Tag Archives: Royal Windsor Horse Show

*Featured/Spotlights, Driving, Pony, Show Jumping

Super Saturday at Royal Windsor Horse Show

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Laura Kraut.

May 16 2015 – The sun shone on super Saturday as more than 10,000 spectators were wowed by another fantastic day of competition and equestrian displays. World-class showjumpers, including Ben Maher, Laura Kraut and Peter Charles, battled it out in CS13* classes. The marathon phase of the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix proved to be popular as ever as it drew in hordes of fans ready to witness the drivers masterfully steer their course through a combination of obstacles.

SHOWJUMPING: LAURA KRAUT CLAIMS HER WINDSOR FIRST

Despite winning two national classes earlier this week, and having been a regular visitor for many years, an international win at Royal Windsor Horse Show had eluded Laura Kraut. But, in front of a packed crown, the former Olympic Gold Medallist changed that today by taking top place in the Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for the King’s Cup.

With a midway draw in the 10-strong jump-off, Laura produced a superbly quick round and held the lead by a huge margin of over five seconds from Britain’s Robert Smith [Bavi].

“It was a fun round to ride,” said Laura. “She [Nouvelle] has been unlucky with injuries and sickness – and after investigation, she was found to have cysts on her ovaries [which have now been treated].

“She’s now much happier and I am so pleased for her owners [Evita Group]. It’s also really nice to give [my other top horse] Cedric a bit of a break.”

France’s Adeline Hécart also secured her first Royal Windsor Horse Show win during her first visit to the event. She did it in fine style in the Falcon Stakes riding Question d’Orval.

“The show is amazing,” she said. “Everything is organised with the horse in mind and the ground and atmosphere are so good. I really hope I can come here again.”

The USA’s Emily Moffitt and HHS Fafa continued their run of good form at Windsor by securing a second win of the week, this time in the Martin Collins Enterprises Speed Stakes.

Boyd Exell
Boyd Exell

DRIVING: EXELL LEADS THE PACK

The battle for the lead in the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix was a dramatically contested one through the second phase – the cross-country marathon. With less than 1.5 penalties separating the top three competitors at this stage – 2014 winner Chester Weber from the USA, six times winner Boyd Exell from Australia, and five times winner Ijsbrand Chardon from the Netherlands – meant they pushed their horses and themselves to the limit, mindful that fractions of a second in an obstacle could make a difference. New obstacle timings were constantly being recorded, only to be replaced by the next driver storming through.

Going in reverse order of placing, Chardon threw down the gauntlet with a blistering, fluently driven round that certainly ensured he kept his third place at this stage. Exell, however, gave no quarter – driving cleanly and with breathtaking precision he recorded the fastest time in six of the obstacles. Chardon drove with exemplary skill and care but was unable, in the main, to match the times of the other two.

The results as they go into the final cone driving phase tomorrow are Exell in first place, 4 penalties ahead of Weber. Chardon is in third place, less than 2 penalties behind Weber. Exell will be hoping to clinch his seventh win in the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix tomorrow, which will put him just one behind Great Britain’s legendary driver, George Bowman, who is still competing here.

The smaller field of pony four-in-hands saw the overnight winner, Holland’s Bram Chardon – son of Ijsbrand – increase his lead with a stunning win in the marathon. Impressing the crowd with his immaculate rein-handling, he has a 20-penalty lead over his closest challenger Tinne Bax from Belgium. Sara Howe from Great Britain drove a good marathon to put her in sixth place overall.

SHOWING: FAMILY FORTUNES IN MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND WORKING HUNTER PONY

ponyBrother and sister Charlie and Tori Oakes from Uttoxeter, Staffordshire pulled off a remarkable feat with one taking the mountain and moorland working hunter pony championship and the other being awarded the reserve. Tori, 23, claimed the top spot riding her 7-year-old highland gelding, Cairns Fergus, while younger brother Charlie, 13, won his class and was reserve with the Countess of Shrewsbury’s homebred welsh section B gelding, Chetwynd Caspar.

The show pony championship, one of the most prestigious on the circuit, took place in front of a capacity crowd who clearly enjoyed the sight of Britain’s finest animals. The title went to North Somerset based Lucile Bywater with Broadgrove Only You, an 8-year-old 138cm campaigner, bred and owned by her grandmother Ann Fowler.

Sunday Highlights

Tomorrow promises to be an action-packed finals day which will ensure the Royal Windsor Horse Show 2015 will go out on a high. The hotly anticipated CSI3* Alltech Grand Prix will feature a number of the top British riders hoping for victory on home soil and the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix will no doubt draw to a climax with the top drivers in the world battling it out for first place.

Once again there will be a feast of equine entertainment taking place throughout Sunday with performances carrying on into the early evening, including the Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the Musical Drive of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact Hollie Bostock, Revolution Sports + Entertainment
E: hollie@revolutionsports.co.uk, T: +44 207 592 1207.

Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place on 13-17 May 2015. Over 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the 72nd year of the Royal Windsor Horse Show which offers its audience astounding displays in the main Castle Arena, such as The Musical Ride from the Household Calvary and The King’s Troop Musical Drive, the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and The Shetland Pony Grand National. As well as the equestrian competitions and activities, there are over 230 shops in the Shopping Village, with a wide range of goods for sale, from jewellery and fashion, to food and drink. HM The Queen has attended every year since it started in 1943 and it is the only time of the year that the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public. Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show www.hpower.co.uk.

Royal Windsor Horse Show’s official charity is the ABF Soldiers Charity. The show was first set up in 1943 by King George VI in order to raise funds for the war effort and has ever since continued to donate thousands of pounds to veterans and serving soldiers in need of help.

