Tag Archives: Royal Windsor Horse Show

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

New and Improved Royal Windsor Horse Show Proves a Success

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Nick Skelton with Big Star. Photos: Kit Houghton/HPower.

The promotion to 3 star status had a magnificent effect on this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show which took place from Wednesday 14 to Sunday 18 May and saw over 50,000 visitors flood through the gates over five days.

Spectators enjoyed fabulous equestrian scenes on what were the warmest few days in Britain so far this year in the stunning grounds of Windsor Castle – the only time of the year that HM The Queen opens up the private grounds to the public.

The introduction of ‘Windsor Wednesday’, where the organisers offered free admission to all visitors on the opening day was seen as a huge success with attendances of over 8,500 on what had, in previous years, been a quiet day.

There were international competitions in four disciplines: Show Jumping, Dressage, Driving and Endurance, whilst more than 100 National Showing classes with over 30 different breeds of horses and ponies, took place over the five days. Other highlights included spectacular displays from The Kings Troop RHA, The Household Cavalry and the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games – this year won by Wales.

Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “It was the best Royal Windsor Horse Show we’ve had for a long time. The new format really worked and we have had great feedback from spectators and riders from all the disciplines.

“To have the likes of Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester and Nick Skelton with Big Star competing here was fabulous and the influx of overseas visitors coming over from as far as the USA and Saudi Arabia gave it a true international feel. Royal Windsor Horse Show has a lot of offer as an international multi-discipline equestrian event and we have really showcased that this year.”

CDI3* winners Charlotte Dujardin and Uthopia
CDI3* winners Charlotte Dujardin and Uthopia

Dressage

International Dressage returned to Royal Windsor Horse Show for the first time since 2002 and World No.1 Charlotte Dujardin did not disappoint the packed crowds in the stands when she stole the show on Thursday and Friday evening, winning both the CDI3* Grand Prix and Freestyle.

It was a British one, two, three as Michael Eilberg and Carl Hester took the runner up places behind the Olympic Gold Medallist, who was riding the stallion Uthopia in front of a 4,000 strong crowd.

Hester, a winner of the Grand Prix here in 1996 and 1997 with Legal Democrat, said: “We need to add venues to the British calendar and it is great that Windsor has stepped back in especially with its great surfaces and packed stadiums. British riders don’t get the opportunity to prepare for Championships in this country so to have this venue is fantastic and long may it stay.”

Show Jumping

The introduction of International 3 Star Show Jumping proved a hit, with an outstanding list of entries from 24 countries competing for the new injection of prize money at this year’s show.

Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al Sharbatly had a stellar week, clinching the top spot in the CSI3* Bahrain Pearl Stakes on Friday and the CSI3* Six Bar and the CSI3* Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for the Kings Cup on Saturday.

Shane Breen of Ireland took the CSI3* Falcon Stakes on Farao van T Vennehof, whilst the Land Rover Speed Stakes was won by the UK’s No.1 female Show Jumper, Laura Renwick, riding Beluga.

The climax of the international show jumping was the Alltech Grand Prix for The Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy on Sunday, when Robert Whitaker clinched first place from his cousin William in a spectacular jump off. Seven riders had gone clear over the testing course in the Castle Arena and first to go in the jump off, Daniel Nielson, set a high standard for the rest to follow. However, Whitaker, riding Catwalk, had a little bit of luck to help him clip one and a half seconds off the time that his cousin, William, had set previously.

The Yorkshireman said: “It’s great to win this class here. It’s always been a top show, and sure the weather has helped, but there’s lots of people here, lots of backing, good riders, a great atmosphere and the horses have jumped fantastically off the [Martin Collins] surface.”

Castle Arena spectators were also treated to the return from injury of Nick Skelton’s Olympic Gold Medal winning horse, Big Star, who made his come back to competition after an eight month absence. Big Star was foot perfect in all rounds but was not put against the clock in the jump offs.

Skelton said: “I jumped him Friday, Saturday and Sunday and he jumped clear every day. I didn’t want to do too much with him and he has done everything perfect so that’ll do him for now.”

Winner of the horse four-in-hand competition, Chester Weber
Winner of the horse four-in-hand competition, Chester Weber

Driving

Along with the rest of the Show, the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix played out under near cloudless skies making perfect underfoot conditions through all three phases. 32 competitors from 13 nations, including six competitors from GB, gathered to do battle in horse four-in-hands.

Chester Weber (USA) took the top spot in the fiercely contested four day competition after an edge of the seat final phase on Sunday 18 May.

Weber, who last competed (and won) at Royal Windsor Horse Show with a horse pair in 1996, posted a smooth and accurate dressage test, earning him the early lead by some five points over six-time IDGP winner, Boyd Exell (AUS). However, he was slower than most in the marathon and saw him drop down to fourth place going into the final phase on Sunday. The cones phase saw only three double clears – one of which was from Weber, meaning that he ended up taking top spot, putting a smile on his face that competed with the bright sunshine.

