Royal Windsor Horse Show

On the Private Grounds of the Windsor Castle

 Host to Queens 90th Birthday Celebration

LOCATION: The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration took place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle in a purpose-built arena, used by Royal Windsor Horse Show during the day. This stunning setting provided beautiful views of the lit-up Castle by night and this was the only time of the year that the public were allowed into the grounds.

Considered by many to be the premier horse show in the world, the Royal Windsor Horse Show is held in the beautiful private park of Windsor Castle. This is the only time each year that visitors are allowed onto these magnificent grounds. Competition and exhibitions at the show include a full FEI driving event for teams of horses and ponies, ridden dressage, top-level show jumping, coaching, breed classes, hunters, Hackneys, military turnouts, tent pegging, Pony Club games, Shetland-pony steeplechase races, light-trade turnouts, all manner of children’s pony classes, stirring performances by the King’s Troop, and, of course, royal pomp and circumstance. This year’s event also included a massive celebration in honor of HM The Queen’s ninetieth birthday. The event celebrated The Queen’s life, her love of horses, her dedication to the Commonwealth and international affairs, and her deep involvement with the Navy, Army, and Air Force. In a ninety-minute program, 900 horses and more than 1,500 participants from around the United Kingdom and the world created a joyful event — telling the story of The Queen’s birth, through to World War II, her marriage, the coronation, and her reign of more than sixty years — using horses, actors, bands, and dancers to tell the story. The event was a fusion of video projection, LED effects, and theatrical lighting. And the finale was a kaleidoscope of memories and achievements. Whether it’s the thrill of the Shetland Grand National classes, the elegance of the coaching marathon, the exhilaration of the FEI driving event marathon, the pageantry of the King’s Troop, the beauty of the venue, the amazing array of food and drink, the birthday-jubilee celebration, The Queen’s birthday party, or simply the fun of the entire show ...it was a ONCE IN A LIFETIME EVENT, with my BEST FRIEND and trainer, Marilyn Macfarlane.

U.K.'s largest outdoor show with international competitions in 3 different equestrian disciplines.

Marilyn Macfarlane and i attended this  once in a lifetime event, as well as the Queen's Gala event; we traveled with a fabulous group of friends with the Carriage Association of America:

THE EVENT Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday Party was a celebration of The Queen’s life, her love of horses, her dedication to the Commonwealth and international affairs and her deep involvement with the Navy, Army and ­­­­Air Force. Over 90 minutes, 900 horses and more than 1,500 participants from around the United Kingdom and the World created a joyful event for The Queen. The 90-year journey  took us from the excitement of the birth, through to World War Two, her marriage, the coronation and a reign of more than 60 years. The Celebration used horses, actors, bands and dancers to tell the story. The celebration was created by the team that organized the successful Diamond Jubilee Pageant in Windsor in 2012. This time, technology played an important part in the celebration. The 90-minute experience was a fusion of the latest video projection, LED effects and theatrical lighting. The finale was a kaleidoscope of memories and achievements. It was a Birthday Party fit for The Queen.

Marilyn and i  stayed in Windsor, and were allowed many "behind the scenes" perks. The area around Windsor is steeped in history and its skyline dominated by the famous castle, originally built as a fortress by William the Conqueror.  Windsor Castle is probably the largest fortress of its kind in the world and has belonged continuously to the sovereigns of England for more than 900 years.  Just across the Thames is Eton, a lovely historic town and home of the famous Eton College, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI.  We enjoyed a spectacular river boat cruise on the infamous Thames river.

I highly recommend traveling with the Carriage Assoc of America--- we were provided not only tickets to the Windsor Horse Show-- but also admittance to the Members Enclosure at the horse show ( read...VIP area), and special invitations to a Drinks Party hosted by top British driving competitors, an after-marathon super party, and amazing tickets to the jubilee celebration in honor of the Queen's birthday (which sold out within hours of going on sale!)