Royal Windsor – the season begins
Royal
Windsor Horse Show 13th – 16th May 2004, recognised as the
country’s stylish start to the show season, has developed the
most interesting and varied timetable in its 61 year history, with
the whole emphasis on providing real attractions for both horse
enthusiasts and non-equestrian public alike.
Show
Programme
The
show takes place from Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th May, with additional
evening performances at the weekend, and concludes on Sunday evening
with the dramatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Fireworks to Music display against
the backdrop of the floodlit Windsor Castle.
Each
performance will include a major show jumping class and international
displays, such as, the magnificent ridden display of high stepping
Portuguese Lusitano horses, supported by Wines of Portugal. There
are also firm family favourites including the Shetland Pony Grand
National and the Daks Pony Club International Mounted Games.
Royal
Windsor has historically been about providing equestrian diversity
and a celebration for the horse world, and the Hunters, Hacks, Cobs,
Riding Horses, Show Ponies and Mountain and Moorlands, amongst others,
give a feast for breed enthusiasts.
Other
Activities
With
over 150 shops, ranging from Bond Street style stores to tack outlets,
a funfair, gastronomic delights in the show restaurants, champagne
bars, a hobby farm and unreserved free seating, the visitor experience
will be breathtaking.
In
addition to the innovations in layout and timetabling, the organisers
are also introducing a daily “Teach-In” with experts from
different disciplines giving those around the ring the chance to
benefit from their wisdom. Themes will include Showing, Driving,
Show Jumping and aspects of The Pony Club.
Everyday
there is a special activity that is particular to Royal Windsor,
with some sights being seen nowhere else. East End Costers, displaying
their rag and bone carts on Thursday make way for the elegant procession
of 19th Century Mail Coaches and tent pegging on Friday afternoon.
On
Saturday it is the turn of the Military, with the Team Services
Jumping for the Queen Elizabeth Cup and the coveted prize for the
Best Turned out Trooper from the Household Cavalry. Sunday is Carriage
Driving day, with the presentations of the International Carriage
Competition and the fashion conscious meeting of the British Driving
Society with Stick Backed Gigs, Phaetons and Dog Carts, amongst
others, reminding us of a decorative yesteryear.
The
Showground
In
such an exquisite setting and taking advantage of the exclusive
grounds of Windsor Castle, the emphasis is firmly on quality. The
show has been neatly scheduled into four days instead of the usual
five and has three main competition rings.
This
year sees key improvements to the showground, making it a more compact
and weatherproof environment for spectators. Extensive walkway tracking
means that visitors to the show will find it easy to move smoothly
from sipping champagne and enjoying the entertainment at the ringside
to shopping, whatever the weather.
Land
Rover International Carriage Driving
A
must for any visit to Royal Windsor is the chance to walk in the
enchanted garden of Windsor Castle, that is Home Park Private. This
part of the park is only open once a year, for the Royal Windsor
Horse Show, and it plays host to all the carriage driving competitions
including a World Cup Driving Qualifier as part of the Land Rover
International Carriage Driving Grand Prix. This is the first time
the event has hosted a qualifier. It is anticipated that HRH Duke
of Edinburgh will once again take part in this highly skilled competition,
which is not for the fainthearted.
In
honour of The Pony Club’s 75th anniversary, the Sunday of the
show will be celebrating this great landmark as well as playing
host to the daily running of the Daks Mounted Games International.
Advance
tickets for the Royal Windsor Horse Show are available from the
box office, telephone 0870 121 5370 (or +44 115 912 9160 for international
calls) and are from £10 with concession prices from £7.
Children 12 and under can gain admission for free. FREE RINGSIDE
SEATING (on a first come first serve basis). A very attractive Membership
package is also available by ringing 01753 860633. To find out more
about Royal Windsor Horse Show visit the website at www.rwhs.co.uk
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