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Show Jumping

Carl Hester Clinches Back to Back Windsor Wins

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Carl Hester and Nip Tuck.

May 15 2015 – Crowds were treated to another spectacular day of competition and stunning displays at Royal Windsor Horse Show, including the first win of the week for Her Majesty The Queen who once again was present to watch her horses and ponies compete and Carl Hester rounded off the evening with another near perfect performance and a red rosette.

DRESSAGE: CARL HESTER CONTINUES HIS WINNING STREAK

It was a British one-two in the FEI Grand Prix freestyle to music at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Carl Hester and Nip Tuck delighted a full house with their winning test that scored high artistic marks and a final total of 79.45% just short of a personal freestyle best for the pair. The combination, members of the British team that won silver at the World Equestrian Games last year, ably demonstrated rhythmic trot work, passage and piaffe and beautifully fluent changes of which his rider was particularly proud.

“This horse has never, in all his tests, made a mistake in his changes – all he wants to do is his best and he always tries his hardest,” said Carl who was however slightly disappointed with the final mark.

“My aim was 80% and we didn’t quite make it – perhaps the walk wasn’t quite the same as in the grand prix but no matter he was really good. Make no mistake, this arena is a major ring with a big atmosphere and it is so good for us to be able to ride here.”

Carl’s pupil Fiona Bigwood made an emotional return to the top with her young mare Atterupsgaards Orthilia. Emotional as not only was it a big welcome back for Fiona who suffered a serious fall a year ago but she also rode her freestyle to music made for her former horse Mr G who tragically died in a field accident.

“I haven’t ridden to that music for four or five years and it was all a bit emotional for me – I loved Mr G and I love Tilly also,” said Fiona. “I had no idea how she would react to the atmosphere, music and the crowd as she is quite hot but she just got on with it and has such a great attitude.”

The mare, who was found in Denmark 18 months ago, has a natural ability for piaffe and passage and was described by Carl as ‘an 80% horse’.

He said; “All Fiona has to do is to continue increasing her confidence in the ring and she’ll be in the top five in the world – that horse can make us a gold medal team again.” The British pair will both now compete at the CDI in Fritzens in Austria.

Fiona’s husband, Danish rider Anders Dahl, kept it in the family with third place on Wie Atlantico. It was also one place higher than last year for Anders and Atlantico who showed particularly impressive passage.

“He felt very fresh today,” said Anders. “And I am really happy with his attitude.”

Atlantico who has now competed at grand prix for eight years, was formerly ridden by Fiona to win British team silver in 2010 and was then subsequently ridden by Carl when Fiona was expecting before going to Anders. And he is now ridden by their daughter – albeit on the lunge.

“He is just the most kindest genuine horse there is,” said Fiona.

BrowneDRIVING: CROWN EQUERRY WINS COACHING AWARD

It was an outstanding day in the coaching marathon – a renowned favourite at Royal Windsor – which drew an unprecedented crowd round the Castle Arena anxious to witness the splendid spectacle of 16 coaches drawn by lively teams of four horses. Among them was the crown equerry, Col Toby Browne LVO, driving Her Majesty The Queen’s team of bays to an original park drag. His immaculate presentation earned him the award for the best turned out entry.

Col Toby Browne was joined by nine other teams of horses put to park drags, together with four road coach turnouts and two regimental coaches. All completed a nine mile marathon through the Home Park before coming back into the arena to delight spectators. The championship was awarded to Bill Ginns with his team of Hackneys put to an original drag by Marston, while John Brown with his magnificent team of bays put to the Tally Ho Road Coach built by Shanks in the 1890s stood reserve.

At the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix dressage arena it was the turn of the pony four-in-hands. Bram Chardon from the Netherlands, current world pony four-in-hand gold medallist and son of the famous Dutch FEI horse four-in-hand competitor Ijsbrand, has a clear lead from the rest of the field. His closest challenger is Tinne Bax who was placed fourth individually at the 2013 World Pony Championships.

SHOWJUMPING: DUKE IN WINNING FORM AT ROYAL WINDSOR

Ireland’s Billy Twomey thrilled the crowd at Royal Windsor Horse Show with a perfectly performed round on Ardcolumn Duke to take the Bahrain Pearl Stakes. With an early draw in a 17-strong jump-off, the Nottinghamshire-based rider had to put the pressure on with a strong target time.

Twomey“He’s always competitive,” said Billy, who beat France’s Adeline Hecart (Question d’Orval) into second place. “I knew if I put in a good time I’d be in with a good chance.”

The 11-year-old stallion has recently returned to competition having had some time off for semen collection. His comeback began two weeks ago at Newark and Nottinghamshire County Show.

“He’s stepped up again here and I’ll be jumping him in the Alltech Grand Prix [for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy] on Sunday,” said Billy, adding: “I’ve been coming to Royal Windsor Horse Show for years. It has great facilities and a great atmosphere.”

The Manama Speed Stake proved a happy hunting ground for Laura Renwick, well known as a dangerous rival against the clock. Riding the seven-year-old Ulievka de Breve, Britain’s leading lady rider took and held the lead from fellow countryman Robert Smith aboard Candy Boy.

The day’s remaining international class, the Land Rover Stakes, culminated in a 13 horse jump-off. The result was another victory for the home country with Danny McGlynn and Atletico Van D’Abelendreef taking first place ahead of Harry Charles, son of Olympic Gold Medallist Peter Charles, and Vivaldi du Dom.

SHOWING: WIN FOR THE QUEEN

Watched under the eagle eye of a delighted owner, Her Majesty The Queen’s successful campaigner Barber’s Shop, ridden by Katie Jerram, won the retraining of racehorses class having finished second in the ladies hunters on the first day.