“I am so pleased,” he said. “This really means a lot to me – to win at Royal Windsor is particularly special.”

In a class traditionally dominated by men, this year saw the greatest number of women four-in-hand drivers at Royal Windsor – a record four coming from Germany, USA and GB. Highest placed was Mareike Harm from Germany, who has been driving horse four-in-hands competitively for less than five years – she turned in an extremely impressive performance which will make for future interest.

The horse pairs competition was won by Irelands Barry Capstick, whilst the pony four-in-hand class was won by Jan de Boer (NED) with Great Britain’s Sara Howe in second.

Showing

Royal Windsor Horse Show is seen as the early season mecca of showing and this year celebrated more showing championships in the main Castle Arena than ever before, which was welcomed by the showing community.

The stars of the show were undoubtedly Suffolk producers Simon Charlesworth, Steve Pitt and Vicky Smith who went to Windsor with six horses and came away with a record five winners, including the champion hack, champion cob and champion riding horse.

There was local success for Jayne Ross and Carol Bardo who are based just outside Maidenhead. They experienced a hugely successful show with six winners, five of them ridden by Jayne herself.

Endurance

The second running of the Royal Windsor Endurance 120km CEI** competition resulted in a win shared by His Highness Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum of The United Arab Emirates. The two competitors are brothers’ in-law and a joint win allowed family pride to be more greatly spread.

“We wanted to make both fathers happy – His Majesty King Hamad and my father-in-law His Highness Mohammed Bin Rashid – by crossing the line together,” said HH Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad, who was riding Onirik de Becheral. “He [Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, riding Yamamah] was four minutes ahead of me and when I caught him up we had a bit of a chat. We decide to grab hands and cross the line together.”

The course included a stretch on the turf in front of the stunning Ascot Racecourse Grandstand, before sweeping around the edge of Windsor Great Park. The three loops that followed took in iconic landmarks within the park, including Jubilee Statue, Prince Consort Statue and The Long Walk, and also treated riders to spectacular panoramic views of Berkshire and Windsor Castle.

For results of all the competitions, please visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information or image requests please contact Hannah Grissell at Revolution Sports + Entertainment E: hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk T: 0207 592 1207

*Featured/Spotlights, Driving, Show Jumping

Show Jumping Domination for Saudi at Windsor

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Abdullah Al Sharbatly. Photos: Kit Houghton/HPower.

Olympic team bronze medallist Abdullah Al Sharbatly notched up two further wins in the international classes at Royal Windsor to take his tally of victories to three so far. The Saudi rider has proved a formidable opponent to the rest of the riders in the spectacular Castle Arena, having claimed a win on each of the three horses he has bought to the competition.

Having claimed yesterday’s Bahrain Pearl Stakes with Andrea, Abdullah, a silver medallist at the last Alltech World Equestrian Games, kicked off today’s classes with a first in the Six Bar on Callahan. He was the only rider to go clear over the fences in the fifth round.

Later, riding Tobalio, he came forward to contest the lucrative Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for the King’s Cup. In the final round, he clipped half a second from then leader Andres Rodriguez’s jump-off round with Caballito to stamp his authority on the show.

Ireland’s Shane Breen loosened Abdullah’s grip on the classes by taking the final class of the day, The Falcon Stakes, with Farao Van’T Vennehof. He won the class, run as a Winning Round competition – in which the starters are split into groups and the best rounds from each go forward to a jump-off – by performing an exceptionally tight turn back to an upright Land Rover fence, followed by superb use of his horse’s speed.

“This horse was placed in the Grand Prix here last year with my brother, Trevor,” said Shane, who owns the nine-year-old stallion with his Uncle James Breen and Anatoly Pysarenko. “He’s had lots of second, so it’s good to finally get a win with him. He is Mr Consistent for me.”

The class ran in the balmy evening sun under the shadow of Windsor Castle and attracted a huge crowd of spectators.

“There hasn’t been an empty seat for any class here and the crowd has been so supportive and really enjoying the jumping,” said Shane, who is based at Hickstead, Sussex. “The venue is amazing and the show offers the opportunity to see so many breeds and so many equestrian disciplines.”

Chester Weber (USA) goes through Obstacle 8
Chester Weber goes through Obstacle 8

Spectacular Driving around Home Park

The marathon phase of the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix provided Royal Windsor Horse Show visitors with a fantastic spectacle on Saturday. Competitors from 11 different nations tackled the eight obstacles spread around Home Park at nail biting speeds and the leader board changed dramatically from the standings after the dressage stage. Former leader Chester Weber (USA) dropped down to fourth place, whilst Glenn Geerts (BEL) who was in ninth place after the dressage claimed top spot. Australia’s Boyd Exell dropped just one place down to third as a result of Koos de Ronde (NED) climbing up from fifth to take second.

