Can it really be that time already? It feels like summer has just finished, but Olympia is now only weeks away.
World class
As always, the London International Horse Show (16-22 December) will welcome some of the biggest names in showjumping and dressage with world-class competitions.
Charlotte Dujardin and Vallegro will be back competing on home turf in theReem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage, while theLonginesFEI World Cup Jumping will see the world’s best battle it out.
Record-breaking
This year’s Olympia will also welcome other sports onto its centre stage.
Record-breaking racehorse Kauto Star will show off his new dressage skills with his rider and trainer Laura Collett, while individual women’s World Vaulting Champion Joanne Eccles will perform a display with her sister Hannah.
The duo took bronze in the Pas de Deux at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) and the sisters will perform their medal-winning routine on Thursday’s matinee show. Joanne will perform the routine which won her gold in the evening performance.
Dressage masterclass
Spectators can also look forward to dressage masterclasses with Britain’s top riders, which are a regular feature at Olympia. The show kicks off on Tuesday with WEG team silver medallist Michael Eilberg, who will give a masterclass onboard the talented youngster Woodlander Farouche, commentated by his father Ferdi Eilberg.
Wednesday evening’s performance features Laura Tomlinson on one of her up-and-coming horses, 10-year-old mare Unique.This will be followed bya parade from the GBR equestrian team, who finished at the top of the medal table at WEG after winning seven golds.
Best Olympia yet
“British equestrianism has a lot to celebrate right now and what better way to mark all these great achievements than at the world’s biggest equestrian party,” said show director, Simon Brooks-Ward. “We are thrilled to have so many stars – both human and equine – appearing at this year’s show. I think it is going to be the biggest and best Olympia yet.”
For more information and to buy tickets online visit Olympia’s website orcall the box office on 0871 230 5580.