Newmarket-based Simon Charlesworth landed the cob and hack titles for the second year running, the former with last year’s victor Fait Acobbli and the hack championship with the exciting novice Mountstephen Showman.

Robert Walker, of Tarporley, Cheshire, continued his winning run to score two more victories today when the cobs Randlestown Rolex and Starry Night headed their class to add to his three wins on the first day.

ENDURANCE: BAHRAIN CLINCH VICTORY

Three riders shared the honours at the third Royal Windsor Endurance 120km CEI2* competition today. First, second and third places were awarded equally to His Highness Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Murbarak Al Khalifa of Bahrain, and Raed Mahmood, also from Bahrain, when they recorded the same finish time of five hours 33 minutes and 11 seconds. In fourth position, with a time of 05:45:02, was David Yeoman of Great Britain, and fifth was Enora Boulenger of France in 06:00:10.

By the end of the day all horses were either safely back at the venue or already on their way home after a wonderful day’s sport.

Saturday Highlights

The highly anticipated CSI3* Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for The King’s Cup kicks off the afternoon session and is set to be a thrilling class. Once again there will be a feast of equine entertainment taking place throughout Saturday with performances carrying on into the evening, including the Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the Musical Drive of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact Hollie Bostock, Revolution Sports + Entertainment
E: hollie@revolutionsports.co.uk, T: +44 207 592 1207.

Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place on 13-17 May 2015. Over 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the 72nd year of the Royal Windsor Horse Show which offers its audience astounding displays in the main Castle Arena, such as The Musical Ride from the Household Calvary and The King’s Troop Musical Drive, the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and The Shetland Pony Grand National. As well as the equestrian competitions and activities, there are over 230 shops in the Shopping Village, with a wide range of goods for sale, from jewellery and fashion, to food and drink. HM The Queen has attended every year since it started in 1943 and it is the only time of the year that the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public. Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show www.hpower.co.uk.

Royal Windsor Horse Show’s official charity is the ABF Soldiers Charity. The show was first set up in 1943 by King George VI in order to raise funds for the war effort and has ever since continued to donate thousands of pounds to veterans and serving soldiers in need of help.

Driving, JRPR

Chester Weber Drives to Early Lead at the 2015 Royal Windsor Horse Show

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Photo courtesy of Marie de Ronde-Oudemans.

London, England (May 15, 2015) – Chester Weber’s 2015 European competition tour is underway, and he already achieved a win in day one. Fresh off his victory on US soil at the Live Oak International CDE, Weber headed to Europe and drove his team to the top of the leader board on Thursday at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in London, England, with a win in the dressage phase of Four-in-Hand combined driving. Weber seems to be well on his way to repeating last year’s impressive results, when he won the Four-in-Hand division at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and was personally congratulated by HRH Queen Elizabeth. Team Weber fans will be routing for the talented driver as he puts his skills to the test in the marathon phase and obstacle phase this weekend.

Weber, ranked number one in the 2014 FEI World rankings after a successful European campaign, is showing no signs of stepping back from success this year. Last year, he won the individual silver medal at the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). 2014 World Equestrian Games winner, Australian whip Boyd Exell, is currently in second place in the 2015 Royal Windsor Horse Show after the dressage phase, making for heated competition for the rest of the weekend. Weber’s Thursday dressage score was 36.22, while Exell is not far behind with 36.57.

Team Weber was a force to be reckoned with throughout 2014, with a string of victories including becoming the first American entry to win the Four-in-Hand at CAIO4* Aachen, defending an 11th USEF National Four-in-Hand Driving Championship and – true to Weber’s moniker, “Mr. Dressage” – setting an unprecedented record dressage phase score (30.89) at the Kingdom of the Sun CDE. After last year’s win at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, there is no doubt Weber and his team are hoping to repeat their previous success.

Follow Team Weber as they continue their European campaign at www.chesterweber.com and via Facebook – and of course, stay tuned to the Royal Windsor Horse Show to watch Weber vie for the overall champion title.

For more information contact:
Chester Weber
chester@chesterweber.com
1-352-895-1139
www.chesterweber.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Driving, Show Jumping

Carl Hester Wins at Windsor

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Carl Hester and Nip Tuck.

May 14th 2015 – The wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the spectators today at Royal Windsor Horse Show who were treated to an array of displays, including a winning performance from Olympic team gold medalist and Show favourite Team GBR’s Carl Hester.

DRESSAGE: CARL HESTER ON TOP FORM

Carl Hester and Nip Tuck members of the British silver medal team at the World Equestrian Games last year, led from the front to win the international grand prix at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

It was the third international win for the pair this year, albeit their score fell just half a percent short of their personal best scored in Barcelona in March.

“It felt like a personal best to me,” said Carl who owns the Dutch-bred gelding with Jane de la Mare. “I think that is the best he’s ever gone. Last year here he felt so green and this year he felt like a really experienced horse.”

The pair is now aiming for this year’s British team for the European Championships to be held in Aachen, Germany. “I was hoping that the ‘up and comings’ might get a go – we are getting more depth and riders available as tonight showed but I will be available if they need me” said Carl who trained almost half of the 12 strong class.

His pupil Fiona Bigwood came closest with her Danish-bred mare Atterupgaards Orthilia who ably demonstrated great natural lift in piaffe and passage. Fiona acquired the mare 18 months ago then last April suffered a serious fall that left her out of the saddle for six months.

“I had to put all the horses on the back-burner,” said Fiona who too was just short of a PB with the mare. Orthilia, however, was the first horse she got back on after her accident.

“She is the kindest horse ever – I love riding her and love her to bits,” said Fiona who is also aiming for a place on the team this year having won team silver at the WEG in 2010.

