The Royal Windsor Horse Show has a special atmosphere, and has always been a happy hunting ground for Absorbine’s brand ambassadors. The weather played it’s part this year, but the team at Windsor and HPower were well organised, the tractors had a good system going to get horse boxes on and off the showground quickly, and the all-weather surfaces really came into their own.
Jayne Ross and her team are a well-oiled machine when it comes to the big shows, and Windsor was no exception, turning out 12 horses on the Friday and 19 in total over the 4 days. All were immaculately turned out and went beautifully for Jayne, Olivia and a host of owner riders.
Rose Bailey’s Twinshock Warrior deservedly won his third HW hunter title at RWHS, eating up the main ring.
Lisette-Marie Roberts’ Randalstown Aristocrat really rose to the occasion, taking top spot in the novice cob. Nina Armstrong Finlay’s Indigo Marvel was a delightful second in a strong HW cob class, whilst Jo Baker’s Chantilly Sandman gave Jayne another lovely ride to be second in the maxi cob. With three through to the championship, Jayne rode Randalstown Aristocrat who stood out to take overall reserve cob champion. Phoebe Price stood in at the very last minute to ride Chantilly Sandman and Rose Almond partnered Indigo Marvel. Mention must go to Will Morton for producing Marvel so well in his novice year.
Tim and Liz Trembath’s KBF Stackton Tressel was somewhat overawed by the appearance of the Household Cavalry, but acquitted himself well for third in the novice HW hunter whilst KBF Finale drank it all in for fourth in the novice LW. Both of them have really promising futures ahead of them.
Charlotte Clark and her own Harbour Master had a great ride for fourth in the LW hunter and Ladies hunter. Linda Upton’s charming hacks Whalton Reprise and Ballarin Rosabella were third and fourth respectively, while Olivia Minihane had a fabulous show on her own Veuve Clicquot, having clear rounds to stand third in the LW worker and overall champion WHP.
Jo Bates may not have so many horses in her string but, together with daughter Holly Armstrong, they always produce beautifully turned out, well prepared, happy horses for their clients. With a great team of willing helpers, Jo and Holly juggled the horses and Jo’s grandson, William, joined in.
On Thursday, Ami Miller and Awesome II were third in a huge non-native coloured horse class, going well and giving ride judge Vikki Smith, a beautiful ride.
Next up Minella Rebellion and Katie Dashwood won the National Hunt Section of the Retrained Racehorses and then went on to be Reserve Champion. He went beautifully for both Katie and the ride judge Will Murray.
Friday was Hack Day with first up Ami Miller on her own Shildons Plan B who were third in a huge Amateur hack class.
In the Large Hack section Jo rode Ami Miller’s Ballinclare, aka Annie, who was not as completely settled as Jo would have liked initially liked but she kept her head and stayed with her to take second place to Forgelands Hyde Park who went on to take the Championship.
Jo hopped off Annie and onto Shildons Plan B for the Small Hack class which was an unexpected surprise and he gave her the most awesome ride to take second, giving both Jo and Ami rides in the Championship in the Castle Arena.
There were many tributes to the team at Royal Windsor for their efficient running in testing conditions. This year one familiar face was sadly missing, but her late Majesty’s legacy is a show that remains very special for all taking part.
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