Windsor Royal Horse Show 2016 was not just any old horse show, special in it’s own capacity every year, this year was exceptional.
Not only world-class equine classes which ran throughout the day, but also every evening, Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday was celebrated in a series of concerts. 1,500 people, 900 horses from around the world, canons, pomp and circumstance and even union painted racing jaguars entertained Major Royals and the audience every night. The finale, on Sunday included acts from Jess Glynne,, Andrea Bocelli to Shirley Bassey and Kylie. Hosted by ITV’s Ant & Dec.
Showjumper Kent Farrington (USA) riding Creedance claimed top prize in the Grand Prix for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy, collecting a cheque for €32,000.
Ben Maher’s previous partner and Olympic gold medal ride, Tripple X, made an appearance with his Canadian rider Tiffany Foster who came 4th.
It was strange, but nice to see the Royal Windsor Horse Show turn into a mini Glyndebourne, with it’s well dress evening audiences for the 4 nights. All performances ran smoothly despite the rehearsals cancelled due to extreme flooding on the opening day. The sun however, was in full force throughout the remainder of Her Majesties birthday celebrations.
Sussex Rider Yazmin Pinchen (GBR) riding Van Di Vivaldi ©
Words and images (©) by Julie Priestley
