The traditional Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026 has commenced in the United Kingdom, featuring a significant cultural representation from Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijan Equestrian Federation told the Operative Information Center-OMM that the country is represented by a large delegation of 150 people at the prestigious event. The participation is organized by the Federation with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, marking a high-level showcase of Azerbaijani heritage.
This year's centerpiece, the "Azerbaijan – Land of Fire" show-composition, features the world-renowned Garabagh horses, celebrated for their agility and beauty. The performance is accompanied by elegant national dances and traditional music performed by a live orchestra. The State Border Service's dance ensemble and cavalry unit, including 23 Garabagh horses, earned significant acclaim from the audience for their professional display.
The creative team behind the composition includes Honored Artist Govhar Hasanzade as the head of the show, Honored Artist Farid Ibrahimov of the State Border Service as the director and choreographer, Chief Instructor Imran Ahmadli as the cavalry coach, and Honored Artist Samad Vakilov as the chief conductor of the Exemplary Military Orchestra. The performance was based on the timeless music of "Arshin Mal Alan," a masterpiece by the founder of professional Azerbaijani classical music, Uzeyir Hajibeyli.
King Charles III attended the event and received the Azerbaijani delegation with high regard, watching the "Azerbaijan – Land of Fire" composition with great interest. The Chief of the State Border Service, Colonel-General Elchin Guliyev, also joined the King to view the performance. The lead roles in the operetta-themed show were performed by Honored Artists Afaq Abbasova, Tural Agasiyev, and soloists Fatima Jafarzade, Fakhri Kazim Nijat, and Rauf Zeynalov.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show, first held in 1943, is one of the United Kingdom's most prestigious equestrian events and has long enjoyed the patronage of the British Royal Family. Azerbaijan's consistent participation in the show serves as a vital platform for promoting the country's ancient equestrian traditions and the unique Garabagh horse breed. The Garabagh horse, a national symbol of Azerbaijan originating from the Garabagh region, is prized globally for its endurance, intelligence, and distinctive golden-chestnut coat.
The Azerbaijani delegation's performances are scheduled to continue until May 17, with the "Land of Fire" polo team also set to compete during the event.
