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Queen Elizabeth II had a lifelong passion for horses and she rode regularly in the private grounds of Windsor Castle. Her enthusiasm was shared by many members of the royal family who continue to enjoy racing, polo, three-day eventing and carriage driving.
It follows then that equestrian events and activities are really popular in Windsor and the Royal Borough. Whether you like watching or taking part, there is something to interest any horse enthusiast.
Ascot Racecourse is synonymous with quality, style and excellence in providing unparalleled racing and a memorable day out. Although best known for its flat racing, proudly hosting the five-day Royal Ascot meeting every June, Ascot Racecourse also hosts jumps meetings from November to April.
Ascot Racecourse
Royal Windsor Racecourse is set in 165 acres of beautiful countryside on the banks of the River Thames, overlooked by Windsor Castle. Flat racing takes place from April to October with regular Monday evening fixtures and themed nights during the summer. You can even arrive by boat!
What could be more relaxing than to see the sights from a seat in a smart horse-drawn carriage. We are lucky enough to have two carriage companies offering tours of different areas of Windsor Great Park.
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Windsor Carriages
Windsor Carriages have offered tours of Windsor for over 170 years! Rebecca Seear’s late father and grandfather both drove carriages in the Great Park and she considers it a privilege to preserve the tradition for the next generation and beyond. Expect wonderful stories, handed down through the generations, combined with the magic of Windsor Great Park. Take in the stunning views of Windsor Castle, meet the resident deer in the royal estate’s deer park, learn about historical monuments such as the Copper Horse and savour the ancient forests and wonderful horticultural displays.
Ascot Carriages have been operating since 2009 and Joanna and horses Henry or Delwyn begin their open-top carriage rides from outside The Savill Garden Visitor Centre so you can combine your carriage experience with a visit to The Savill Garden. From this part of Windsor Great Park you’ll discover ancient woodlands, glorious 18th-century lakes, grand avenues, vistas and delightful gardens. There are wonderful views year round, from the colourful waterlilies on Cow Pond in the summer months to the stunning reds and oranges of autumn colour. The horse-drawn carriage itself has a very distinguished history having been used by the late Lt Col Sir John Miller, Queen Elizabeth II’s Equerry and Horsemaster for 26 years.
Polo features heavily in the borough's sporting calendar at local clubs Guards Polo Club, Ascot Park, the Royal County of Berkshire and Coworth Park. The fixture list usually runs from April to September.
Learning to play polo at Guards Polo Academy, Coworth Park
If you feel like having a go at the 'sport of kings', polo lessons are offered at a number of local clubs and no experience is needed.
Guards Polo Academy at Coworth Park
Cool Hooves Polo at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
Ascot Park Polo Club and Academy
The Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place each May and has a wonderful mix of International Carriage Driving, Showing, Equestrian Displays, Show Jumping and International Endurance.
Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Windsor Horse Show
Set in the beautiful grounds of Windsor Castle, there are classes for grass roots competitors right through to top international riders.
If you enjoy horse riding or would like to try it for the first time, our local riding schools have all the facilities you need for lessons and offer hacks through some of the most spectacular countryside including the beautiful and extensive Windsor Great Park. Search the British Horse Society website to find a local place to ride.
Riding in Windsor Great Park
If you have your own horse and wish to ride in Windsor Great Park, there are some fantastic areas to explore on horseback including the Deer Park, Queen Anne’s Ride and Swinley Park. If you want to ride in Windsor Great Park you must have horse riding membership. Visit Windsor Great Park’s horse riding page to:
Some hotels can organise horse riding for you. Coworth Park, set in 240 acres near Ascot, even has its own equestrian centre open for hotel and non-hotel guests whatever your level or ambition in the saddle.
The nation’s first memorial dedicated solely to the millions of UK, Allied and Commonwealth horses, mules and donkeys that served and died during the First World War was unveiled in Ascot on Friday 8 June 2018.
Ascot's War Horse Memorial
The War Horse Memorial, named Poppy by the Guides, Brownies and Rainbows of the UK following a competition, sits atop the Heatherwood Hospital roundabout as a tribute to the role the animals played in the conflict. The 2.6m high statue was designed by sculptor Susan Leyland.
Beneath Poppy a time capsule is buried containing artefacts reflecting the wider story of the war effort and how animals were used under often gruelling conditions.
An area of reflection including seats and interpretation panels opposite the memorial gives passers-by the opportunity to learn more.
The project was undertaken in partnership by the War Horse Memorial CIC, Ascot Racecourse, the Royal Borough and supported by the Daily Express.
For more information about the project and creation of the sculpture see: www.thewarhorsememorial.org
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