Jill’s report from FEI marathon day (Saturday) at the Royal Windsor Horse Show:

Another sunny morning and a great day for the marathon. Despite having to drive nearly 4 km to the start of section A and then driving five sections, all horses and ponies ended the marathon without problems.

Only one elimination today for a competitor who was not wearing a protective vest, and he was pulled before the start of section E.

The two American competitors faired well. Misdee Miller finished the marathon in ninth place and remains in ninth overall: a really good finish for her first international competition. Tucker Johnson drove a good marathon and kept his second place behind Boyd Excell, who has won at Windsor several times.

There was a large crowd at the show today and many ventured down to the obstacles. It helps that one of the obstacles is located inside the show grounds and it attracts a lot of people who might not otherwise notice that driving is going on: a very good design.

Misdee Miller (USA) racing out of the water obstacle at the end of the marathon (photo by Jill Ryder)

Tucker Johnson (USA, currently standing in 2nd place in his division), approaches the finish of the marathon, which is right next to the Thames (photo by Jill Ryder)

Geoff Woods (GBR) at the finish; he's just been debriefed by the judge, Mark Weinstein (photo by Jill Ryder)

CAA member Mia Allo (BEL) in the water obstacle (photo by Jill Ryder)

the flying ponies of Aart van der Kamp (NED), leaving the water obstacle; the man seated by the fence is HRH Prince Philip, who often works all day at this obstacle during the RWHS since having retired from competition several years ago (photo by Jill Ryder)