Jack Whitaker and Joe Stockdale join the Household Cavalry
Thursday 20 April 2023
.jpg "Jack Whitaker and Joe Stockdale join the Household Cavalry")
Showjumpers and Royal Windsor Horse Show ambassadors Jack Whitaker and Joe Stockdale – who will be competing in the CSI5* Show Jumping at Royal Windsor Horse Show on 11 – 14 May – took a day out of their training schedule to visit another of the Show’s regular favourites – The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment regularly perform at Royal Windsor Horse Show, featuring soldiers who are a pivotal part of State Ceremonial events. The performance is designed to demonstrate the type of horsemanship used by the Regiment in the days when it was still fought on horseback. Drills which practice battlefield and ceremonial manoeuvres are carried out to music and focus on precise timing, coordination and dressing to ensure that different components are all working together for one purpose.
The soldiers of the Household Cavalry are unique across the world as they are the only mounted ceremonial soldiers who also serve as fighting soldiers on operations.
Captain Godwin, Musical Ride Officer, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment – the first female Musical Ride Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment – said: "It was an absolute pleasure to host Jack and Joe at The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Throughout the day we were able to exchange insightful information on the preparation for such a prestigious, world-renowned show. Whether competing or performing, there are many similarities and both require a momentous team effort. The Musical Ride troops are looking forward to performing in such a spectacular setting in front of the Castle and crowds of Windsor. It is a unique opportunity and great privilege, there is a real sense of excitement in the build up to the show."
Looking ahead to Royal Windsor Horse Show, Jack said: “Royal Windsor Horse Show is so special and has such a unique atmosphere. As a British rider it is an incredible feeling to canter into the Castle Arena and hear a loud cheer from the home crowd. There’s always so much going on at the Show and the Household Cavalry have been a part of it for as long as I can remember. It’s been amazing to come to the Barracks and see how much goes on behind the scenes to get the horses and riders ready to perform in public.”
Of his experience with The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, Show Jumping World Championship bronze medallist Joe – winner of the U25 Championship and the Puissance at the Show in previous years – said: “It has been an incredible day learning about how the Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry prepare for large occasions such as Royal Windsor Horse Show, from the in-house farriers and saddlers to watching the Troopers rehearse, it has been so insightful. Royal Windsor is such a prestigious Show, and as a rider it is a real honour to go there and compete against the very best in the world.”
To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk. British Showjumping Members can use the code BSRWHS23 to save £5 on Thursday and Friday general entry tickets.
Image: ©Peter Nixon
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