Competitors have just got to tackle the cones on Sunday to determine the final results of the prestigious competition. The four horse competition starts at midday.

Services Team Jumping

A long standing traditional competition at Royal Windsor Horse Show is the Services Team Show Jumping and this year saw nearly 100 competitors from 34 different sectors of the services, including the RAF, Royal Navy, Household Cavalry, Kings Troop and Police Force.

Kalid Hilal Al Khatri of the Bahrain Defence Force
Kalid Hilal Al Khatri of the Bahrain Defence Force

However, the victorious team was the Bahrain Defence Force, made up of Kalid Hila Al Khatri, Sh. Isa Bin Salman Bin Al Khalifa and Ahmed Mansur.

They narrowly beat the Wellington College CCF Team B, with third place going to HCMR Team A.

A Special Moment

A special surprise presentation was made to Britain’s first and only blind Show Jumper, Karen Law, at Royal Windsor Horse Show on Saturday afternoon. Karen, who has been blind since birth, was presented with a horse of her own, which was bought from funds raised by RDA Ambassador and former Show Jumper, Emma Jane Brown.

Karen, who was born with bilateral colaboma, which means that her eyes never developed properly, show jumps using a lead horse or someone shouting instructions to help her guide her horse around each course of jumps.

Emma, who is also Karen’s mentor, explains: “Karen is incredibly talented and courageous and jumps big fences at national and international level. She deserves to be able to compete on a par with the likes of Lee Pearson and Natasha Baker – our Paralympic dressage gold medallists and one day potentially compete in Paralympics itself.”

For tickets or to see a full schedule, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information or image requests, please contact Hannah Grissell at Revolution Sports + Entertainment E: hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk T: 0207 592 1207

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

British Team Comes Up Trumps at Windsor

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Charlotte Dujardin. Photos: Kit Houghton/HPower.

British team riders Charlotte Dujardin, Michael Eilberg and Carl Hester delighted a full house at the evening performance of the Royal Windsor Horse Show with a one, two, three in the Grand Prix Freestyle.

Charlotte Dujardin and the stallion Uthopia comfortably topped the leaderboard with an energetic freestyle (83.675%). The Olympic Gold Medallist made full use of Uthopia’s powerful extended trot and passage and produced immaculate passage to piaffe transitions and bold riding to a Tom Hunt compilation of music from ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. The pair left the arena to huge applause from the 4,000 strong crowd.

“Tonight he felt fantastic,” said Dujardin. “I got everything I asked for and couldn’t have asked for more.”

Eilberg and Jon and Julie Deverill’s grey mare Half Moon Delphi (79.4%) produced a personal best score with a foot-tapping freestyle to ‘Shake It Like Shakira’, making best use of her huge passage and flying changes.

“With everything going on at the show she has been really lit up so I gave her a bit more time in the warm up and with more breaks to keep her relaxed which paid off and she went really well,” said Eilberg.

Hester and the huge Nip Tuck (75.725%) took third place with a well-managed freestyle – the same one he used at this venue in 2009 at the European Championships – to a compilation of Tom Jones music.

“It is a freestyle designed for horses starting in Grand Prix,” said Hester who acquired the 18hh gelding as a yearling. “I don’t think anyone thought he was particularly going to be anything but he is really starting to come into his own now. His attitude is priceless; he loves his work and is a pleasure to ride.”

British based Dane, Anders Dahl, took fourth with Wie Atlantico de Ymas (74.60%) with British Young rider Lara Griffith fifth on Andretti H (73.80%) the former ride of her trainer, Laura Bechtolsheimer.

Judge Andrew Gardner, President of the Ground Jury for the class, commented: “The top end was really top. Beautiful rides to lovely programmes and music against a beautiful backdrop – it really was a top class evening.”

It is the first time since 2002 that dressage has been included in the five day show that also includes international show jumping, endurance and driving. Hester, a winner of the Grand Prix here in 1996 and 1997 with Legal Democrat, said: “We need to add venues to the British calendar and it is great that Windsor has stepped back in especially with its great surfaces and packed stadiums. British riders don’t get the opportunity to prepare for Championships in this country so to have this venue is fantastic and long may it stay.”

Royal Windsor Spoils Shared between Two Nations

The second running of the Royal Windsor Endurance 120km CEI** competition resulted in a win shared by His Highness Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum of The United Arab Emirates. The two competitors are brothers-in-law, the former being married to a sister of the latter, and a joint win allowed family pride to be more greatly spread.

Endurance“We wanted to make both fathers happy – His Majesty King Hamad and my father-in-law His Highness Mohammed Bin Rashid – by crossing the line together,” said HH Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad, who was riding Onirik de Becheral. “He [Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, riding Yamamah] was four minutes ahead of me and when I caught him up we had a bit of a chat. We decide to grab hands and cross the line together.”

