Royal Windsor Horse Show Preview 2010 - Timetable Highlights
Royal Windsor Horse Show (12-16th May 2010) is less than three month’s away and Organisers are busy confirming the timetable of events.
With over 150 classes in Showing, Driving and Jumping, Royal Windsor Horse Show 2010 boasts more classes than ever before and will see around 3000 horses competing over five days.
Showing
This year’s Show sees the introduction of 32 new Showing classes, making Royal Windsor Horse Show one of the largest Showing events in the UK. Highlights include prestigious Championships for Cobs; Hackneys; Mountain & Moorlands; Show Ponies and Coloured Horses. There are new classes for Veterans; Sport Horses; Side Saddle Jumping and even Miniature Horses this year, which take place all week in all three arenas. The Hack Championship, sponsored by Horse & Hound takes place in the Castle Arena on Friday 14th.
Jumping
If Jumping is more your discipline of choice, don’t miss The St George of England Puissance on Saturday 15th and The Alltech Grand Prix on Sunday 16th May. The Land Rover Services Team Jumping is always a thrilling class at Windsor and takes place in two phases on Saturday 15th. On Thursday 13th, there is a new Jumping class where you can spot the horse stars of tomorrow - The Olympic Star Spotters Competition for 6 Year Old Horses.
Driving
The Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix is the only International Driving competition in the UK. The competition is open for four in hand Horse and Pony teams and Horse pairs. It kicks off with the Dressage phase on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th with the exciting Marathon phase on Saturday 15th. Sunday sees the final stage of the competition with the Obstacle Driving.
The BHS
Following its successful presence at Windsor over the past few years, the BHS has once again developed a fantastic array of classes, displays and demonstrations. The AmTrust Equine RWHS British Riding Clubs Championships, supported by PONY and Horse & Rider Magazines is now in its second year and British Riding Club Members will be competing in Top Score Jumping and Riding Test all over the UK to win their chance to ride in the finals at Windsor. The final rounds take place in the BHS Frogmore arena all week with the Championship rounds being fought out in the Castle Arena.
The SEIB BHS TREC Pro-Am Challenge proved an extremely popular and entertaining demonstration last year – Tim Stockdale even managed to take a tumble whilst riding an unfamiliar horse! This year it takes place on Saturday 15th May in the BHS Frogmore Arena. A group of celebrities and professional riders will compete against two members of the GB TREC team. Last year's winner Kelly Marks has been invited to defend her title, but will not have the benefit of riding her own horse Pie this time.
The Martin Collins BHS Instructors' Challenge is held on Wednesday 12th May in the BHS Frogmore Arena. This combined training competition endorsed by Captain Mark Phillips is open to all BHS registered instructors with those competing at Windsor having qualified from 12 qualifiers taking place around the country. The dressage phase will take place in the morning followed by show jumping in the afternoon.
Other Displays
The usual favourites including the Shetland Pony Grand National; The DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games; The Land Rover Skill at Arms; The Musical Drive of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and The Meet of Hounds all feature at WIndsor. The fantastic, historic Coaching Marathon departs and finishes in the Castle Arena on Friday 15th May. New this year and providing fun for all the family is The British Native Pony Display Team presented by The British Horse Society and sponsored by VBandz and Charles Owen, taking place on Friday afternoon in the Copper Horse Arena.
Following its debut in 2009, The Inter Hunt Team Knock Out is back in the Castle Arena on Thursday 13th May and will see 16 teams of four compete in this fast-action thriller. Welcoming the Hunting Community with open arms, Thursday will officially be known as ‘Hunt Day,’ making the Show a place for all the Hunting Community to congregate and enjoy the entertainment.
Shopping and Activities
With over 200 shops ranging from fashion and jewellery to horsewear and household furnishings, visitors can shop till they drop before heading to one of the many restaurants, bars and cafes. Celebrating local and International food, The Royal Windsor Food and Drink Festival will be a major highlight this year, located in its own space and offering a plethora of delights from organic meat to chocolate and alcohol. Brand new this year is Royal Windsor’s very own Craft Fair, run by Eden Craft, showcasing a variety of beautiful arts and crafts.
For those who crave a little more adventure, Land Rover will once again bring along its 4x4 course ‘Terrapod’ where visitors can test out the latest driving technology. Thanks to the Royal Tattoo at Windsor Castle which is hosted in the same grounds on the evenings of the Horse Show, the popular Military Action Zone is also back bigger and better in 2010 giving children and those with a more competitive nature, hours of entertainment!
Ticket information:
Tickets for Royal Windsor Horse Show 2010 are on sale now, priced at £13 (adults), £9 (concessions including Royal Windsor Advantage Card Holders) and £5 (children 5-16years) if booked in advance. Family tickets (two adults and two children) cost £30. Tickets are priced per day and include entry to all the day’s events. You can book online at www.rwhs.co.uk or by telephoning 0844 412 4631 (UK) or + 44 115 993 4119 (International).
Tickets are also available at the Windsor Information Centre, with discounts being offered to Advantage card holders. Please note only one discounted ticket per advantage card holder is available, and the card must be presented at time of purchase. If booking over the phone, the advantage card number must be quoted. Bookings can be made by calling 01753 743 909 or emailing Windsor.tic@rbwm.gov.uk. The advantage card discount is only available through the Windsor Information Centre.
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For more information on Royal Windsor Horse Show please contact Kelly Smith on 01753 847900 or on kellys@hpower.co.uk
