18 May 2002: The Queen and Prince Philip attend the equestrian extravaganza 'All The Queen's Horses'

The Queen's life-long love of horses was celebrated with a special pageant at Windsor entitled 'All The Queen's Horses'. The evening spectacular, set against the flood-lit Windsor Castle, involved hundreds of horses and featured the extraordinary Gold State Coach built for George III.

The pageant was put on especially to mark The Queen's Golden Jubilee, and took place during the three days of the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show, of which The Queen is Patron.  

The Queen and Prince Philip appropriately arrived for the final evening of the three-day spectacle by horse-drawn carriage. From the Royal box, they were able to watch the show, which told the story of The Queen's 50 year reign through her love of horses. A number of 'scenes' included an Ascot carriage parade, a pony derby and military equestrian processions. 

The event involved large numbers of performers. There were 1,000 horses and ponies, including draught, driving and carriage horses, scurry ponies, pit ponies, Shetland ponies, point to pointers, race horses, show jumpers, eventers, dressage horses, polo ponies, high school horses and circus horses.

Also taking part were 2,000 people, including staff from the Royal Mews; members of the Household Cavalry and King's Troop; three choirs; three orchestras; plus dancers, equestrian celebrities from all disciplines, the Pony Club, Riding for the Disabled and many others. 

The show represented the UK, Commonwealth and even the world, with involvement from Canada, North Africa, Australia, India, Pakistan, America, Argentina and France.

The finale of the show recreated the 1953 Coronation procession with the inclusion of the Gold State Coach with its eight grey horses in harness. The sight had not been seen since the Silver Jubilee Procession of 1977.

It was a good rehearsal for the role the Gold State Coach will play on Tuesday 4 June, when The Queen will travel in the historic coach on her way to the Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral.

Back to May index