Next month’s Royal Windsor Horse Show (11-14 May) is drawing closer, and as preparations are made for this year’s event, showjumpers Joe Stockdale and Jack Whitaker – who will be competing in the CSI5* jumping – took a day out of their training schedule to visit another of the show’s favourites – The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
Footage from the tour of the Household Cavalry’s Hyde Park Barracks, which gives a unique insight into how preparations are going for Royal Windsor, can be seen below.
Captain Godwin, Musical Ride Officer, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment – the first female Musical Ride Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment – said: “It was an absolute pleasure to host the Royal Windsor Horse Show ambassadors Jack Whitaker and Joe Stockdale at The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
“Throughout the day we were able to exchange insightful information on the preparation for such a prestigious, world-renowned show. Whether competing or performing, there are many similarities and both require a momentous team effort.
“The Musical Ride troops are looking forward to performing in such a spectacular setting, in front of the Castle and crowds of Windsor. It is a unique opportunity and great privilege, there is a real sense of excitement in the build up to the show.”
Looking ahead to Royal Windsor Horse Show, Jack Whitaker explained why he loves competing at the prestigious event.
“Royal Windsor Horse Show is so special and has such a unique atmosphere, as a British rider it is an incredible feeling to canter into the Castle Arena and hear a loud cheer from the home crowd,” he said. “There’s always so much going on at the Show and the Household Cavalry have been a part of it for as long as I can remember. It’s been amazing to come to the Barracks and see how much goes on behind the scenes to get the horses and riders ready to perform in public.”
Of his experience with The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, Joe added: “It has been an incredible day learning about how the Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry prepare for large occasions such as Royal Windsor Horse Show, from the in-house farriers and saddlers to watching the Troopers rehearse, it has been so insightful.
“Royal Windsor is such a prestigious show, and as a rider it is a real honour to go there and compete against the very best in the world.”
Lead image ©RWHS/Peter Nixon
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