“My main goal is to try for a place for Rio next year but to be honest I take every show as it comes” she said.

Dutch rider Katja Gevers and her 15-year-old gelding Thriller took third place with their best score so far this year while British rider Alice Oppenheimer and Headmore Delegate, took fourth with a score just short of 70%.

“I would have liked to have made the 70% but he was a good boy and the spotlights do make it quite a spooky arena,” said Alice who trains the British-bred Delegate with Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin.

Packed stands are expected tomorrow night not only for the grand prix freestyle to music but also a rare chance to see a dressage Masterclass before the class with Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin.

Chester Weber
Chester Weber

DRIVING: WEBER LEADS THE LANDROVER INTERNATIONAL DRIVING GRAND PRIX

Twenty-six horse four-in-hand competitors from ten nations took part in the dressage phase of the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix. Three of the top four steered smoothly through driving rain, keeping focus to record highly competitive scores.

In top spot is 2014 winner, Chester Weber from the USA, driving the team of warmblood bays he drove last year. In second place is the reigning indoor and outdoor world champion, Boyd Exell from Australia, who has claimed several previous titles here at Royal Windsor. Hot on his heels comes Netherlands’ most successful driver, Ijsbrand Chardon, who has more championships and world titles to his name than any other driver.

Fewer than 1-5 penalties separate first to third placings which will make for breath-holding competition in Saturday’s cross-country marathon. President of the Jury, Andrew Counsell, remarked, “There was little to choose between the top three – it was just a matter of loss of rhythm or a slight lack of suppleness here and there. They will have everything to play for on Saturday which will make an exciting day for spectators.”

SHOW JUMPING: INTERNATIONAL SHOW JUMPING IN A ‘UNIQUE’ SETTING

Britain’s Jordan Marshall, 17, claimed her first senior international win at Royal Windsor Horse Show riding Unique in the CSI1* Thames Speed Stakes. Inclement weather didn’t affect the mood of the competitive field, of which seven remained faultless.

Jordan Marshall riding Unique
Jordan Marshall riding Unique

The former successful pony rider was drawn late to go in the speed contest and finished with a huge four-second advantage over late-charging runner-up MacKenzie Ray (Audrey) and the former leader Emily Moffitt (Ferox B) of the USA.

Moffitt had better fortunes in the following St George Two-Phase, riding HHS Fafa. With the advantage of final draw, Emily snatched the lead from British long-time leader Sophie Tobin (Quite Cadiz).

The USA’s former Olympic gold medallist Laura Kraut and Thalis de la Rougue claimed their second national show jumping win of the week in the Land Rover Grades B and C Handicap. Meanwhile, Britain’s Mavis Spencer and Marchello, took the Olympic Star Spotters top prize, and her fellow countryman Max Routledge (Carus Royale) claimed the Grades A and B Jumping Competition.

SHOWING: DAY OF DOUBLES

For the second year running, Colchester-based breeder Lisha Leeman landed the in-hand coloured championship. Last year Kellythorpes Master Key took the hotly-contested title and this year’s star, also a two-year-old, was Kellythorpes Kinky Boots. The Showing section’s furthest-travelled competitor, John O’Groats-based Russell Skelton, took reserve with his two-year-old, Freckleton Unbelievable.

Across in the working hunter ring, Oxfordshire-based Libby Cooke took the overall title for the second year running with Douglas Reid-Scott’s victorious heavyweight, Harley Foxtrot.

Friday Highlights

The highly anticipated CSI3* Bahrain Pearl Stakes takes place in the Castle Arena at the start of the afternoon session, which is set to be an exciting competition. Great Britain’s Carl Hester returns to compete in the CDI3* International Freestyle Grand Prix competition taking place at 18:30 in the Castle Arena.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact Hollie Bostock, Revolution Sports + Entertainment
E: hollie@revolutionsports.co.uk, T: +44 207 592 1207.

Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place on 13-17 May 2015. Over 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the 72nd year of the Royal Windsor Horse Show which offers its audience astounding displays in the main Castle Arena, such as The Musical Ride from the Household Calvary and The King’s Troop Musical Drive, the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and The Shetland Pony Grand National. As well as the equestrian competitions and activities, there are over 230 shops in the Shopping Village, with a wide range of goods for sale, from jewellery and fashion, to food and drink. HM The Queen has attended every year since it started in 1943 and it is the only time of the year that the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public. Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show www.hpower.co.uk.

Royal Windsor Horse Show’s official charity is the ABF Soldiers Charity. The show was first set up in 1943 by King George VI in order to raise funds for the war effort and has ever since continued to donate thousands of pounds to veterans and serving soldiers in need of help.

Competitions, Dressage, Show Jumping

The Queen’s Horses Don’t Disappoint on Windsor Wednesday

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May 13th 2015 – Her Majesty The Queen was present on the opening day of Royal Windsor Horse Show to watch a variety of her horses compete, including her ex-racehorse Barber’s Shop who was second in a high class ladies hunter line up in the evening sunshine. Her five-year-old novice heavyweight hunter Tower Bridge, who was bred by Her Majesty, finished third in his class. Both were ridden by Katie Jerram.

The opening day, dubbed ‘Windsor Wednesday’, offered free admission to all spectators and perfectly set the scene for the feast of spectacular equine sport and entertainment over the coming few days.

Showing, Dressage and Show Jumping were on the itinerary during the first day, including the Advance Medium Freestyle to Music and the Walwyn Novice Jumping Championship. Crowds flooded through the gates to watch the show get under way and grab a first glimpse at the brand new look shopping village which showcases over 200 outlets of fashion, jewellery, country living goods and food and drink.

