Windsor, UK The Royal Windsor Horse Show 2025 opened with a powerful blend of sporting brilliance and heartfelt tributes, setting the tone for four days of elite equestrian competition and community spirit.
A Hero’s Arrival: Tom March Completes Pedal3Peaks Challenge
The day’s most poignant moment came with the arrival of Tom March, who completed his 800-mile Pedal3Peaks Challenge in support of Spinal Research, the Show’s official charity. His journey cycling from Balmoral Castle and scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon was a tribute to his late sister Caroline, a talented event rider who tragically died by assisted suicide after a life-altering accident.
National Show Jumping: Rising Stars and Tight Finishes
The Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter First Round saw Bruno Freire and Drewmain Meira take top honors among 32 double clears. In the Walwyn Novice Championship, Tom Pritchard dominated with two horses in the jump-off, ultimately winning aboard Princess SW.
Emma Jo Slater came close with Kimba Luidun, splitting Pritchard’s rides for second place.
In the LeMieux National 1.40m Open, Emma Manton and Vanilla Fusion edged out William Rekert by just 0.09 seconds in a field of 45.
Showing Classes: Local Talent and Royal Entries
Hannah Horton claimed a double victory in the Working Show Horse and RoR Retraining of Racehorses qualifiers, riding Sixties Icon and Migration. Her success was especially meaningful, as Migration had only retired from racing in March 2024.
King Charles III’s horse First Receiver finished runner-up in the RoR Championship, narrowly missing a repeat win.
Hunter and Amateur Champions
Katy Green won the Lightweight Working Hunter Championship with Vulcanite (Aoife), echoing a win from eight years ago under her late mentor Rory Gilsenan.
Alice Homer was the only clear in the Heavyweight section, riding Golden Glove.
Rose Bailey topped the Amateur Hunter Championship with Bloomfield Greystones, sweeping both overall and Middle/Heavyweight titles.
Dressage Masterclass: Olympic Stars Inspire
The Defender Dressage Masterclass featured Becky Moody, Carl Hester, and Dinja van Liere, performing Olympic Freestyle tests. Hosted by Richard Davison, the session offered spectators a rare glimpse into the artistry and athleticism of world-class dressage.