For the first time in eight years, international show jumping returns to Royal Windsor Horse Show (8th – 11th May 2008). It is expected to welcome some top international names who will treat the event as a forerunner to the FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships that will take place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle in August 2009. The seating capacity has been doubled to over 5,000 seats this year in order to accommodate all visitors.

Royal Windsor is the first of the season’s major outdoor equestrian events and is the largest all round horse show in the country with nearly 3,000 entries competing in show jumping, driving and showing classes and competitions. To ensure that all the national jumping competitions continue to play a major part of the show, the organisers have announced that the show will hold an additional day for national competitions on Wednesday 7th May.

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s show. . It promises to be a feast of both equestrian and family entertainment offering a packed timetable both in and out of the four arenas. Set exclusively within the private grounds of Windsor Castle; this is a unique opportunity to visit an area normally hidden from public view.

The opening day of competition on Wednesday will feature a host of prestigious national show jumping classes in the Castle Arena, including the Horse & Hound Foxhunter Championship, Tri-Zone Senior Newcomers and culminating in the Walwyn Novice Jumping Championship.

Director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “We are delighted to be able to bring back international competition to Windsor. At the same time we are keen to protect our national competition and the introduction of the additional day on Wednesday means that we can cater for all. The allure of international show jumping in this unique setting will, we hope, become a feature of the show for years to come. It has also given us the incentive to increase the seating capacity and to upgrade all the facilities on the showground..”

As Windsor is the first major outdoor equestrian event of the year the sporting competition will not disappoint.

The programme of international jumping will include at least three competitions a day, including three jump off classes, the Six Bar on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday.

Other highlights include the thrills of the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and the Shetland Pony Grand National and teach ins from various equestrian societies. The grand finale of the show on Sunday will be the Musical Ride of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

In nearby Home Park, the International Carriage Driving supported by Land Rover will run over four days (Thurs-Sun). Just a short walk into the beauty of Home Park, visitors will be able to see the elegance and skill of the 70 carriage competitors.

Foodies and shoppers will be spoilt for choice with the popular Royal Windsor Food and Drink Festival staging a return and featuring some of the very best food and drink producers around today. The shopping area is sure to spring surprises with some 200 hand-picked stall holders offering a glittering array.

Buying tickets for the Members Enclosure is a way to guarantee yourself a first class trip to the event. The Members’ Enclosure is set in a beautiful lawned area with a viewing bar and restaurant,. For more information contact Membership Secretary, Frances Cass on 01753 860633 for application details or visit www.rwhs.co.uk

Tickets are available now and cost just £13 (adults) and £9 (concessions including Royal Windsor Advantage Card Holders) in advance.