DRESSAGE: ALICE AND SIR SOCRATES CONTINUE WINNING STREAK

One minute you are up and the next you are down, as advanced medium dressage freestyle winner Alice Oppenheimer experienced today. Having won the class at the Royal Windsor Horse Show with Tantoni, Sir Socrates, the chestnut stallion, a little over excited by the lap of honour, put in a few too many bucks, prompting Alice to perform a dismount.

Georgina Pole Carew’s homebred stallion, a British licensing champion in 2009, was soon forgiven by his owner and his rider, particularly as he had claimed the class with a convincing margin ably demonstrating his elastic and rhythmic paces.

Alice and Sir Socrates have recently enjoyed an outstanding run of success and their prize here was their eighth rug this season. The pair, the advanced medium open and freestyle champions at the recent national winter championships, have also won at two international meetings this year.

Gloucestershire based Lucy Cartwright and owner Carole Felton were delighted with Fergana’s second place. Lucy, a former working pupil of Carl Hester, has ridden the elegant chestnut mare by Fidermark for five years. “We are really happy with her today,” said Lucy. “She has come on so much in the month since the Winter Championships.”

Julie Hugo Ross and the Dutch-bred mare Alivia II were a close third. The pair also impressed the judges with a neat and mistake free test to elegant James Galway flute music that was well suited to the light-footed mare, owned by Julie and Frances White. “It’s music that makes me feel good and smile,” said Julie.

Tomorrow evening the main arena at Royal Windsor will host international grand prix dressage and on Friday the grand prix freestyle to music.

SHOWING: WALKER WHITEWASH

Cheshire-based showman Robert Walker landed Royal Windsor’s coveted hunter championship double, heading the novices with Jill Day’s heavyweight Grand Slam and taking the open title in the Castle Arena with a storming gallop on the same owner’s lightweight, Pride of Place. For good measure, the Yorkshire-born producer also put his wife Sarah aboard the novice lightweight winner Shoughmore Emperor to stand reserve.

SHOW JUMPING: BRACE OF WINS FOR BREEN

Ireland’s Trevor Breen started the 2015 Royal Windsor Horse Show with strong performances to secure a pair of show jumping wins on the event’s opening day – Windsor Wednesday.

The Buckinghamshire-based rider took the first class in the Castle Arena – The Horse and Hound Foxhunter – with the seven-year-old gelding Serpico from a huge field of 95 starters. Run under two-phase rules – where only any rider clear over the first eight fences can progress to jump the final six against the clock – the competition produced 20 faultless performances. As no stranger to fast paces, Trevor headed off his rivals with a swift and calculated performance.

The win secured the winner’s and their 11 closest rivals’ qualification for the Walwyn Novice Championship, held this afternoon. However, this time out it was Julian Mincher and the seven-year-old stallion Dartbreaker, runners up to Trevor and Serpico earlier in the day, who took the honours with the fastest of four clean performances.

Trevor’s fortunes were also favourable in the Land Rover Grades A and B Show Jumping class, in which he piloted former Derby winner Loughnatousa WB into pole position. In second place was the USA’s former Olympic gold medallist Laura Kraut and Thalis de la Rougue, a taste of the international flavour of this year’s competition.

Thursday Highlights

The Dressage phase of the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix starts on Thursday 14 May in Home Park Private, whilst the CDI3* Dressage Grand Prix takes place in the Castle Arena at the start of the evening performance. Once again a feast of equine entertainment will take place throughout the day, including the Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the Musical Drive of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact Hollie Bostock, Revolution Sports + Entertainment
E: hollie@revolutionsports.co.uk, T: +44 207 592 1207.

Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place on 13-17 May 2015. Over 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the 72nd year of the Royal Windsor Horse Show which offers its audience astounding displays in the main Castle Arena, such as The Musical Ride from the Household Calvary and The King’s Troop Musical Drive, the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and The Shetland Pony Grand National. As well as the equestrian competitions and activities, there are over 230 shops in the Shopping Village, with a wide range of goods for sale, from jewellery and fashion, to food and drink. HM The Queen has attended every year since it started in 1943 and it is the only time of the year that the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public. Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show www.hpower.co.uk.

Royal Windsor Horse Show’s official charity is the ABF Soldiers Charity. The show was first set up in 1943 by King George VI in order to raise funds for the war effort and has ever since continued to donate thousands of pounds to veterans and serving soldiers in need of help.

*Featured/Spotlights

Her Majesty’s Horses at Windsor Castle on the Eve of Royal Windsor Horse Show 2015

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Horses from left to right: Alpine, Mingulay, George (named after Her Majesty the Queen’s Father), Anson, Dawn and Emma (Her Majesty The Queen’s Riding Pony). Grooms from left to right: Harriet White, Zoe McDonald, Christopher Allen and Sadie Henderson.

May 12th 2015 – The Queen’s horses, of all shapes and sizes, are on parade to welcome over 50,000 visitors to the private grounds of Windsor Castle for the UK’s largest outdoor equestrian show, Royal Windsor Horse Show, which starts this Wednesday 13 until Sunday 17 May. Her Majesty The Queen, who has attended the show every year since it began in 1943, has several entries including her home bred Highlands and her former racehorse, Barber’s Shop. For more information on the show, please visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact Hollie Bostock, Revolution Sports + Entertainment
E: hollie@revolutionsports.co.uk, T: +44 207 592 1207.

Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place on 13-17 May 2015. Over 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the 72nd year of the Royal Windsor Horse Show which offers its audience astounding displays in the main Castle Arena, such as The Musical Ride from the Household Calvary and The King’s Troop Musical Drive, the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and The Shetland Pony Grand National. As well as the equestrian competitions and activities, there are over 230 shops in the Shopping Village, with a wide range of goods for sale, from jewellery and fashion, to food and drink. HM The Queen has attended every year since it started in 1943 and it is the only time of the year that the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public. Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show www.hpower.co.uk.

