The road to the Epsom Derby (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
The Diamond Jubilee celebration will revolve around a special four-day weekend beginning June 2 with the Epsom Derby and ending June 5 with a “Service of Thanksgiving” at St. Paul’s Cathedral and a formal carriage procession by the queen.
But to mark the beginning of the celebration, the queen will host the Diamond Jubilee Pageant at Windsor Castle May 10-13.
The three-day event will showcase horses and cultures from across the globe to honor the queen’s passion for horses. More than 500 horses and 800 performers from 17 countries are expected to attend. The queen will attend Sunday’s show, according to a statement from the queen’s office.
Brandi Phillips, a trick roper and rider with Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls, says it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to portray real American cowboys.
“The history of the American cowboy is so unique,” said Phillips. “We get to represent America and show the grass roots of what we know as the cowboy. It’s an honor.”
Other performances include the Royal Mounted Police from Canada, Kremlin Mounted Cossacks from Great Britain, New South Wales Mounted Police, aborigines from Australia, Marwari horses from India, Bedouin on Grey Arab from the Middle East and Zulu warriors from South Africa, just to name a few.
Thanks to Eric Woomer for the cowgirl photo and information above. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012203100316
Queen Elizabeth has been a lifelong horse enthusiast.
The Queen and her grandchildren out for a ride in 2011.
