Royal Insight Forum

QuoteGatcombe Horse Trials is now in its 19th year, hosted by HRH The Princess Royal on her farm in Gloucestershire and organised by her friend and riding companion Pattie Biden.

The Princess, an accomplished event rider herself and former European champion, introduces Charlotte Smith (a complete newcomer) to the world of dressage, showjumping and cross country.

The Princess also discusses the challenges of balancing a major equine event with the needs of a working farm. More than 800 competitors arrive over the three days, and that's an awful lot of hooves pounding Gatcombe's valuable pasture - not to mention the horse boxes. Charlotte asks farm manager Matthew Aspinall how he, and the sheep, cope with the equestrian activities.

More: BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, HRH The Princess Royal at Gatcombe Horse Trials (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04hm5t4)

Cindy

QuoteShe's famous for her down-to-earth approach and as these pictures reveal, that even extends to getting her caffeine fix.
As the Gatcombe Horse Trials got underway, the Princess Royal was spotted mingling with the crowds before stopping to pick up a coffee - and a side-order of friendly chat.
Dressed in one of her trademark hats, the 64-year-old royal looked on cheerful form as she chatted away to stall holders.

A cheerful Princess Royal gets her caffeine fix as she mingles with the runners and riders at Gatcombe | Daily Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2764120/A-cheerful-Princess-Royal-gets-caffeine-fix-mingles-runners-riders-Gatcombe.html)