Royal Windsor Horse Show’s official charity is the ABF Soldiers Charity. The show was first set up in 1943 by King George VI in order to raise funds for the war effort and has ever since continued to donate thousands of pounds to veterans and serving soldiers in need of help.

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Show Jumping

Best of British Riders Complete World Class Line-up at Royal Windsor Horse Show

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6 May 2015 – World class riders from 24 nations around the globe will descend on the prestigious Royal Windsor Horse Show next week for top class competition across four disciplines over five days, from 13-17 May, in front of an expected crowd of over 50,000 people.

There will be a bevy of British competitors riding alongside international stars including Olympians Ben Maher, Peter Charles, Nick Skelton and Carl Hester who will be hoping for home advantage in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, the only time of year that they are open to the public.

In addition to the action packed Jumping, Dressage, Driving and Endurance competition on offer, the crowd will also be treated to a masterclass from Olympian Carl Hester on the Friday night. Carl will give the audience pointers on how he tutored World Champion Charlotte Dujardin to become the most successful and impressively decorated dressage rider of her generation.

Jumping
Among the confirmed entries for the CSI3* Show Jumping there will be three members of the London 2012 gold medal winning team, Peter Charles, Nick Skelton and Ben Maher, as well as the top female British Show Jumper Laura Renwick. International entries will feature Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al Sharbatly who will be looking to recreate his run of great form after three wins at Royal Windsor last year, and rising star Jessica Springsteen who, after a successful start to the year, is poised to secure a spot in the 2016 US Olympic Equestrian team. The CSI1* classes will also be brimming with new talent from 12 nations, including 15-year-old Harry Charles, son of Peter Charles, who was crowned leading Pony Show Jumper of the year at Horse of the Year Show 2014.

Land Rover ambassador Ben Maher said: “It’s great to be back at Royal Windsor and competing on home soil. It’s not often that I get to ride in front of a home crowd and it’s such a magical show set in an iconic venue – I can’t wait!”

For the full list of confirmed CSI1* entries, please visit http://bit.ly/1H0qQ2O.
For the full list of confirmed CSI3* entries, please visit http://bit.ly/1IMwZPg.

Dressage
Five nations will be represented in the CDI3* Dressage including Great Britain, spearheaded by Carl Hester and Richard Davison in the Grand Prix class. Carl will be returning on Nip Tuck and hoping to improve on last year’s third place whilst all eyes will be on Richard Davison as he debuts his homebred nine-year-old Bubblingh who has not yet been seen at a small tour, let alone a big one. There will be another Windsor debut for Hayley Watson-Greaves and the British bred Rubins Nite, a freestyle winner at the annual two week CDI3* and CDI4* in Barcelona in March, Hayley’s first international win. Three British-based Danish riders, Sune Hansen, Ulrik Moelgaard and Anders Dahl (who will be riding fellow competitor and wife Fiona Bigwood’s Wie-Atlantico De Ymas), are also in the line-up and will be hot contenders at the show.

For the full list of confirmed Dressage entries, please visit http://bit.ly/1OZUjy6.

Driving
International Driving continues to be a highlight at the Show, drawing competitors from around the world to take part in the FEI World Cup Qualifier competition that has been a main feature since HRH The Duke of Edinburgh introduced it to the schedule in 1971. The podium winners from the World Equestrian Games last year, Boyd Exell, Chester Weber and Theo Timmerman, will all be battling it out for victory at the Show. Three times World Champion Exell will be hoping to add a seventh Royal Windsor win to his list of impressive accolades and stop Weber from back to back wins at the Show.

For the full list of confirmed Driving Horses entries, please visit http://bit.ly/1GYLUUr.
For the full list of confirmed Driving Ponies entries, please visit http://bit.ly/1Poma5O.

Endurance
Royal Windsor Endurance takes place in The Great Park on Friday 15th May and riders from nine nations will be competing. As always at this popular international ride there is a strong representation from the British riders including Nicola Thorne who is currently second in the Open Riders World Endurance Rankings.

Royal Windsor Horse Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “We are delighted to see some of the world’s best riders returning to Royal Windsor Horse Show this year. We strive to make the Show as enjoyable as possible for competitors and it is great to see that it maintains its popularity among all four disciplines across the five action-packed days.”

Tickets can be purchased on the door, online or by telephone. For pre-purchase, visitors should go to www.rwhs.co.uk or telephone the box office on 0844 581 4960 from the UK and +44 (0) 121 767 4199 internationally.

Royal Windsor Horse Show 2015 Highlights

• Wednesday 13th May
Land Rover Grade A & B Show Jumping
Advanced Medium Dressage Freestyle
Hunter Championships
• Thursday 14th May
CSI 1* Show Jumping
CDI3* FEI Dressage Grand Prix (eve)
• Friday 15th May
CSI3* Bahrain Pearl Stakes
CDI3* FEI Freestyle to Music (eve)
CEI2* Endurance
Land Rover International Grand Prix – Dressage
• Saturday 16th May
Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix Cross Country Marathon
Mountain and Moorlands
Inter Schools Show Jumping
CSI3* Falcon Stakes (eve)
• Sunday 17th May
CSI3* Alltech Grand Prix for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy
Show Hunter Pony Championships
Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix – Obstacles

For a full schedule, please visit: www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact Hollie Bostock, Revolution Sports + Entertainment
E: hollie.bostock@revolutionsports.co.uk
T: +44 (0)207 592 1207

Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place on 13-17 May 2015. Over 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the 73rd edition of the Royal Windsor Horse Show which offers its audience astounding displays in the main Castle Arena, such as The Musical Ride from the Household Calvary and The King’s Troop Musical Drive, the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and The Shetland Pony Grand National. As well as the equestrian competitions and activities, there are over 230 shops in the Shopping Village, with a wide range of goods for sale, from jewellery and fashion, to food and drink. HM The Queen has attended every year since it started in 1943 and it is the only time of the year that the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public. Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show www.hpower.co.uk. Royal Windsor Horse Show’s official charity is the ABF Soldiers Charity. The show was first set up in 1943 by King George VI in order to raise funds for the war effort and has ever since continued to donate thousands of pounds to veterans and serving soldiers in need of help.

