HISTORY

1999

The Princess Royal and Rowan Atkinson have helped to bring down the final curtain on 120 years of the Royal Tournament.

But the highlight, as always, was the dramatic field gun competition.

Hope and Glory

The prestigious race harks back to the relief of Ladysmith in 1900 by Royal Navy Gunners.

Three teams of 18 men carried the 2,088lb cannon over an obstacle course.

Rousing renditions of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia and a specially composed piece called The Ultimate Battle brought the evening to a conclusion.

New tattoo

The tournament - which began as expression of military might - has come to an end because of losses, and because the increasingly stretched armed services have found it more difficult to provide personnel.

There is now an impressive Military Tattoo every year at The Royal Windsor Horse Show

PRESENT

The Royal Tournament is now held every year at the Defence Animal Centre, Melton Mowbray over a 4 day period.The competition is primarily 3 days of show jumping however they also hold all the Army Tent Pegging competitions here. The heights of the show jumping classes vary from 1.00- 1.20. It is a highly proffesional but friendly competition with something for most people to enjoy. It holds Team competitions, Derby classes ( similar in style to the Hickstead Derby only slightly smaller) and new to 2007, a Puissance class. It also holds the qualifiers for the Inter Services Show Jumping Finals, Olympia.

Any RAF Member who wishes to be considered for this competition should get in contact with the RAF Team Captain, SAC Mel Stoner. If you just want to come along and see what it is all about and get fully involved with the social aspect then you are more than welcome. There is a very good BBQ/ Social on the last evening! Not to be missed!

Click here to visit the Royal Tournament website. The aim of this site is to try and revive the old traditions of The Royal Tournament.