The start of the ride was blessed with warm early-morning sunshine as a field of 44 started out on the first loop. The course included a stretch on the turf in front of the stunning Ascot Racecourse Grandstand, before sweeping around the edge of Windsor Great Park. The three loops that followed took in iconic landmarks within the park, including Jubilee Statue, Prince Consort Statue and The Long Walk, and also treated riders to spectacular panoramic views of Berkshire and Windsor Castle.

The victorious Sheikhs had been part of the leading pack from the outset. They had broken away from the rest of the field quickly, but their stronghold became particularly evident by the second loop. Towards the end of the race, the leaders, who were predominantly the winners’ fellow countrymen, were averaging speeds of over 24km/h, with the winning average speed recorded as 24.615km/h.

“It was a great race for me, particularly as I was eliminated last year,” said Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad after finishing. “I loved the race, the track and the competition.”

Sheikh Hasher Bin Mohammed Thani Al Maktoum took third for the UAE with Satanik Larzac, while Bahrain claimed fourth and fifth courtesy of Yacoon Yousif Yacoob Al Hammadi (Plage El Milora) and Hood Ebrahim Ali Husain Bucherri (Sheer Arleta FL Ewalraid).

The highest placed Brit was Harry Ingram, who finished 12th on Bronze Nahdir with an average speed of 21.445km/h.

Nick Skelton and Big Star
Nick Skelton and Big Star

International Show Jumping Returns

The international Show Jumping got underway yesterday with the Land Rover Speed Stakes which saw Nick Skelton’s Olympic horse, Big Star, return to competition after an eighth month break due to injury. The London 2012 team gold medallist finished in ninth place after picking up 2 penalties, but the first three spots were all taken by other British riders. Headed by Britain’s no. 1 female rider Laura Renwick on Beluga, with John Whitaker and Uni Stop and Tim Stockdale in third riding Fresh Direct Kalico Bay.

Later on in the day the CSI3* Bahrain Pearl Stakes took place with overseas visitors taking the top spots. Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al Sharbatly took the honours on Andrea, shaving just over two seconds off Shane Breen’s (IRE) time. Back in third was Laura Kraut, whilst Nick Skelton was the best of the Brits taking 5th on eight-year-old Aristio.

The dressage phase of Land Rover International Carriage Driving Grand Prix was completed yesterday, with the USA’s Chester Weber currently leading World Champion Boyd Exell (AUS) by a narrow margin. With Dutch teammates Theo Timmerman and Ysbrand Chardon snapping on their heels in third and fourth, there is everything to play for in the marathon phase of the competition which takes place around Home Park on Saturday.

Once again a feast of equine entertainment will take 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 tickets or to see a full schedule, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information or image requests please contact Hannah Grissell at Revolution Sports + Entertainment E: hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk T: 0207 592 1207

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Dujardin Wins at Windsor

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Photos: Kit Houghton/HPower.

World Number One Thrills Windsor Crowd

The World Number One was especially delighted with the black Dutch-bred stallion. “After our ride at Saumur I was rather disappointed as he was really tricky there but today he let me help him in the ring,” said Charlotte. “I am trying to establish the same bond I have with Valegro – but he is completely different in his mind – although it is also a great opportunity to learn to produce a Grand Prix on a horse that isn’t as easy as Valegro – they are not all as easy as him.”

The British European team combination of Michael Eilberg and Jon and Julie Deverill’s Half Moon Delphi were second (72.9%). The lovely grey Dimaggio sired mare produce, flowing half passes, impressive off the floor passage and one time changes but small mistakes meant a loss of higher marks. “For one reason or another we haven’t done a lot and we just need to get back in the ring a bit more,” said Eilberg who is hoping to take her to Aachen. “There were a few silly glitches – she spooked at a shadow and can get a bit twitchy at things like that but the passage was good and the one time changes have really come on.”

Carl Hester was third with his new Grand Prix ride, ten-year-old Nip and Tuck (71.6%). The imposing Dutch-bred gelding by Don Ruto, who stands at 18hh, is owned by Hester and Jane De la Mare and made his Grand Prix debut two months ago, albeit he has been trained to the level since a four-year-old by his rider. He produced assured ground covering half passes although modest extensions but the 71+% score was enough to ensure he is now also qualified for consideration for the World Equestrian Games later in the year and is the fourth horse that Carl has qualified for the WEG.

“I am pretty chuffed with his progress,” said Hester who was extremely under the weather and suffering from a flu-like virus. “He used to get very hot but today produced a relaxed mistake free test which is what I wanted at this stage.”

Third place Carl Hester riding Nip Tuck
Third place Carl Hester riding Nip Tuck

Danish judge Lief Tornblad was president of the Ground Jury. He said, “The winner was clear. Aside from a slight mistake in one of the two-time changes they were faultless and produced a very secure test with highlights of passage and extended trot. Delphi is an elastic horse with a wonderful passage and although today they produced a few expensive mistakes, she is a really capable mare. Carl’s new horse was a positive surprise and produced a very secure test in a good rhythm with no irregularities. While he could have more power he will have eventually for sure.”

