arena and immediately took over the lead with an incredibly slick round, saving time with the tightest of turns, to record a time of 35.40. The lead changed several times before the end; first it was Steve Guerdat from Switzerland, who flew straight out of the gate, making up time across the ground to overtake Brash, with William Funnell (GBR) coming close too, but it was Britain’s Guy Williams as the penultimate to go, who took the victory. Riding the thirteen-year-old stallion Rouge De Ravel, Williams kept up the pace throughout and pulled off an exceptional turn to the Hermès vertical at the far end to make up 0.36 seconds on Guerdat.

Williams praised his horse following his victory. “He’s a really good horse and I know he’s fast, so with a good draw, I knew I was in with a chance. It’s always good to win on home soil and the crowd here tonight was fantastic, so it’s been a great night.”

SHOWING: PONIES TAKE TO THE FORE

India Till scooped the biggest prize of her career so far when her 128cm show pony, Rotherwood Rainmaker, landed the coveted Martin Collins Enterprises Show Pony Championship title, one of the most sought-after accolades on the pony Showing circuit.

After winning a strong class, the diminutive pair defied the rain to command the Castle Arena, prompting judge D Price Jones to comment: “We were looking for a quality pony that would carry a child safely and prettily. This pony does exactly that.”

A former Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) reserve with previous jockey Poppy Carter, the exquisite bay has introduced India to top flight showing, still produced by Poppy’s mother, Katy Carter.

Reserve went to the 148cm victors, Phoebe Price and her 2016 HOYS champion and last year’s HOYS class winner, Litton Enterprise, a 12-year-old produced by Julie Templeton.

The Novice Show Pony Championship title is equally sought-after. This year it fell to Robert Walker’s son Sam, who celebrated his 14th birthday five days earlier, with Julie Rucklidge’s homebred five-year-old 138cm class winner, Jackets Dynasty, also produced by Julie Templeton. The charming bay mare is following in illustrious footsteps, as both her dam, Jackets Maybee, and granddam Jackets Maysong won at Royal Windsor and went on to triumph at HOYS.

After some strong classes, the BSPS Mountain and Moorland Ridden Championship — and coveted ticket to the Heritage Finale at Olympia, The London International Horse Show in December — went to Becki Penny with Lynn Scott’s ultra-consistent homebred Welsh section C stallion, Lynuck The Showman.

Two Connemara ponies dominated the popular Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter Pony classes. Riverside Daffodil, owned and ridden by Renee Nichols, jumped a super round to head the exceeding 143cm division and stand champion, ahead of the exceeding 133cm but not exceeding 143cm class victor, Hearnesbrook New Moon, owned by Phyll Buxton and ridden by Ella Dalton.

DRIVING: EXELL EXCELS IN TRICKY CONDITIONS

In horse four-in-hands, the leader – reigning world champion and winner here eight times – Boyd Exell (AUS) drove surely and confidently in wet conditions, recording the fastest time in five of the obstacles. He won this section and increased his lead to an impressive 20 penalties. His closest challenger at this time is Belgium’s Edouard Simonet whose careful marathon – he was third in the phase – moved him into second place overall, from fifth after the dressage. Father and son competitors from the Netherlands, Ijsbrand and Bram Chardon, the latter competing in horse four-in-hands for the first time here, moved up the leader board to take third and fourth places, respectively, less than one penalty separating them.

Horse pairs saw a change in leader when second placed Beat Schenk from Switzerland moved up to first place ahead of France’s Franck Grimonprez, a member of France’s bronze medal winning team at the 2017 World Horse Pairs Championships in Slovenia. Germany’s Sebastian Warneck, a silver team medallist in Slovenia last year, moved up a place to third.

Positions changed, too, in pony four-in-hands. Overnight leader Tinne Bax (BEL) dropped from first place to third, while Great Britain’s young pony four-in-hand competitor, Roger Campbell, drove an outstanding marathon to win this section and secure him second place ahead of the cones phase. He is less than three penalties behind the new overnight leader Jan de Boer from the Netherlands, who has six previous wins at Royal Windsor with his team of Welsh ponies.

Tickets for Royal Windsor Horse Show are still available via www.rwhs.co.uk.

Gayle Telford, Revolution Sports + Entertainment
E: gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk T: +44 (0)203 176 0355