The Queen has invited us into her back garden this week for Royal Windsor Horse Show and today she braved the torrential downpours with the rest of us to cheer on some of her own entries.
Katie Jerram rode her Stardust II to fourth place in the ladies’ side-saddle class while her team of bays were in action in the coaching marathon. Here, the sight of 14 impeccably turned-out teams of four setting out round the Great Park was a real spectacle.
Meanwhile, in the Castle Arena, the Eraser Stakes went to Mark Armstrong and Laveletta while a thrilling Grade A competition went to Robert Whitaker and Mandy Hall’s Rooney IV — their second win in as many days and this eight-year-old gelding looks a real star in the making. Daniel Neilson took the early morning open jumping class with his own Millenia 8.
The screams and cheers coming from the Frogmore Arena could only mean one thing — another round of the Daks Pony Club mounted games while, judging by the bag-laden visitors leaving the showground at the end of the day, shopping is still an irresistible temptation at any equestrian event, recession or not.
Tomorrow sees the only outdoor puissance competition of the season in this country. Who will be brave enough to conquer the big red wall and win? It looks set to be another enthralling day’s competition.
Stay in touch with all the news from Royal Windsor at Horseandhound.co.uk and don’t miss H&H’s special report on the show, on sale Thursday 21 May