Thirteen combinations contested the FEI Grand Prix which was part of the evening performance at the show that has an impressive backdrop of Windsor Castle. All will compete in tomorrow night’s FEI Grand Prix Freestyle.

Windsor Favourite – The Nail Biting Shetland Grand National

Aintree came to Berkshire yesterday — albeit on a miniature scale — as the Shetland Pony Grand National took place at Royal Windsor Horse Show. A sea of colour graced spectators at the show as the junior jockeys aged between nine and 14 raced around the specially prepared course in what is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the week.

While the obstacles they had to negotiate may not have been as high as those at Aintree, when you’re on a horse less than half the size of a thoroughbred travelling at full speed, they look just as frightening. The race was huge fun to watch and compete in and as ever, raised charitable funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The Shetland Grand National took place in the Castle Arena
The Shetland Grand National took place in the Castle Arena

More runnings of the Shetland Grand National will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Castle Arena.

Friday Highlights

The CSI3* Land Rover Speed Stakes take place in the Castle Arena at start if the afternoon session, which is set to be an exciting competition. Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin returns to compete in the CDI3* International Freestyle Grand Prix competition taking place at 18:30 in the Castle Arena.

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 tickets or to see a full schedule, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information or image requests please contact Hannah Grissell at Revolution Sports + Entertainment E: hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk T: 0207 592 1207

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

All Creatures Great and Small on ‘Windsor Wednesday’

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Photos: Kit Houghton/HPower.

Her Majesty The Queen was present on the opening day of Royal Windsor Horse Show to watch one of her young horses, Tower Bridge, compete in the Novice Heavyweight Hunter Class. The four-year-old gelding, who was bred by Her Majesty, was ridden by Katie Jerram and came second in the class.

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. Just over 8,500 visitors 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.

Farouche Floats to Freestyle Win

Woodlander Farouche and Michael Eilberg once again took ownership of the dressage arena, winning the invitational Advanced Medium Freestyle to Music at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

The pair was awarded a huge aggregate score of 84.05% from judges Leif Tornblad (DEN), Andrew Gardner (GBR) and Maarten Van Der Heijden (NED) – although Tornblad’s individual score was over 89% – and they won the class with a margin just short of 10%.

“She is an impressive mare,” said Tornblad. “She is extremely well balanced throughout and her paces are not exaggerated – the front and hind legs match which is how it should be – she is the complete package.”

British judge Andrew Gardner commented, “Without doubt she has presence which comes from her size and temperament. Everyone is watching her and so far each time she has delivered.

Woodlander Farouche and Michael Eilberg in the Castle Arena
Woodlander Farouche and Michael Eilberg in the Castle Arena

The chestnut mare, an elegant 17.2hh, bred by Lynne Crowden and owned by Alison Walton and Ferdi Eilberg, has not been beaten since winning the six-year-old World Young Horse Championship in Verden in 2012.

“Everybody expects her to do well and that does bring pressure,” said Eilberg. “But once I’m on and riding her talent takes over and I forget. The feel she gave me in extended canter is unbelievable – she felt mega.”

Gloucestershire based Charlie Hutton and Judy Peploe’s Super Blue were the ones who came closest (74.278%) to Eilberg. The pair performed a tidy, on the beat freestyle that was well synchronised and choreographed to the music from Pink Floyd’s album The Wall – well suited to the powerful Super Blue.

Young rider Charlotte Fry from East Yorkshire took third place with the 10-year-old Z Flemmenco (71.455), owned by her Grandmother Mrs Rosemary Shewen. 18-year-old Fry, the highest placed member of the British European Junior team last year, was the Northern Winter Regional Advanced Medium Freestyle Champion earlier this year with Flemmenco and the pair is long-listed for this year’s Junior European Championships.

Willis Is a Windsor Winner!

Framed by the most spectacular backdrop on the British Show Jumping circuit, British-based Australian Rowan Willis claimed the prestigious Walwyn Novice Championships title with Kath James’ Bacarilla on a packed Windsor Wednesday.

The 12 combinations that made it through to the final had secured their places in two qualifiers held earlier in the day, won by Jane Annett (Pallas Masterclass) and William Funnell (Billy Bongo). Rowan had taken the last qualifying place in the second class, evidently saving the best of the eight-year-old chestnut mare for the main event.

“He’s actually only ridden her for about three weeks,” said Kath, who has owned the daughter of Heartbreaker for four years. “Along with some other horse of mine, he has her to sell.”

Victory in the final class of the day, the Land Rover Grades B & C Handicap was snatched from the hands of former Olympic Gold Medallist Laura Kraut (USA) riding Constable. Her long-standing leading time was defeated by Irishman Michael Duffy, who completed the course two seconds faster with Shehenaz. The results of this class added a little flavour of what’s to come ahead of the start of the international classes tomorrow.

