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A legendary horse and rider with a combined age of 86 and a red ribbon for The King’s carriage horse – what you might have missed at Royal Windsor Horse Show
The sun shone, ponies gleamed, five-star showjumpers soared and cobs looked magnificent during a vintage Royal Windsor Horse Show (15-18 May) last week. So before the dust settles on this year’s show, let’s reflect on just some of the magical moments during the four-day spectacle, held in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
From an emotional victory for a vet who swapped his scrubs for a tweed suit to Jack Whitaker pipping his uncle John to the post, and even The King earning a brace of red ribbons, here are some of the epic highlights we reported on from this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show. You can read further coverage, including exclusive interviews and insight in our bumper report in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops from Thursday 22 May.
Red ribbons for The King at Royal Windsor Horse Show as Cleveland Bay carriage horse triumphs
Competing in his own back garden, The King’s majestic Cleveland Bays triumphed in this year’s ridden pure- and part-bred classes.
Thirteen-year-old Wyevale Harry, a carriage horse at the Royal Mews who is a key part of state occasions, was ridden by Isabel Oakley – a liveried helper at the Royal Mews – to take top spot in the pure-bred ridden Cleveland Bay class. Meanwhile Isabel’s colleague Bethany Atwell partnered The King’s St Ives to win the part-bred ridden Cleveland Bay class.
The world is not enough for mighty stallion Bond Jamesbond De Hay
Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet and his magnificent stallion Bond Jamesbond De Hay triumphed in Sunday’s coveted CSI5* Rolex grand prix, worth €125,000 (£105,000) to the winner. Harry Charles, who is getting married this summer, was the best of the British contingent, finishing third with top horse Sherlock.
Equine vet Simon Constable led his daughter Zara aboard palomino Welsh section A Glyncoch Honey Pot for an emotional Royal Windsor Horse Show victory in both the open mini M&M plus the Pretty Polly (home-produced) championships at Royal Windsor.
Royal Windsor history was made when A-Level student Ruby Ward landed a winning double, producing champions in both the native and plaited working hunter pony classes with Lady Dublin of Corderry and Noble Banksy respectively.
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Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Winner of the Intermediate Working Hunter Ruby Ward and Noble Banksy at The Royal Windsor Horse Show, Windsor, Berkshire, United Kingdom. May 17th 2025
(Image credit: Elli Birch)
“He won’t give me tips!”
Royal Windsor isn’t Royal Windsor without a victory for the Whitaker family and there was nearly a Whitaker whitewash on day one when Jack Whitaker (Valmy De La Lande) pipped his uncle John Whitaker (Equine America Unick Du Francport) to victory in the CSI5* Defender Stakes, while Jack’s cousin Donald Whitaker picked up fifth.
“He has no respect for his old uncle!” joked John.
“John won’t give me tips!” quipped Jack in return.
“Geezer” cob secures second championship and a bonus prize
Will Morton secured his second successive cob championship at Royal Windsor Horse Show, this time riding Valerie Hosegood’s skewbald heavyweight winner and “proper geezer” Bannview So Smart.
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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
