Royal Windsor given three-star status

The RoyalWindsorHorseShow has been given international three-star status for this first time this year, following anew injection of prizemoney.

World class

The international classes kick off on Thursday 15 May, when dressage returns to Windsorafter a four-year absence.There will be a CDI3* FEI Dressage Grand Prix followed by a CDI3* FEI Dressage Kur (16 May). Fifteen competitors will be invited to take part – five from the UK and ten from overseas.

In addition to the world class dressage, spectators can expect to see some of the top names in showjumping competing in the CSI3* King’s Cup on the Saturday, followed by the CSI3* Grand Prix on the final day (18 May).

Both showjumping classes offer big prizemoney with a total of £53,000 up for grabs in the King’s Cup, while the winner of the Grand Prix will go home £35,000 richer.

FEI rider rankings

With its new international status, the show will now be run under FEI rules and has been given the much-coveted CHI (Concours Hippique International) title. As such,five out of eight of the showjumping classes qualify for FEI rider rankings.

Alongside the dressage and showjumping will be international carriage driving and endurance riding, which made its debut at last year’s show and takes place around the grounds ofWindsor Castle.

Free entry

Before the international classes get under way the five-day show kicks off with an Advanced Medium Freestyle dressage championship (14 May), when entry to the show will be free of charge.

A total of 12 competitors will compete in thisinaugural RoyalWindsorFreestyle Challenge. Qualification will take place at the Dressage Winter Championships at Hartpury College in April, whereriders must place in the top five in the Advanced Medium Open final or the Advanced Medium Freestyle final.A further two wild cards will be up for grabs.

In addition to all this, there will be over 130 showing classes, a number of equestrian displays, the Pony Club Mounted Games and the Shetland Pony Grand National.

Tickets can be bought at the gate or in advance, eitheronline or by calling the box office on 0844 581 4960.