Revolution Sports

Rise in Showing Entries at Royal Windsor Horse Show

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27th April 2015 – Showing entries for this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show, which takes place on 13-17 May, are once again up on the previous year for the third year running.

Regarded as the first major event of the summer show season, organisers of the UK’s largest outdoor equestrian event have received a total of 1,863 showing entries – a 4% increase from 2014, demonstrating that the five-day event is as popular as ever.

Derbyshire-born Will Morton, 2013 SEIB Search for a Star cob winner at Horse of the Year Show, is among the riders who have helped significantly increase entries this year as he is poised to make his debut at Royal Windsor.

Royal Windsor Horse Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “We strive to make Royal Windsor Horse Show as enjoyable as possible for competitors and it is great to see that it maintains its popularity among the Showing community. We have made particular efforts to encourage Showing competitors by reviewing our schedule and trying to improve the Showing competitor’s experience at the event and these have certainly paid off.”

Royal Windsor Horse Show plays host to over 150 showing competitions during five days in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, ranging from Heavyweight Cobs to Mini Show Ponies. Highlights include the Land Rover Mountain & Moorland Supreme In Hand Championship, the Land Rover Working Hunter Championship, the Cob Championship and the Show Hunter Pony Championships.

Many of last year’s champions will be returning to defend their crowns, including winners of both the Cob and Hack Championships in 2014, Simon Charlesworth, and Working Hunter Champions, Libby Cooke with Harley Foxtrot. Local Berkshire showing producer, Jayne Ross, who cleaned up at Royal Windsor in 2014 with six wins, has a total of 12 rides at this year’s Royal Windsor, including the stunning coloured cob, The Humdinger.

Her Majesty The Queen, who has attended the Show every year since it began in 1943, has several entries including her home bred Highlanders, Balmoral Erica and Balmoral Gemini, ridden by Lizzie Bryant, and her former racehorse, Barbers Shop, ridden by Katie Jerram, who is this year entering the Ladies Side Saddle Hunter Class.

Royal Windsor Horse Show 2015 Showing Highlights:

  • Wednesday 13th May
    Hunters
    Sport Horses
    Part Bred & Anglo Arabs
    Senior Horses / Ponies• Thursday 14th May
    Riding Horses
    Hackneys
    Coloureds
    Polo Ponies
    Light Trade
    Working hunters
    Miniatures

    • Friday 15th May
    Retrained Racehorses
    Mountain and Moorlands In Hand
    Cobs
    Hacks
    Ladies Show Horse
    Haflingers

    • Saturday 16th May
    Show Ponies
    Mountain & Moorlands Ridden

    • Sunday 17th May
    Show Hunter Ponies
    Working Hunter Ponies
    Lusitanos
    Appaloosas
    Andalusians
    Concours d’Elegance (Side Saddle)

For a full schedule, please visit: www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact Hollie Bostock, Revolution Sports + Entertainment
E: hollie@revolutionsports.co.uk
T: +44 (0)207 592 1207

Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place on 13-17 May 2015. Over 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the 73rd edition of the Royal Windsor Horse Show which offers its audience astounding displays in the main Castle Arena, such as The Musical Ride from the Household Calvary and The King’s Troop Musical Drive, the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and The Shetland Pony Grand National. As well as the equestrian competitions and activities, there are over 230 shops in the Shopping Village, with a wide range of goods for sale, from jewellery and fashion, to food and drink. HM The Queen has attended every year since it started in 1943 and it is the only time of the year that the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public. Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show – www.hpower.co.uk. Royal Windsor Horse Show’s official charity is the ABF Soldiers Charity. The show was first set up in 1943 by King George VI in order to raise funds for the war effort and has ever since continued to donate thousands of pounds to veterans and serving soldiers in need of help.

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Show Jumping

Tickets Go On Sale for Royal Windsor Horse Show 2015

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Tickets go on sale on Monday 10 November at 9:00am for the UK’s largest outdoor equestrian show, Royal Windsor Horse Show (Wednesday 13 – Sunday 17 May 2015).

After the phenomenal success of this year’s event, which saw the five-day Show upgrade to three-star level and prize money boosted to £250,000, organisers have decided to continue with the same format for next year, as well as introduce a one-star Show Jumping competition into the action packed schedule.

Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “We felt the new format for this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show contributed directly to the event’s incredible success. We received great feedback from spectators and competitors. We are going to maintain this format for 2015 – with free admission for all on ‘Windsor Wednesday’, the popular Thursday and Friday evening CDI3* Dressage and will continue with the revamped layout of the shops and arenas. The introduction of the one-star Show Jumping competition demonstrates our commitment to the continued growth of this world class event.”

Royal Windsor is a highlight of the British equestrian events calendar and marks the start to the summer season. Set in the stunning private grounds of Windsor Castle, the Show’s Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, has attended every year since it began in 1944. In 2015, it will once again host international competitions in Show Jumping, Dressage, and Endurance as well as The Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix. In addition 130 National Showing Classes will take place during the five days. Other highlights include spectacular displays from The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and The Household Cavalry, the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games, The Shetland Pony Grand National and over 230 trade stands, selling a range of goods from all things equestrian to homeware and fashion. In addition, the Royal Warrant Holders Pavilion within the shopping village will be back with an expanded area after their successful launch at the Show earlier this year.