Thursday Highlights

The Dressage phase of the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix starts on Thursday 15 May in Home Park, 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 tickets or to see a full schedule, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information or image requests please contact Hannah Grissell at Revolution Sports + Entertainment E: hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk T: 0207 592 1207

Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

Big Star to Make Comeback at Royal Windsor Horse Show

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Nick Skelton’s London 2012 team gold medal winning horse, Big Star, will make his comeback return to competition from injury at Royal Windsor Horse Show, which takes place on 14-18 May 2014.

The 11-year-old has been out of action since sustaining an injury last August as he was preparing for the Spruce Meadows Masters. He was halfway through an incredible campaign last year, notching up a hat trick of big wins: the CSIO Rome Grand Prix in May, CHIO Aachen Grand Prix in June, and the FEI Nations Cup in Dublin in August. Skelton was also on target to claim the €1 million Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping after winning the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen with Big Star last June.

London 2012 team gold medallist Nick Skelton said: “Big Star had a suspensory injury in August last year, I took him to Florida for the winter to recuperate and he jumped some small classes. I’m hopefully trying to get him ready for the World Equestrian Games. That would be his aim. Before that I’d like to get him to the Hamburg Global Champions Tour at the end of May so bringing Big Star to Windsor would be a good preparation for him but I will only do so if he is 100% fit. I’m looking forward to getting back in action with him; the last nine months have been a bit quiet to say the least!”

The international Show Jumping, which includes the £53,000 CSI3* Kings Cup on Saturday 17 May and the £35,000 CSI3* Alltech Grand Prix for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy on Sunday 18 May, has received entries from 10 different nations as well as eight out of the top 10 riders in the UK rankings.

Among the confirmed entries for the CSI3* Show Jumping is Skelton’s London 2012 teammate Peter Charles, as well as reigning World Champion, Philippe Le Jeune (BEL) and Saudi Arabia’s Abdulla Al Sharbatly, famous for winning silver at the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and team bronze at London 2012. Other international riders include Venezuela’s Andres Rodriguez, who has based himself in Europe this year ahead of the World Equestrian Games in August and USA team mates Lauren Hough and Laura Kraut. Italy’s Emanuele Guadiano, 27th in the FEI World Rankings, who won last year’s Paris Masters and recently won the Madrid leg of the Global Champions Tour travels over with three horses to compete.

In addition, World No. 1, Charlotte Dujardin, fresh from smashing yet another world record at the Dressage World Cup Final in Lyon, will be showcasing her talents in the CDI3* FEI Dressage which takes place during the evening performances on Thursday 15 May and Friday 16 May.

Tickets can be purchased on the door, online or by telephone. 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 4660 internationally.

For more information or image requests please contact Hannah Grissell at Revolution Sports + Entertainment E: hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk T: 0207 592 1207

Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place on 14-18 May 2014. Over 40,000 visitors are expected to attend the 71st 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 200 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.

A new ticket pricing strategy has been introduced this year, with free admission to all visitors on ‘Windsor Wednesday’ – the 14th May. Children are admitted free of charge on Thursday 15th May and Friday 16th May. On Thursday 15th May the admission fee for adults will be £16 and on Friday 16th May it will be £19. On Saturday 17th May and Sunday 18th 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.

Once again the show receives loyal and important support from The Kingdom of Bahrain and sponsors Jaguar Land Rover, Laurent Perrier, DAKS, Hermes and Alltech.

Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show – www.hpower.co.uk.

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Driving, Show Jumping

Exceptional Entries for First International Royal Windsor Horse Show

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Boyd Exell. Photo Credits – Kit Houghton/HPower.

30 April 2014 – An exciting international line up of riders from over 24 nations will descend on Royal Windsor Horse Show on 14-18 May 2014, in the same year that the prestigious show boosts prize money to £255,000 and upgrades to a CHI for the first time.

The international Show Jumping, which includes the £53,000 CSI3* Kings Cup on Saturday 17 May and the £35,000 CSI3* Alltech Grand Prix for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy on Sunday 18 May, has received entries from 10 different nations as well as 8 out of the top 10 riders in the UK rankings. In addition, World No. 1, Charlotte Dujardin, fresh from smashing yet another world record at the Dressage World Cup Final in Lyon, will be showcasing her talents in the CDI3* FEI Dressage.

Driving
International Driving has been a highlight of the Royal Windsor Horse Show since HRH The Duke of Edinburgh introduced it to the schedule in 1971, and this year sees an exceptionally high quality set of entries in the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix with takes place on 15-18 May. Competitors include current FEI World Cup Driving champion Boyd Exell (AUS), but hot competition is expected from four times World Champion IJsbrand Chardon (NED).

