The Royal Windsor Horse Show – An Equine Extravaganza, UK
The Royal Windsor horse show not only has the prestige of being the first major outdoor equestrian show of the season, but is also the largest of its kind in the UK. Set in the magnificent grounds of the majestic Windsor Castle, the occasion is enhanced by the beauty of illuminated castle walls, a firework display and the appearance of royalty. For horse lovers either living in the UK or visiting from abroad, the Royal Windsor horse show is the premier equestrian event of the year.
Horse carriage driving at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2011 / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by tailsandfur
It is Queen Elizabeth´s Diamond anniversary in 2012, and the Royal Windsor Horse Show is planned to be the biggest in its 65 year history. Over 3000 horses and ponies taking part in over 170 classes have registered for this year´s event and visitors will be treated to a feast of spectacular performances including show jumping, tent pegging, and pony club mounted games. The Royal Windsor Horse Show is the only annual event that allows guests access to the private grounds of one of the Queen´s spectacular residencies and visitors also get the opportunity to see her majesty´s horses on show as well.
A brief history of the Royal Windsor Horse Show
The first Royal Windsor Horse Show was hosted during the height of World War II in 1943 as part of a national campaign to raise funds for RAF aircraft. The event was called “Wings for Victory,” and raised a staggering £400,000 which went towards the manufacturing of 78 Typhoon aircraft. The original show was organized by count Robert Orssich and Geoffrey Cross and was named the Windsor Horse and Dog Show. Queen Elizabeth, who was a young princess and keen horse rider at the time performed in that first event together with her mother and father and sister Margaret. Princess Elizabeth won the Single Private Driving on her pony Hans and Princess Margaret won the Wartime Utility Driving Class on the King’s Fell pony Gipsy.
A horse in action at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2010 / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by waldopepper
The celebration of the Queen´s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 promises to be an extra special occasion as for the first time in history visitors will be treated to guest performers that have been invited from all over the world. Britain´s sister countries, Canada and Australia will be represented by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the New South Wales Police Force Activity Ride respectively together with the Carosello de Carabiniere from Italy, Russia´s elegant team from the Kremlin Equestrian School and India´s spectacular Marwarhi Dancing Horses.
Events at The Royal Windsor Horse Show
The five day event takes places each year in either May or June and has grown in stature and size since the first show and today attracts around 8000 visitors. This year the five-day extravaganza opens on Wednesday 9th May with Hunter Showing Classes and the Horse and Hound Foxhunter jumping competition. Given the unpredictable and uncompromising weather the British Isles is famed for, an all weather artificial arena is laid in the main performance area together with special pathways for the safety of visitors.
And it´s not just a spectacular show of equestrian performances that the Royal Windsor Horse Show offers visitors, but is also home to more than 200 shops offering riding equipment and other equestrian goodies, fashion boutiques, household ornaments, jewellery and handicrafts. The event also boasts an excellent selection of restaurants menus and ample bars and cafes.
Further dates and details are available at the official Royal Windsor Horse Show website.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show is a fantastic event that any equine enthusiast must try to get to, book taxis online to reduce stress when travelling to the event.
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Category: United Kingdom, Wellness, Relax and Sports
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I’ve been to the Royal Windsor Horse Show and it was a real delight.
Loved the royal windsor show when I went