International Showjumping returns to the Royal Windsor Horse Show

International Showjumping returns to the Royal Windsor Horse Show

The Royal Windsor Horse Show took place from Wednesday 7th May until Sunday 11th May 2008. It traditionally marks the start of the outdoor show season and this year enjoyed brilliant sunshine and record temperatures.
International showjumping returned after an absence of 10 years, with fourteen senior British riders competing against riders from eight countries. Four days of international competition concluded on Sunday with the Royal Windsor Grand Prix which was won by Michael Whitaker.

There was also international driving action in the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix won by Australia’s Boyd Exell. Visitors also had the chance to watch the HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with HM The Queen’s Fell ponies lead a concours d’elegance by the British Driving Society in the Copper Horse Arena on Sunday.

A series of demonstrations were staged by the British Horse Society in the Copper Arena each day. The programme highlighted all aspects of the Society’s work, from training to riding and road safety and included a Masterclass by British Olympic eventing team coach Yogi Breisner.
As well as record entries in some of the showing classes there were also several competitions for the armed services, reflecting the military traditions of the Show.

Royal Windsor Horse Show Organiser Simon Brooks-Ward said:
'The glorious weather has brought out the best in Windsor. We have had fantastic crowds and packed stands. I have never seen so many people watching international show jumping and all the other displays and activities in the arena.'

'I am delighted that we have brought international jumping back for the first time in 10 years. This year’s programme is part of the build up to hosting the 2009 European Show Jumping and Dressage Championships next August which will be a huge event for horse sport in this country. The success of jumping at this year’s show will mean that it is something that we can build on for the future.'

He added that both the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo and preparations for the European Championships had brought significant developments to the infrastructure of this year’s show.

'We have increased places in the stands around the main arena by more than 2000 seats which means that more of our spectators can catch the action. We have installed several miles of metal tracking walkways all around the showground which is all part of improving conditions for spectators and exhibitors alike.'

For the first time, the action in the main arena was relayed live on a vast TV screen.

'Royal Windsor is already one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. All these elements are part of our vision to become a first-class international show jumping venue.'

Next year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show will take place from 14th-17th May 2009 and will be a test event for the 2009 European Dressage and Show Jumping Championships which are set to take place on the Royal Windsor showground from 25th-30th August.

19/05/2008 09:12:39