Royal Windsor Horse Show’s official charity is ABF The Soldiers Charity. The Show was first set up in 1944 by King George VI in order to raise funds for the War effort and ever since then the event has continued to donate thousands of pounds to veterans and serving soldiers in need of help.

Next year will see a similar ticket pricing strategy that was introduced for the first time this year, with free admission to all visitors on the opening day and children are also free of charge on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday 14 May the admission fee for adults will be £16 and on Friday 15 May it will be £20. On Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May showground entry will be £25 for adults and £10 for children. There are discounts for group bookings and family value tickets for two adults and three children for £60 on either Saturday or Sunday. There are also lower priced tickets for those wishing to attend the evening events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday when entry after 4pm is as little as £8 for an adult (Thurs).

All tickets can be purchased on www.rwhs.co.uk or telephone the box office on 0844 581 4960 from the UK and +44 (0) 121 767 4660 internationally. Tickets can also be purchased locally over the counter from Royal Windsor Information Centre, tel: 01753 743589, or online at http://tickets.windsor.gov.uk.

For more information, please contact Hannah Rawdon-Mogg, Revolution Sports + Entertainment E:hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk T: +44 207 592 1207

Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place on 13-17 May 2015. More than 50,000 people are expected to attend the 72nd year of the Royal Windsor Horse Show which offers its audience astounding displays in the main Castle Arena, such as The Musical Ride from the Household Calvary and The King’s Troop Musical Drive, the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and The Shetland Pony Grand National. As well as the equestrian competitions and activities, there are over 230 shops in the Shopping Village, with a wide range of goods for sale, from jewellery and fashion, to food and drink found in the Food Glorious Food Hall. HM The Queen has attended every year since it started in 1944 and it is the only time of the year that the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public. Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show – www.hpower.co.uk.

Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut Shows Constable to the Top of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Also Unveiling Andretti S

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Laura Kraut and Constable. Photos By: SportFot.

West Berkshire, UK – May 20, 2014 – Cherry Knoll Farm’s Constable made his first debut last year while competing in the 6 Year Old Jumpers at the Global Champions Tour Jumping Chantilly, and his stride has not shortened. Once again the chestnut gelding made his mark, but this time in the United Kingdom. Laura Kraut piloted Constable to the top ranks during the Royal Windsor Horse Show, running from May 14-18, 2014, claiming the second place award in the Land Rover Grades B & C Handicap Jumping Competition, and finishing in the top ribbons during the Royal Windsor Horse Show 7 & 8 Year Old Championship.

A field of 76 horse and rider combinations tackled the track for the Land Rover Grades B & C Handicap Jumping Competition, entering a race against the clock as they took on the 1.40m course. Although each pair put in valiant efforts, Kraut and Constable took the lead in the class as only the fifth to go. They completed the course in 54.19 seconds, leaving all the rails in their cups.

Consecutive competitors attempted to match their pace, but it wasn’t until Michael Duffy of Ireland guided Shahenaz through the course as 60th in the order that defeat seemed possible. Duffy completed the track in 52.91 seconds, pushing Kraut and Constable into the second place position with a difference of only 1.28 seconds between them.

Kraut was thrilled with the way Constable handled the course, saying that it was a designed big for a 7-year-old. Their second placing proved great preparation for Thursday’s Royal Windsor Horse Show 7 & 8 Year Old Championship. With the third slot in the order to go, Kraut navigated Constable to a speedy first round in 83.24 seconds, but one lowered rail made them the fastest of the four-faulters, securing their eventual ninth place position.

“I have to stay patient with Constable,” Kraut explained. “We have been moving him up slowly, and he has a lot of potential. He became very competitive last year in Europe, and he only continued to get better when in Wellington for the winter circuit.”

“We are showing him very sparingly throughout the summer and fall, probably only six to eight times throughout the rest of the year,” Kraut explained. “We are planning to put more pressure on him as an 8-year-old.”

Laura Kraut and Andretti S
Laura Kraut and Andretti S

The Royal Windsor Horse Show also was the unveiling for one of Kraut’s most recent mounts, Andretti S, a 17-hand Dutch Warmblood who started out with a humble beginning in England. The 9-year-old came to Kraut last fall and was purchased through the Stars and Stripes syndicate, which Cherry Knoll Farm’s Margaret Duprey is proud to have ownership in. The Royal Windsor Horse Show proved the perfect place to showcase the new mount’s talent, as he showed over a 1.60m track for the first time Sunday.

“Andretti is a very quirky horse in many ways; he’s almost like a thoroughbred. He is very brave, and has a good mouth,” Kraut described. “He is very big, a lot bigger than I am used to riding at 17 hands, but he is very manageable, and I am lucky to have the ride.”

The CSI 3* Alltech Grand Prix for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy saw 31 horse and rider combinations, but only 12 were able to master the opening track and move into the jump-off. Although Kraut and Andretti S put in a double-clear effort, their time of 42.22 seconds through the shortened course would prove good enough for the fourth place finish, a validating placing for the gelding’s 1.60m debut.

“He has been coming along so well, and I am very excited to have the ride on him. We have been working slowly, working to build him up for the next level,” Kraut said. “The goal is to prepare Andretti for new venues, and he is traveling alongside Cedric as the second horse. The hope is that he will take Cedric’s position next year.”

Kraut will continue to show her top string of horses throughout the summer in Europe. She will move on to Norten Hardenburg CSI 3* in Germany from May 23-25. For more information about Cherry Knoll Farm, please visit http://www.cherryknollfarminc.com/.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
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