It is not just a horse a how - it is much more of a stage show

Sir Michael Parker, producer

Sir Michael Parker, the producer of the 90-minute production, said: "It is not just a horse show. It is much more of a stage show, in fact.

"It tells a story, in the eyes of a woman who grew up at the same time as the Queen, and had the same love of horses as her.

"Judi Dench has done the voice-over for that.

"We have got virtually every equestrian skill you can think of shown."

Mounted police horses

Before the show began police officers held final rehearsals with 68 police horses taking part in the parade.

Inspector Alan Hiscox, of London Mounted Police, told BBC News: "We have got police horses that will jump through a paper hoop.

"We have got us taking saddles off going over some jumps.

"There is a very large musical ride with all the mounted units throughout the country performing two musical rides. It is quite a sight."

He said after their five minutes of fame, the horses will be back out on normal on security patrols and high visibility policing.

A rider rehearses for a rendition of The Dream with Pegasus

The Queen has been spotted attending classes at the Windsor show and taking snaps of the Duke of Edinburgh who has done well in competitions at the event.

Her Majesty herself owns 25 horses and takes a keen interest in each of them.

Animal lover

The Queen rode in the Trooping of the Colour for a number of years, and rides every day when she is in residence at Windsor.

BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond said: "Everybody knows how much she loves horses.

"I think it is partly because with animals, horses and dogs, everything is equal. They do not know who she is. Her corgis will bite her as soon as the next person."

She added how relaxed the Queen looks while at the Windsor show.

"It is also a time when she can be almost one of the community. She does go around in a tweed skirt and a head scarf," she said.