As a result of Covid, the famous Royal Windsor Horse Show has started a Virtual Windsor Series; a first-of-its kind event that first took place in May and now returns from 25 – 27 September
The inaugural event in May had over 4,000 showing entries for Online Showing but this time they have branched out, creating a video jumping discipline which is specifically designed as a mashup of dressage and show jumping to give riders – and especially eventing riders – the chance to compete from home, for free!
The competition will be held entirely online and is open to riders around the world.
Entries are to be submitted via video or photograph, and the Show Weekend itself takes place across three days from 25 – 27 September, in the form of a daily Livestream which brings together the judging of the classes, the footage from the entries, masterclasses from top riders, shopping fixes from exhibitors, editorial pieces on horse health and wellness and the best of content from the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
There are four disciplines in total:
Online Showing – FREE TO ENTER (open worldwide)
Equitation Jumping – FREE TO ENTER (open worldwide)
RDA Dressage Challenge – FREE TO ENTER (UK only)
Pony Club Home International – Riders wishing to try out for teams must be current members of The Pony Club, and have achieved two 67% Pony Club or British Dressage tests at the level they wish to ride at between 2018 and 2020. £12 qualifying round entry fee. (UK only – teams are England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland)
EQUITATION JUMPING:
The Equitation Jumping is an entirely new discipline specifically designed for virtual competition, consisting of a short set jumping test containing three jumps arranged by stride patterns. Jumps can be of any safe height and construction and are ridden in any 20m x 40m marked out space.
The video of the test is then marked out of a total score of 100, of which 60 are for the approach, straightness, rhythm, horse’s scope, rider’s seat and aids and the getaway of the jumps. This class is free to enter and aimed particularly at young riders and new equestrians into the sport. This class is split into Open and U16 sections. Please find test sheet here. ENTRIES CLOSE ON 4th SEPTEMBER HERE
And who better to show us how it works than 5* British rider, Francis Whittington and his lovely horse Evento (and it’s harder than it seems, says Francis!)
