This autumn’s major international events have drawn record crowds, with an estimated 30,000 attending Blenheim Horse Trials on cross-country day alone. Next on the list is Windsor International Horse Trials on 20-23 September, sponsored by the Mentor Corporation and Horse & Hound.
Postponed from its usual May slot due to FMD, the event takes place in the spectacular setting of Windsor Great Park and has attracted a top-class field.
Windsor has also emerged as a “festival of the horse”, with a full equestrian arena programme designed to increase the enjoyment of the growing numbers of families attending the major events.
The action kicks off on Thursday with the Grasshoppers and young riders show jumping finals running alongside the dressage, followed by showing classes for ridden and working hunters and for coloured horses on Friday.
Saturday is cross-country day, and in the main arena, ladies’ and children’s side-saddle classes provide an elegant contrast to the eventing action.
On Sunday, the event’s show jumping phase takes place alongside the RDA musical ride display and carriage driving.
The event’s president, HRH the Princess Royal will present the prizes at the conclusion of the show jumping.
Admission is £5 on Thursday, Friday and Sunday and £10 on Saturday, with children under 14 years of age admitted free; car parking is also free. For details (tel: 01327 361388).
See full Windsor preview in Horse & Hound issue dated 20 September or click here to subscribe online at a reduced rate.
