Royal Windsor Horse Show has announced a record number of entries for its 2026 edition, confirming one of the most competitive fields in recent years. The Show, which returns to the private grounds of Windsor Castle from 14–17 May, will welcome leading national and international competitors for four days of world‑class Showing and Show Jumping. The surge in entries reinforces the event’s standing as a major fixture in the British equestrian calendar.
Showing
The Showing schedule has drawn more than 1,300 entries across over 120 classes, spanning every corner of the discipline. From Mountain & Moorland ponies and traditional Hunters to Cobs, Hacks, Riding Horses, Arabians, Coloured Horses and Retrained Racehorses, the breadth and depth of talent entered for 2026 highlight the Show’s enduring appeal and influence.
Competition will begin on Thursday 14 May with the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) classes, which continue to play a central role on the opening day. Among this year’s notable entries is His Majesty The King’s former Ridden Champion, First Receiver, ridden by Katie Jerram‑Hunnable. She will also compete with Reach For The Moon, owned by Her Majesty The Queen and Lady Keswick, with both horses targeting the highly contested RoR Ridden sections.
One of Friday’s most anticipated moments will be the Horse & Hound Mountain & Moorland Supreme In‑Hand Championship. The spotlight is expected to fall on Hoekhorst Example, a former Windsor Supreme Champion who returns with Jennifer Hughes. The pair are widely regarded as leading contenders and will be aiming to reclaim their status on one of Showing’s most prestigious stages.
The Hunter divisions will once again draw considerable attention, led by nine-time Royal Windsor Champion Robert Walker. He returns with Greenhall Treasure Island, the 2025 Hunter Champion, as well as Kief Dream Catcher, last year’s Novice Champion. In the Cob division, reigning Champion Bannview So Smart, ridden by Will Morton, will attempt to defend his title, while Danielle Heath’s accomplished campaigner Mr Vincent is also entered, ensuring another compelling contest.
Saturday’s programme will turn the focus to the Mountain & Moorland Working Hunter Pony and BSPS Mountain & Moorland Ridden classes, which continue to attract exceptional competition. One of the standout entries is Lady Dublin of Corderry, partnered with Lola Carabine, a pony with a formidable list of major wins, including at Royal Windsor, the Royal International and the Horse of the Year Show. Also competing is Harlow White, who will ride her Connemara pony King Bunowen Castle Ali. With a strong presence both in the ring and online, White is one of the most recognisable young riders in the sport and brings additional excitement to the M&M sections.
The Showing programme will conclude on Sunday with the Show Pony Championship in The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Castle Arena. Three‑time consecutive Champion Izzy Walker will return with Stoneleigh Showtime in an attempt to extend her extraordinary winning streak. The day will also feature one of the Show’s most touching moments as 33‑year‑old stallion Sweet William, the oldest competitor at the event, enters the ring with his owner and handler, Emma Tovey, providing a fitting and emotional finale to four days of high‑quality Showing.
Show Jumping
Alongside its international CSI5* Show Jumping classes, Royal Windsor Horse Show will once again stage a comprehensive national jumping programme. The action begins on Thursday with the Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter First Round / 1.20m Open. Former winner Emily Sage will return with Pearl Jam V & V, while France’s Dan Delsart and Layla van het Bildeken Z, along with Winter Silver League Champion Emma‑Jo Slater, add further strength to one of the week’s most competitive opening classes.
The LeMieux National 1.40m Open will follow in The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Castle Arena. Emily Sage will also contest this class with Cadiz Z, while Olivia Sponer will compete with Kockie W, the pairing that won last year’s Under‑25 class at the Show. They will be joined by Alfie Bradstock, a former Junior European Eventing gold medallist who has successfully transitioned into Show Jumping, as well as British international rider James Fisher, who will compete alongside his daughter Emily Fisher.
Sunday’s Defender Under‑25 Jumping Competition, one of the most important national opportunities for emerging riders, will feature another strong field. Last year’s winner Olivia Sponer returns as a leading contender. She will be joined by Jake Myers and Gamin Des Rondets, a combination in impressive form following their victory at the London International Horse Show. European Pony Team gold medallist Cate Kerr will also line up for the prestigious title.
Simon Brooks‑Ward, Chairman of Royal Windsor Horse Show, said that the depth of entries reflects the Show’s standing within the sport. “We are delighted to see such a strong level of entries across both Showing and Show Jumping for 2026, with the Showing sections once again attracting considerable depth of quality. Royal Windsor Horse Show holds a long‑established place within the equestrian calendar, and it is always a pleasure to welcome so many accomplished combinations. The continued support from competitors reflects both the heritage of the Show and the standard of competition it offers.”
Held annually each May, Royal Windsor Horse Show welcomes more than 55,000 visitors to the private grounds of Windsor Castle. Founded in 1943, the Show is honoured to have His Majesty The King as Patron and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh as President. The 2026 edition will feature the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix Show Jumping, the CAIO4* International Carriage Driving Grand Prix, the CEI3* Royal Windsor Endurance competition, more than 120 Showing classes and a range of popular displays including Shetlands, military horses and mounted games.
