Royal Windsor Horse Show — there really is no other horse show quite like it. Even if you are not in the least bit equestrian minded, a visit to the Royal Windsor Horse Show is a must, for it personifies all that is quintessentially English.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is set in the grounds of Windsor Castle, one of Queen Elizabeth’s residences, just 30km southwest of central London on the banks of the River Thames. Upon arrival at the show, you could mistakenly think that you are at a swish wedding or an upmarket garden party from the way that the officials and judges are dressed. Men wear a suit and tie, and more often than not, a bowler hat. Ladies are beautifully turned out in summer dresses, beautifully cut suits, and fabulous hats that create a rainbow of colour. Super-smart soldiers are in attendance to assist the judges, carrying a basket of rosettes at prize-giving.

Smart dress extends to all the competitors too; whether in-hand or ridden, the turnout of all the entrants and their horses is second to none. The perfect plaits and the silky, flowing manes of the native entries are a credit to the grooms who attend the horses in the ring, clutching wicker baskets containing all sorts of brushes, sprays, oils and cloths to keep their smart charges looking pristine.

The show was first hosted in 1943 to raise money for the war effort. It was a great success, raising funding for almost 80 RAF fighter jets. The first show was a horse and dog event, although dogs have been banned since 1944. Apparently an opportunist dog stole a sandwich from King George V’s plate during the inaugural show, which caused great embarrassment for the show committee and as a consequence dogs have never been allowed back!

FIVE-DAY SPECTACLE

Over time, the show has gradually grown from one day at its inception to the current five days. Each day offers a remarkable array of competitions and displays. Driving, dressage, showjumping, mounted games, military displays, stunt riders and just about every showing class that you can think of keep visitors entertained from 8am until early evening.

The large shopping village offers a huge variety of trade stands and food stalls that cater for all tastes. The fish and chips stands, bacon sandwich and cream tea stalls are hectically busy. There is a Members’ Enclosure where a glass of bubbly with lunch or supper is de rigueur while watching the entertainment in the Castle Arena (main ring). A further three, plus numerous warm-up areas and collecting rings flank the Castle Arena. For driving enthusiasts, Windsor hosts the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix, which is also an FEI Nations Cup Qualifier. This year, it was won by Australia’s Boyd Exell… his 11th victory at Royal Windsor!

The show is partnered with some of the most prestigious global brands and hosts the Rolex Grand Prix of showjumping, which has a £500,000 purse. Great Britain’s Ben Maher and Explosion W won this year. The class always attracts the world’s top riders; 2021 was no different with many horse and rider combinations jumping their last big Grand Prix before heading to Tokyo for the Olympic Games. To ride in the main ring at Windsor is probably on the wish list of many riders, the scene dominated by the castle, its turrets and towers looming over the trees surrounding it, exuding a majestic atmosphere.

“A glass of bubbly with lunch
or supper is de rigueur.”

ROYAL TOUCH 

It is well known that the Queen has a love of horses and she takes great pleasure in watching them competing in her “back garden”. Now 95 years old, the Queen was a frequent visitor to the show this year (as she is every year), presenting some prizes and watching numerous showing classes, including those in which her own horses compete.

It is a thrill for spectators and competitors alike to see the Queen with such keen interest — smiling and chatting to her companions and looking very at home; often she is seen driving her own vehicle around the showground. Other members of the Royal Family are to be seen wandering round the trade stands, mingling with the general public. This year was no exception; Sophie, the Duchess of Wessex, (married to Prince Edward, the Queen’s youngest son) dressed quite casually as she stopped to try a few samples at the Oxton Liqueur Company stand, accompanied by show director Simon Brooks.

Every day in the Castle Arena there is an appealing line-up of equine entertainment, including the Shetland Grand National, which is always a great crowd pleaser. A team of children between the ages of eight and 14 riding 11 Shetland ponies race around a track, jumping mini steeplechase fences. Once the crowd has been whipped into a veritable frenzy of excitement, cheering for their favourite pony to cross the line, the fun continues with the Pony Club Mounted Games, where teams of children and their ponies representing all nations of the UK compete in a variety of races. The races are a test of speed, accuracy, dexterity and teamwork for the ponies and their riders.