Jumping
The confirmed entries for the CSI3* Show Jumping include two members of the London 2012 gold medal winning team, Nick Skelton and Peter Charles, as well as reigning World Champion, Philippe Le Jeune (BEL), and Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al Sharbatly, famous for winning silver at the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and team bronze at London 2012. Other international riders include Venezuela’s Andres Rodriguez, who has based himself in Europe this year ahead of the World Equestrian Games in August and USA team mates Lauren Hough and Laura Kraut. Italy’s Emanuele Guadiano, 27th in the FEI World Rankings, who won last year’s Paris Masters travels over with three horses to compete.

Tina Fletcher
Tina Fletcher

Nick Skelton, who has been competing at Royal Windsor since the 1970s when he rode for The Edgar Family, said: “I always look forward to competing at Royal Windsor Horse Show. It is set in a stunning location and always has a brilliant atmosphere. The organisers have done a great job by securing increased prize money and the show really deserves the upgrade to CHI.”

Dressage
Competitors from seven different nations will compete in the CDI3* FEI Dressage with the Grand Prix taking place in the evening of Thursday 15 May, and the Freestyle taking place 24 hours later on Friday 16 May. The headline act will undoubtedly be Dressage sensation, Charlotte Dujardin and stallion Uthopia. Seven-time national champion Carl Hester will be competing Fine Time, the horse which he rides for Gemma Appleton, whilst international riders include six-time Australian national champion Mary Hanna, long standing member of the Portuguese equestrian team Daniel Pinto, and South Africa’s Denise Hallion.

To see a full list of entries, please click here.

For the first time, the organisers of the Show are offering free admission to all visitors on the opening day, dubbed ‘Windsor Wednesday’. Tickets for all the other days 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 4660 internationally.

Charlotte Dujardin
Charlotte Dujardin

For more information, please contact Hannah Grissell at Revolutions Sports + Entertainment E: hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk T: 0207 592 1207

Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place on 14-18 May 2014. Over 40,000 spectators are expected to attend the 71st 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 200 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 Festival, all unseen on the High Street.

A new ticket pricing strategy has been introduced this year, with free admission to all visitors on ‘Windsor Wednesday’ the 14th May for the first time and children are also free of charge on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday 15th May the admission fee for adults will be £16 and on Friday 16th May it will be £19. On Saturday 17th May and Sunday 18th 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.

Once again the show receives loyal and important support from The Kingdom of Bahrain and sponsors Jaguar Land Rover, Laurent Perrier, DAKS, Hermes and Alltech.

Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show – www.hpower.co.uk.

Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Show Jumping

Record Number of Entries for Royal Windsor Horse Show

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11 April 2014 – A record number of entries have been received for this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show which takes place on Wednesday 14 – Sunday 18 May 2014, in the private grounds of Windsor Castle.

As the first major outdoor equine show of the season and the largest of its kind in the UK, it has once again seen exceptional support with a record breaking 2,300 entries in total for the National Show Jumping and Showing classes. This new record comes in the same year that the Show becomes a CHI (Concours Hippique International) for the first time, when it introduces new international 3 star Show Jumping and Dressage competitions.

Nominated entries for the CSI3* Jumping, CDI3* Dressage and CAI3* Driving competitions will be made available on 18th April.

Simon Brooks-Ward, Managing Director of HPower and Event Director, said: “We have had really encouraging entries this year, breaking all records. The competitors have given the thumbs up to Windsor and we will do our utmost to make them all welcome.”

He continued: “If you add the international Dressage, Driving, Jumping and Endurance entries, the show this year will have a new competitive feel to it. With three evening performances and over 2,300 horses visiting the showground, it should be a bumper year for the 71 year old show.”

The show will be hosting 130 National Showing classes, which comprise of the majority of entries for this year. Within these entries, five of Her Majesty The Queen’s own horses will be competing, two of which will be ridden by top show producer, Katie Jerram, including ex-racehorse ‘Barber’s Shop,’ who will be competing in the popular Tattersalls and RoR Thoroughbred Ridden Show Horse class.

Amongst the National Show Jumping entries is the former Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Winner Pippa Funnell. She will be battling it out alongside husband William Funnell in The Horse & Hound Foxhunter class, held on the first day of the show.

The exciting competitions as well as other dazzling scenes, can all be watched free of charge on the opening day of the show, dubbed ‘Windsor Wednesday’. For the first time in the history of the show, the organisers will allow all spectators free entry to the show ground, a great and inexpensive day out for the family.

Over 40,000 spectators are expected to attend the 71st 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 200 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 Festival, all unseen on the High Street.

For more information or image requests, please contact Hannah Grissell at Revolution Sports + Entertainment – E: hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk, T: 0207 592 1207.

