Defender Dressage Masterclass set to Inspire at Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026
The Defender Dressage Masterclass is set to return to Royal Windsor Horse Show, running from 14–17 May 2026 in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, as part of a programme that combines world-class equestrian sport, heritage displays and family entertainment.
Headlining the Masterclass, which is scheduled on the afternoon of Thursday 14 May, are Olympic medallists Carl Hester MBE and Becky Moody along with fellow Olympic Dressage rider Richard Davison, who will offer audiences an exclusive insight into the ins and outs of preparing for a Freestyle Dressage test at the highest level.
Opening the session, Davison will explore one of the most influential creative decisions for a Freestyle Dressage test: selecting the correct music for your horse. Hester will then ride the Freestyle he hopes will secure him selection for this summers’ FEI World Championships at Aachen, showcasing the precision, partnership and performance quality required at elite championship level. Hester will be joined by his Olympic teammate Becky Moody who will also present her Freestyle test, adding further excitement and offering spectators a compelling insight into the standards shaping the sport at the very top. As an Olympic team medallist at the Paris 2024 Games, Moody has firmly established herself among the leading figures in international Dressage, consistently delivering standout performances at championship level. Renowned for her polished presentation, technical precision and exceptional horsemanship, Moody continues to strengthen her position as one of Britain’s foremost talents on the global stage.
The Masterclass will conclude with an engaging conversation between the riders, sharing insights into Freestyle strategy, their competitive mindset and their hopes as they set their sights on Aachen in August.
The Defender Dressage Masterclass is just one of the highlights of Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026. First staged in 1943 and now welcoming more than 55,000 visitors annually, the Show remains a cornerstone of the British equestrian calendar. The 2026 Show will again feature international competition including CSI5* Show Jumping, CAIO4* Carriage Driving and CEI3* Endurance, alongside more than 120 Showing classes and a varied programme of displays and performances.
Against the celebrated backdrop of Windsor Castle, the Defender Dressage Masterclass promises to be one of the standout moments of the 2026 edition, offering spectators a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on the artistry and preparation that define championship-level Freestyle Dressage.
Tickets and further details are available at www.rwhs.co.uk.
