FOR decades, spotting The Queen ringside at Royal Windsor Horse Show – come rain or shine – was an integral part of the event she hosted in her back garden, and they are moments we shall treasure. But a select few, including some of the world’s leading riders, were privileged enough to meet the monarch and enjoy some time in her company.
US showjumper Kent Farrington, who was presented with the trophy for winning the Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for the King’s Cup with Creedance in 2016 by The Queen, sums it up by saying: “It is the classic English experience, with the castle and getting to meet The Queen.”
Double Olympic gold medal-winning showjumper Nick Skelton was invited to bring his legendary stallion Big Star, now 20, up to Windsor Castle in the run-up to his retirement ceremony at the show in 2017, which The Queen attended.
“I was told to be there at 11.30am. I rode Big Star up to the front of the castle, right on time,” says Nick, who was accompanied by his partner Laura Kraut and Big Star’s groom Mark Beever for the occasion. “But there was no sign of The Queen.
“Eventually at about 11.50am she came flying up the drive in her car, with her corgis with her. She got out and said, ‘I’m really sorry I’m late – one of the corgis ran off in the woods and I had to find him.’ So that was why she was so late!”
Nick spent more than half an hour in her company as The Queen met the ever-obliging Big Star and they chatted away.
“She knew everything – she was the most informed lady on horses I think I’ve ever met,” says Nick. “She came over to Big Star and looked over him, asking lots of questions about him and the Olympics.
Esta historia es de la edición May 04, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 04, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