Ticket Pricing
Royal Windsor Horse Show is offering free admission to all visitors on Wednesday 14th May. Children also go free of charge on Thursday and Friday. Admission for adults on Thursday is just £16 and on Friday, £19. For weekend visitors, showground entry will be £25 for adults and £10 for children on both days. There are discounts for group bookings, and family value tickets of two adults and three children for £60 are available on either Saturday or Sunday. 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 4660 internationally.  Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show – www.hpower.co.uk.

Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

Royal Windsor Horse Show Appoints Revolution Sports + Entertainment

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The UK’s largest outdoor horse show, Royal Windsor Horse Show, has appointed Revolution Sports + Entertainment in the year that it introduces International 3 Star Show Jumping and Dressage to its schedule.

Running from Wednesday 14th to Sunday 18th May, Royal Windsor Horse Show, which has been attended by HM The Queen every year since it started in 1943, will become a CHI (Concours Hippique International) for the first time this year. Revolution Sports + Entertainment have been selected to build the event’s profile in the consumer and lifestyle media, whilst maintaining the close relationship the show has with its core equestrian and sports media.

The prestigious five-day show, which has over 3,500 competitors, is now the only event in the UK which stages international competitions in four different equine disciplines: Show Jumping, Dressage, Driving and Endurance. This year the total prize money has received a welcome boost bringing it to over £250,000 – a substantial increase from 2013 when it was £87,000.

Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “Revolution possess the unique combination of in depth knowledge of all equestrian sports as well as having consumer and lifestyle media specialties. We are delighted to have them on board in what will be a very important year for the show.”

Rod Kohler, Managing Director at Revolution, said: “Royal Windsor Horse Show is one of the most prestigious horse events in the British calendar and we are thrilled to be working on it. It’s a particularly exciting time for all British equestrian sports right now and this is the perfect event to showcase sports that would not normally get a lot of media attention to a wider consumer audience.”

The Royal Family has had a long association with the show, with King George VI being Patron for the opening show in 1943, which was started to raise money for the war effort. Today, HM The Queen is Patron of the show and she often has a number of horses and ponies competing at the show. Other members of the Royal Family, including HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Princess Royal, have actually taken part in the show’s competitions.

Once again the show receives loyal and important support from The Kingdom of Bahrain and sponsors Land Rover, Laurent Perrier, DAKS, Hermes, Alltech and Coworth Park.

For further information please contact:
Rod Kohler
Revolution Sports + Entertainment
Tel: 0207 592 1207
Email: rod@revolutionsports.co.uk

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

International and National Dressage Makes Welcome Return to CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show

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17 February 2014 – International and national Dressage will return to Royal Windsor Horse Show this year after an absence of 4 years, as the UK’s largest outdoor show becomes a CHI (Concours Hippique Internationale) for the very first time.

The CDI3* FEI Dressage Grand Prix will take place on the evening of Thursday 15 May and the CDI3* FEI Dressage Freestyle on the evening of Friday 16 May. Fifteen competitors will be invited to take part, five from the UK and ten from overseas, and it is expected that there will be six nations competing in total. The addition of the International Dressage competition allows Windsor to reintroduce its popular evening programmes, which will also include equestrian displays from The Household Cavalry and The King’s Troop, as well as The Pony Club Mounted Games, The Shetland Pony Grand National, and an Arab Horse Display from Bahrain.

In addition, a new Advanced Medium Freestyle Dressage Championship has been introduced to the programme. The Royal Windsor Freestyle Challenge will be staged on the afternoon of ‘Windsor Wednesday’ (14 May) when Windsor will throw open its gates to all visitors offering free of charge entry for the day.

A total of 12 competitors will be invited to take part in the Championships.  Eligibility to receive an invitation will be awarded to the five best placed horse/athlete combinations at the Charles Owen Advanced Medium Open Final at the NAF Five Star Dressage Winter Championships taking place at Hartpury College on Saturday 12 April, and the five best placed horse/athlete combinations in the Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Final at the same Championships on Sunday 13 April.  An additional two wild cards will be offered at the discretion of the Organising Committee*.

As well as International Dressage, Royal Windsor Horse Show 2014 introduces CSI3* Show Jumping to its already established international Driving and Endurance competitions.

The 71st running of the Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place on 14-18 May 2014 in the beautiful grounds of Windsor Castle, Berkshire. For a full programme of events, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

* In the event of any horse/athlete combination being placed in the first five places of both competitions at the NAF Five Star Dressage Winter Championships, eligibility to receive an invitation will pass to (i) in the first instance, the next best placed horse/athlete combination in the Advanced Medium Open at the NAF Five Star Dressage Winter Championships, (ii) in the second instance, the next best placed horse/athlete combination in the Advanced Medium Freestyle at that same show, (iii) in any number of subsequent instances the next best placed horse/athlete combination in each of the two competitions mentioned above on an alternating basis.

For more information or image requests, please contact Hannah Grissell at Revolution Sports + Entertainment – E: hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk, T: 0207 592 1207.

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 4660 internationally.  Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show – www.hpower.co.uk.