I apologize for the delay in bringing this to you, but Jill had little to no time to write a report, Internet-connection issues, and then computer issues. And then when I got her report (written on Saturday morning) by email, I had no Internet connection at the time and no way to share it here.

At any rate, here is Jill’s report from the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Saturday …

“After record-breaking heat at the beginning of the week, we are now back to ‘normal’ Windsor weather — showers one moment and sun the next! It’s really hard to dress in the morning for the whole day!
 
“I took quite a large group on a ‘walk-about’ of the show grounds on Wednesday morning. Although there was no driving that day on the show schedule, we did see the FEI vet inspection and some outstanding show jumping. That evening we enjoyed a rousing welcome party in our hotel which involved singing and a late night!
 
“The next morning, I led a much smaller group (with others choosing to sleep in!) around the show grounds. This day (Thursday) there was driving: the Hackney ponies and horses both competed, the FEI driven dressage started with pony fours and then horse fours, and of course the very popular Trade Vehicle class took place in the Castle Arena. There were thirteen vehicles showing in that class, and it was a great sight.
 
“At 4:00 p.m., we were treated to a private tour of the Royal Mews at Windsor Castle (not open to the pulic). Terry Pendry, stud groom, showed us about. Everyone was thrilled to see the Ascot Landaus and Rolls Royce cars, plus the horses and ponies of HM The Queen and the Fell ponies that Price Phillip drives. Also temporarily housed in the Mews this week is the King’s Troop, and we all enjoyed watching them prepare for their dress rehearsal that evening.
 
“Following our Mews visit, we all tromped down to the show grounds again and were treated to a Pimm’s party (a ‘Pimm’s cup’ is a special English drink involving alcohol, lemonade, and fruit!) at the Bowman and Fawcett camp. All FEI competitors stay in their vans, RVs, trailers, or tents and set up camp right beside the River Thames. The Bowmans, Tom Facwett, and the Woods park in a large U and set our their awnings to create a comfortable home for the week. It was great fun.
 
“Friday started out overcast, dull, and threatening rain. Today was the big day for the coaching. As there is only the one class for coaching, all participants ship in for the day and work out of their vans in the parking area. So it is customary to walk about and see them. As I was doing that, the sun came out and it remained sunny for the day. Eleven coaches participated: Park Drags, Road Coaches, and military vehicles. Two entries were from the U.S.: Misdee Miller of Kentucky & Florida, and Jim Fairclough of New Jersey. I saw them all drive off (after a late start because of a medical situation with a guest on John Brown’s coach — all ended well, but it involved ambulances, etc.!). The coaches made their way across the street from the parking area and through the town gate into Windsor Home Park, and then they enjoyed a spectacular drive through the private grounds, down the Long Walk, and back to the show ring for final judging. Colin Henderson, the judge, had given them a close look at the start, watched them along the route, and gave them a final look in the ring. Mark Broadbent won the coaching championship again, plus the Jack Pemberton trophy for the best turned out. Misdee received a well-earned third place and Jim was fourth. [You can see a few photos from Friday’s coaching marathon in the previous post, from earlier today, and on the CAA’s Facebook page.]
 
“Then the ladies of the World Coaching Club (Misdee Miller as president) met in the Members Enclosure for a champagne reception and at 6:30, we all attended the FEI Driving Competitors party in the Royal Enclosure. Half of the CAA group had purchased tickets for the evening concert in St. George’s Chapel to celebrate the Queen’s sixtieth anniversary. One of our group told me she was moved to tears by the performances.”
 
To see scores from the FEI driving event, be sure to visit www.hoefnet.com/.

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And here is Jill’s report from earlier today …

“The last day of the show started out sunny and warm and several of us sat ringside to enjoy the classes in the Castle Arena. Then it got wet and cold and so back indoors we came. Sunday evening we all enjoyed a Sunday ‘roast dinner’ in our hotel and, judging by the lively conversation, everyone had thoroughly enjoyed the week.
 
“This morning we said goodbye to most people and then twelve of us traveled three hours northeast to Norfolk to spend time at Swingletree Stable. Today, several people had driving lessons while others toured the stables and viewed the carriages. Tonight we will enjoy a dinner together with some British guests.”
 
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