Soak up the action

WITH five-star showjumping, four-star dressage, two-star endurance, the driving grand prix and a host of top showing classes, the sport at Windsor (9-13 May) is high octane. Getting the most out of your visit will require military precision, so start planning now...

GO BEHIND THE SCENES

There are plenty of viewing opportunities around the Castle Arena collecting ring, where the showjumpers warm up. We recommend marking your spot on Sunday (13 May) to marvel at the awe-inspiring horses ahead of the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix, which kicks off at 2:05pm.

POSITION YOURSELF

The rings are fairly spread out, but it is possible to keep an eye on classes in the Copper Horse (the grass arena where the H&H mountain and moorland in-hand classes take place) and Frogmore (all-weather arena where the workers are held) arenas, if you position yourself between the two. The Adelaide Arena (the grass space where the coloured ridden and some private driving classes take place) is quite a way from the others, but is rapidly establishing its own identity. If you have a general ticket, it is recommended that while you can still try and get a seat for your performance of choice without reserving one, at the popular events (think Carl and Charlotte) you should reserve a seat. This can be done for a small upgrade fee. If viewing from the Frogmore Arena, you can watch the classes from the South Lawn.

FOR ADRENALIN JUNKIES

“Do try and make time to watch the driving trials,” says H&H reporter Gill Kapadia. “The cross-country is edge-of-the-seat stuff.” The driven dressage for the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix takes place on Thursday and Friday (10 and 11 May), while the marathon (cross-country) takes place on Saturday (12 May). The obstacle driving concludes the competition on Sunday in the Driven Dressage Arena.

SHOWING WITH A DIFFERENCE

The polo showing class (1:15pm, Thursday, Frogmore Arena) is a must-see. Louise Saul, groom for polo player Maj Jamie Hayward, has previously placed in the top three and says the class often boils down to the jockey who offers the most daring display. “You will see flat-out gallops to stops, very quick turning and lots of fast work. This year, it’s to be held in the Frogmore Arena, so we are looking forward to having more galloping space,” she says. If you’re making a holiday out of the show, stroll through Windsor Great Park to watch a polo match at Guards Polo Club, which sponsors the showing class. For a full fixtures list of matches running during Royal Windsor, visit guardspoloclub.com

TAP INTO YOUR PATRIOTIC SIDE

Don’t miss The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery Musical Drive and the Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry, which are spectacularly played out at the evening performance in the Castle Arena. Think glistening tack, rippling (equine) muscles and immaculate soldiers. “You’d have to have a heart of stone if they didn’t bring a lump to your throat,” says H&H reporter Tricia Johnson. You can also catch the Household Cavalry's musical ride during daytime performances from Thursday, and the King's Troop musical drive on Sunday afternoon.

CELEB SPOTTING

Olympic gold medal-winning dressage duo Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin will be at Windsor to compete in the Al Shira’aa grand prix and the freestyle to music classes (6:00pm, Thursday, Castle Arena).

FOR THE ROYALISTS

Want to rub shoulders with The Queen in her own back garden? Look out for her signature understated headscarf and Wellington boots, most likely to be spotted by the Copper Horse Arena, where she’ll be watching the natives. Tight security means you won’t exactly get up-close-and-personal — but you might just bag a snap for Instagram.

AND DON’T FORGET...

Windsor is strict when it comes to dogs — they're not permitted anywhere on the showground, so find a sitter for your furry friend.