Had a boring Monday? Let us transport you back to some of the highlights from this year's Royal Windsor Horse Show that should put a smile back on your face
1. A meteorological rollercoaster
The British weather knows how to meddle with our emotions. The crashing disappointment, for competitors and spectators alike, when a decision was made at 5.45am on Wednesday 11 May that the show would be off due to flooding in the car parks. But oh the euphoria to wake up on Thursday to see the skies had cleared and find out we were back in action.
2. Toytown in the spotlight
The 900 horses who took to the main arena in their various guises for Her Majesty’s 90th birthday celebrations visibly delighted her. But they were somewhat trumped by the appearance of World and European eventing gold medallist Toytown in the final parade last night (Sunday 15 May 2016), with Zara Tindall on board. The Queen’s grandaughter bowed her head to the Royal Box with a smile, only for Her Majesty to realise that her daughter the Princess Royal was following closely behind on a Highland pony to top it off…
3. British pageantry at its best 
It’s no secret that the Brits know how to party — we’ve had our fair share of practice. But throw some of our uniform clad soldiers into the mix, a gun salute, gleaming cavalry horses, and a rendition of the National Anthem, and suddenly we find that bottom lip at risk of quivering…
4. A giant cake
There are birthday cakes, and then there are birthday cakes. And when The Queen turns 90, it’s not the time to get out the cupcakes. Which is why the organisers of HMQ90 produced this one. Tuck in.
5. Musical glamour
The equestrian world can certainly be glamorous (pitchside at Guards Polo Club, the Royal Enclosure at Ascot…) but singer Katherine Jenkins ramped that up a gear at Windsor, mainly by navigating a showground in stilettos. And her Union Flag that she wore to sing “I Vow to thee my Country” is not one we’ll be forgetting in a hurry.
6. A royal winner — and a £50 Tesco voucher
Over the years The Queen has learnt to arrange her face to deal with disappointment. But when her ex-racehorse Barbers Shop won the overall title in the Tattersalls and Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Ridden Show Horse Championship minutes after winning the national hunt section, Her Majesty was let off the hook and could bask in the glory of victory — and the £50 Tesco voucher she received as part of her prize. Every Little Helps…
Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:
9 reasons Royal Windsor reminds you that summer is here
12 ways you’ll be wowed if you’re going to The Queen’s birthday celebrations at Windsor
7. Prince Philip carriage driving
If we’re ever in need of some old age inspiration, it’s to Prince Philip that we should turn. The 94-year-old not only still drives his Range Rover, but was happily seen at the helm of his carriage in the grounds of Windsor Castle last week too.
