Ascot has long been associated with the equine world. Since 1711 thoroughbred racing has been held at the local racecourse, and the most glamorous annual event in London society – Royal Ascot – features a daily horse-drawn procession from Windsor Castle to Ascot Racecourse led by the royal carriage. The Household Cavalry has close ties with the Royal Borough through their barracks in Windsor, while local equestrian Sophie Christiansen OBE won a clutch of gold medals in the Paralympic Games in 2012 and 2016.
The War Horse Memorial will be unveiled in Ascot in August 2018, but ahead of that the Pageant of the Horse will be an annual event which will launch this year (2017, whereby the whole town can come together on a designated day in August ( date to be confirmed) to celebrate all things equine.
The idea is for schools, organisations, charities and local people with a love of horses to join in the Pageant.
At 11am streets will be closed to traffic as a procession of horses and ponies (and their owners and riders) make their way down the High Street. The procession, which will be led by a local marching band, will include:
- Horses and riders from The Household Cavalry;
- Rescue ponies from Mane Chance Sanctuary;
- Sophie Christiensen OBE on her horse, Athene and other members of the Paralympic equestrian team;
- Blue Acre Sanctuary
- Windsor and Ascot Driving School for the Disabled
- Local riders and their horses
- Local schools and organisations on dressed floats with an equine theme (gold rosettes for the best).
Purple poppy sellers will be out in force and everyone will be urged to buy and support in aid of our chosen local charities Blue Acre Sanctuary and Windsor and Ascot Driving School for the Disabled. Purple poppy horse rosettes will also be available to buy. Afterwards families will be encouraged to enjoy themed activities and rides, including carousel rides, hobby horse races and a Shetland pony petting park. There will be a refreshment tent and ice creams for the children, and picnics will be encouraged.