With Badminton done and dusted for another year, UK horse fans now turn their attention to Royal Windsor Horse Show, which starts this week (13-17 May).
Who’s who
The entries list reads like a ‘who’s who’ in British equestrian sport, with showjumpers Ben Maher, John Whitaker, Nick Skelton, Laura Renwick and William Funnell all competing.
Joining the Brits are the likes of USA’s Jessica Springstreen and Laura Kraut and Ireland’s Trevor Breen and Billy Twomey in the showjumping.
Magical show
Ben Maher has been enjoying success overseas for the past few month and is back on British turf for the CSI3* show, with Cella, Diva II and Sarena.
“It’s great to be back at Royal Windsor and competing on home soil,” said Ben. “It’s not often that I get to ride in front of a home crowd and it’s such a magical show set in an iconic venue – I can’t wait!”
Dressage stars
H&C star Carl Hester will be competing in the CDI3* Grand Prix. Carl is entered with Nip Tuck, and the rider will also be sharing his experience and expertise with a masterclass on the Friday night (15 May).
International stars Anders Dahl (DEN) and Katja Gevers (NED) will also be competing.
Tough opposition
Alongside the dressage and jumping there is international driving. Three-time World Champion Boyd Exell will be hoping to add a seventh Royal Windsor win to his list of achievements.
He faces tough opposition, however, from last year’s winner Chester Weber – who won silver at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) – and WEG bronze medalist Theo Timmerman.
Royal Windsor endurance, which started in 2013, takes place in the Great Park on Friday (15 May). Riders from nine nations will be competing, including Britain’s Nicola Thorne who is currently second in the open riders world endurance rankings.
World’s best
Royal Windsor Horse Show director, Simon Brooks-Ward said: “We are delighted to see some of the world’s best riders returning to Royal Windsor Horse Show this year.
“We strive to make the show as enjoyable as possible for competitors and it is great to see that it maintains its popularity among all four disciplines across the five action-packed days.”
Tickets can be purchased on the gate, online or by calling the box office on 0844 581 4960.