HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY HOST SHOW JUMPERS JOE STOCKDALE AND JACK WHITAKER AHEAD OF ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW
Royal Windsor Horse Show is celebrated for its diverse range of equestrian action, from world-class international competition to exhilarating entertainment acts.
Royal Windsor Horse Show Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment participants and international competitors from left to right, Tpr Rees-Jones, Show Jumper Jack Whitaker, Drum Horse Atlas, CoH Raffel, Show Jumper Joe Stockdale and Tpr Cava
As preparations for the Show, which takes place from 11-14 May, come to the fore, Joe Stockdale and Jack Whitaker – who will be competing in the CSI5* Show Jumping – took a day out of their training schedule to visit another of the Show’s regular favourites – The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
Footage from the exclusive tour of the Household Cavalry’s Hyde Park Barracks, providing a unique insight into how preparations are going for Royal Windsor, can be found in the video above.
A Household Cavalry Mounted Regimental Farrier preparing a horse ahead of The Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment performance at Royal Windsor Horse Show
Team GB Show Jumpers, Joe Stockdale and Jack Whitaker with a traditional farrier's axe during an exclusive tour of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment as part of the preparations for Royal Windsor Horse Show
The Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment line up after a Royal Windsor Horse Show rehearsal at their Hyde Park Barracks, led by CoH Raffel
Team GB Show Jumpers, Joe Stockdale and Jack Whitaker meeting Tpr Coutanche, from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, and her horse Twumasi-Ankrah, ahead of their appearance at Royal Windsor Horse Show from 11-14 May
Royal Windsor Horse Show Ambassador and international Show Jumper Joe Stockdale, inspects a Drum Horse saddle as part of an exclusive tour of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment led by WO2 Evans
Royal Windsor Horse Show Ambassador and international Show Jumper, Jack Whitaker, meeting the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment’s largest Drum Horse, Atlas, accompanied by Tpr McCormick and WO2 Evans
Captain Godwin, the first female Musical Ride Officer of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will be performing at Royal Windsor Horse Show from 11-14 May
Royal Windsor Horse Show Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment participants and international competitors from left to right, Tpr Rees-Jones, Show Jumpers Jack Whitaker and Joe Stockdale, and Tpr Cava
The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment regularly performed at Royal Windsor Horse Show, featuring soldiers who are a pivotal part of State Ceremonial events. The performance is designed to demonstrate the type of horsemanship used by the Regiment in the days when it still fought on horseback. Drills which practice battlefield and ceremonial manoeuvres are carried out to music and focus on precise timing, coordination and dressing to ensure that different components are all working together for one purpose.
The soldiers of the Household Cavalry are unique across the world in that they are the only mounted ceremonial soldiers who also serve as fighting soldiers on operations.
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, top British Show Jumper Whitaker said: “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. 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, Show Jumping World Championship bronze-medalist Stockdale – winner of the U25 Championship and the Puissance at the Show in previous years – said: “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.”
To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.
