The Royal Windsor Horse Show becomes a family affair 8-12 May 2019

Activities

Great Outdoors

Published on Saturday, 09 March 2019 13:26

Last Updated on 06 March 2019

Monica Costa

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I love Britain in Spring because it hosts so many events where I can show off my posh outfits and hats. I usually go to Ascot Racecourses but this year I particularly look forward to attend the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May with my uber-talented friend and blogger Vicki of the Honest Mum. The Royal Windsor Horse Show will celebrate its largest ever prize fund making it a record-breaking year for the action-packed, five-day world-class equestrian Show. I am a big fan of horses, but I like to dress up so every excuse to do so is welcome (giggle, giggle).

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

World-Class Equestrian Action

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

Having drawn in six of the world’s top 10 riders in 2018, including the winner of the Rolex Grand Prix and the current world number one ranked show jumper, Steve Guerdat, the heightened status of competition is expected to draw in the world’s best horse and rider combinations in Show Jumping to date. This year’s CSI5 Show Jumping will be held on 10-12 May, culminating with the most prestigious competition, the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday 12 May. 

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

New to the event and adding a splash of invigorating up-and-coming talent to the line-up will be the Pony Club Dressage Championships and the Under 25 Show Jumping competition.

Taking place on Friday 10 May and Sunday 12 May respectively, stars of the future will be going for gold beneath the iconic Windsor Castle in two tightly fought competitions featuring the most talented young equestrians in the country. This will be popular with the kids as it is quite spectacular to watch. 

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

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

As the most important Showing competition in the UK, the event kicks-off the Showing season with over 120 classes enticing thousands of competitors from across the country. With several new additions to the already extensive programme, including the in-hand pure bred Arab and part bred Arab class, and the Cleveland Bays, which brings Britain’s oldest breed of horse to the show ground, it is expected to be the most competitive year yet.

All eyes will be on Her Majesty The Queen and her horses, as she attempts to reproduce some of her long list of successes at the Show.

 

Displays and performances

Along with the top equestrian sport on offer, ticket holders will be treated to exceptional entertainment across the five-day event. The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Regiment, The Household Cavalry Mounted Band and The Musical Drive of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will bring their unique and captivating displays, as they take centre stage in the Castle Arena throughout the week.

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

 

Luxury shopping in an iconic setting

This year’s Show will feature over 200 boutique shops hand-selected bringing some of the finest retailers to the famous setting. From equestrian-musts to fashion and homeware items, the Show is renowned for its considerable variety. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a number of food and drink outlets catering for all tastes. Whether you’re looking for a great burger, organic or vegan treats, a special afternoon tea or some delicious seafood, there’s something for everyone.   

Key Visitor information

The Show will take place from 8-12 May 2019.

To book tickets visit www.rwhs.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 581 0755 from the UK and +44 (0)121 7966 290 internationally.

Windsor residents should call the Windsor Information Centre on 01753 743 589.

Travel Information: www.rwhs.co.uk/travel-windsor-horseshow/

Over 55,000 visitors are expected to attend the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show which offers its audience an extensive programme of first-class equestrian competition and performances in five arenas.

The displays in the main Castle Arena include The Musical Ride of The Household Calvary Mounted Regiment, The Musical Drive of The King’s Troop RHA, The DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and The Land Rover Shetland Pony Grand National.

As well as the equestrian competitions and activities, there are over 220 shops in the Shopping Village, with a wide range of goods for sale, from jewellery and fashion, to food and drink. Her Majesty The Queen has attended every year since the Show 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 Windsor Equestrian Promotions Ltd, as part of HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show www.hpower.co.uk.

Related features: 

A day at Windsor Castle for a Royal Wedding exhibition: HRH Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank wedding outfits

Royal Ascot: Quintessentially British