Royal Windsor Horse Show will return next month, bringing four days of top-level equestrian competition and family entertainment to the private grounds of Windsor Castle.

Taking place from Thursday, May 14 to Sunday, May 17, the event is set to attract more than 55,000 visitors for a packed programme of international sport, equestrian and military displays and shopping.

Founded in 1943, the show is the only one in the UK to host international competitions across the FEI disciplines of show jumping, dressage, driving and endurance, cementing its place as a major fixture in the equestrian calendar.

Three days of Olympic-standard show jumping will begin on Friday, building to the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday – one of the most anticipated classes in the sport.

The event has received a record number of entries for 2026, with leading riders and horses from across the world set to compete.

International carriage driving will also return, with more than 1,300 entries participating in over 120 showing classes across the four days.

These range from mountain and moorland ponies and traditional hunters to cobs, hacks, riding horses, Arabians, coloured horses and retrained racehorses.

The showing programme will conclude on Sunday with the Show Pony Championship at The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Castle Arena.

Alongside the competition, visitors can enjoy a variety of popular displays, including performances from the Equestrian Federation of Azerbaijan, the Musical Drive of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Defender Shetland Pony Grand National.

Crowd favourites such as the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games will also return.

A large shopping village featuring more than 150 exhibitors will offer a mix of equestrian equipment, countryside fashion, artisan goods and luxury products.

Family-friendly attractions will include a children’s zone with activities and opportunities to meet ponies.

The 2026 edition will feature the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix Show Jumping, the CAIO4* International Carriage Driving Grand Prix and the CEI3* Royal Windsor Endurance competition.

This year’s show will also host a special evening on Friday, May 15, marking 100 years since the birth of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The one‑off recital in the Royal Windsor Horse Show Members’ Enclosure will feature music by composer Debbie Wiseman OBE and readings from broadcaster and author Alan Titchmarsh CBE.

Organisers say the high number of entries reflects the show’s continued importance.

In a statement shared on the Royal Windsor Horse Show website, Chairman Simon Brooks-Ward said: “We are delighted to see such a strong level of entries across both Showing and Show Jumping for 2026, with the Showing sections once again attracting considerable depth of quality.

“Royal Windsor Horse Show holds a long‑established place within the equestrian calendar, and it is always a pleasure to welcome so many accomplished combinations.

“The continued support from competitors reflects both the heritage of the Show and the standard of competition it offers.”

Tickets and further details are available at www.rwhs.co.uk.