Royal Windsor Horse Show has today confirmed the 2024 line-up of spectacular acts and displays, which take centre stage in the Castle Arena during the week of the Show alongside top-class international equestrian sport, for an event filled with heart-stopping action.
A new twist for 2024 will come from Show regulars the Equestrian Federation of Azerbaijan, with a performance inspired by the Koroghlu Opera and led by two mounted opera singers. Featuring pieces originally composed by renowned Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov, this performance has been choreographed specifically for Royal Windsor Horse Show, and will encompass a magnificent display of 21 horses, and more than 60 dancers.
The display tells the tale of hero Koroghlu as he pledges to exact revenge for his father, who was cruelly blinded by the heartless ruler Hassan Khan.
Looking ahead to the return of the talented performers to Windsor, Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward said: “We are delighted to see the spectacular riders, dancers, singers and horses of Azerbaijan return to the show again this year, and I am looking forward to seeing this new display, which tells such a mesmerizing and heroic tale through dance and opera.”
Alongside this exceptional act, show goers can also expect impressive performances from the Defender Shetland Pony Grand National, DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games, and the fan-favourite Musical Drive of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
Sponsored by the Show’s Principal Partner, Defender, the thrilling Shetland Pony Grand National is always a highlight of this iconic event and sees jockeys, aged between eight and fourteen years old, compete in a fast and furious race around the famous Castle Arena.
Similarly exciting, the DAKS International Pony Club Mounted Games has been a highlight of Royal Windsor Horse Show for decades. Held annually at the Show, the competition requires courage, determination, and all-round riding ability from riders, twinned with careful systematic training of the ponies in order for them to be crowned victors of this prestigious prize.
The Musical Drive of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery demonstrates the spectacular display of talent and skill of its soldiers, whose unique abilities lie in controlling teams of six horses pulling wheeled guns at high speed. The performance encompasses military precision and manoeuvres used in the First World War to drive and guide the guns around the battlefield and culminates with the firing of the Troop’s 13-pound field guns at the crescendo of the act.
Returning to 2024, the thrilling Double Harness Scurry is a special competition featured at the Show – and forms one of the most exciting and action-packed equestrian sports around. This act sees pairs of ponies pull lightweight racing carriages at the gallop, weaving through pairs of cones at speed with drivers aiming to notch up the fastest time, all while their grooms lean out in the aim of keeping the carriages balanced.
Brooks-Ward, continued: “It’s fabulous to be joined by such a variety of equestrian entertainment for this year’s Show, from Shetlands to Pony Club to Azerbaijanis to Scurry Driving and the Kings Troop our audience will be treated to a great day out. We look forward to welcoming everyone onsite in May for what should be a particularly memorable and entertaining edition of the Show.”
