Press Information for Immediate Release:

The Household Cavalry Musical Ride tops the bill at The Royal County of Berkshire Show 2008

The Royal County of Berkshire Show is delighted to be welcoming the Household Cavalry’s Musical Ride to top the bill alongside a feast of entertainment in the Vodafone Main Arena at this year’s show (20-21 September 2008).

Always a favourite with young and old, The Household Cavalry Musical Ride will be coming to Newbury at the end of a long summer season of displays that have thrilled audiences the length and breadth of the country.

The ride combines skilled military riding and ceremonial splendour, and demonstrates a high level of horsemanship throughout.

The Household Cavalry is made up of soldiers from both The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals regiments, two of the oldest and most senior regiments in the British Army, dating back to 1660. 

From its base in Hyde Park, Knightsbridge, the Household Cavalry is coming to the end of a busy season of ceremonial events, including The Queen’s Birthday parade in June. The Unit also took part in the State Visit of the French President Nicolas Sarkozy earlier in the year.

This does not mean however that the Household Cavalry don’t serve a more traditional military role as well.  All of the soldiers and officers are in fact ‘dual-trained’ and as such are extremely busy on operations as well. In fact, in recent years, soldiers from the unit have been involved in more deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan than any other reconnaissance troops in the Army.

Audiences in the Vodafone Main Arena will be treated to a display of speed and precision in extremes from the Musical Ride, comprising 26 horses and riders, and one drummer.  The high level to which this close knit team is trained will become obvious as horse and rider perform in perfect harmony.

Alongside the thrill of the Musical Ride, audiences in the Vodafone Main Arena will have difficulty tearing themselves away from the action with a spectacular programme of entertainment in store.

Back this year after an absence due to Foot and Mouth last year, the grand parade of livestock is always a popular highlight.

Equestrian enthusiasts will be able to see what should be a close fought final to the Renault Show Jumping Series on Sunday as well as the excitement of the Six Bar Competition, on Saturday morning.
Hounds, heavy horses and scurry ponies will also be in the limelight and there will be musical accompaniment on both days of the show from the British Legion Romford Youth Band.

A mass balloon ascent, one of the crowning glories of The Royal County of Berkshire Show, will take place, weather permitting, towards the close of the show on both days.

You can see the Musical Ride in the Vodafone Main Arena at The Royal County of Berkshire Show on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September. For tickets visit www.berkshireshow.co.uk or call 01635 247111.

-ENDS-