WINDSOR Castle will be the backdrop when rider Sarah Hislam and her French thoroughbred horse perform in front of Her Majesty the Queen as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Sarah is one of the riders taking part in the magical All The Queen's Horses event - the country's largest outdoor theatrical performance in celebration of the jubilee.

Riding her horse Joli La Chinoise she will join 3,000 participants and 1,000 horses performing in front of Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip on the evenings of May 16, 17 and 18.

Sarah, of Bournemouth, will be one of 20 side-saddle riders taking part in the mammoth display, which is to be staged in the all-weather arena at this year's Royal Windsor Horse Show.

The floodlit show will tell the story of the Queen's reign through her love of horses and will recreate Her Majesty's finest equestrian occasions, including the 1953 Coronation procession. It will include the magnificent Gold State Coach, not paraded since 1977.

Sarah, 34, is area chairman of the Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire Side-saddle Association and competes at the highest level nationally and internationally.

Sarah said: "Rehearsals so far have been at Bury St Edmonds so I have been travelling up and down with the horse box to meet with 19 other riders.

"The riders will arrive in London on the Sunday before the performances start and it will be straight into rehearsals."

Lights, sound, live action and historical footage will bring to life over 50 years of history with references to world events, fashion, sport, popular and rock music.

All the Queen's Horses is to be broadcast by the BBC in a 75-minute show at a prime time on Sunday May 19.