H&H’s Cathy Comerford has been exploring the shopping village at Olympia. Here’s her tongue-in-cheek guide to the unmissable, the wacky and the wonderful at Olympia.
I started my adventure on the lower level at the best stand in Olympia’s shopping village. Okay, I’m slightly biased, but you should definitely visit the Horse & Hound stand. You’ll find great subscription offers, H&H’s beautiful new annual on sale, you can find out more about Equo and possibly win a riding holiday. Great stuff.
The Snuggy Hoods’ sheep onesie was first to catch my eye. Although I’m not sure that it comes in my size I’m still secretly hoping Santa will bring me one. They look very cosy and warm.
I then came across these leather belts at Cobra Belts. They’re well made and decorated with snaffles, making them the perfect gift for any equestrian enthusiast.
I’ve always wanted a Hit Air vest, so I was excited to come across them at Olympia. The vest is designed as shock buffering and offers great protection. As I don’t quite bounce as well as I used to this is another for the Christmas list.
These ‘moc croc’ boots from Lemieux will add a bit of glam to my wardrobe. I’m not sure what my gelding will make of them, but I’ve heard they’re a favourite of Charlotte Dujardin. Sold.
I love this gel whip from Barkers Equestrian. It moulds to the shape of your hand and is super squidgy. I also found it rather stress reliving. Shopping is hard work you know.
As I was wandering around a great jacket caught my eye. I went over to investigate and found the one and only Jessica Leroy. Jessica is Equo’s south-east brand ambassador and it was great to catch up with her.
These festive themed belts from Pampeano are great. One way to add a bit of class to your Christmas party outfit.
By this point I was in need of a little break (like I said, shopping is hard work). Luckily I stumbled across the Mediterranean Deli Company, which sells Danish pastries the size of my head. Challenge accepted.
After finishing my Danish I decided I deserved a massage. Andrea at Eurotherapy kindly offered to take on my knotted back and I was amazed at the difference it made in such a short space of time.
The girls at Sof Sof LTD then finished off my pamper session by offering to curl my hair. All in a day’s work.
I was now feeling pretty glam so decided to have my palm read by Gypsy Margaret Rose Lee. Apparently I’m destined for true love.
It must have been fate that I then came across this funny hoody from Warwickshire Clothing.
I decided to follow my fortune and head over to the Porsche stand to await my future husband. No luck… maybe next year?
Being a child at heart nothing could have cheered me up more than coming across JMS International Toy Horses stand. What more could you want?
These colourful rosettes from Rosettes Direct also cheered me up. The kid in me is still alive and kicking.
I also noticed a common theme at Olympia: neon. You won’t lose these headcollars from Barkers Equestrian.
You could even colour coordinate with your horse with these hats from Zaini.
And no-one would dare steal this fun shavings fork from Noble Outfitters. I absolutely love it!
To balance out the neon I went in search of a bit of bling… it’s not Christmas without some sparkle. The first thing that I came across were these great boots from Brogini. Subtley sparkly and sophisticated. Like me…
These Samshield hats from Equiport also caught my eye.
I investigated the Equiport stand further and also came across a blingy whip and some spur straps.
Another great stand if you’re looking for some sparkle is The Mane Dealer. I love these breeches and belts.
Upstairs
By this point I was all sparkled out so went in search of the weird and the wonderful. I love Fancy Dress Filly’s giraffe rug. I’ve always wanted a giraffe so can’t wait to dress my horse up in one of these.
If you’re looking to blow the budget, and potentially struggle home on the tube, these wooden horses from STB Imports are stunning. They’re handmade from driftwood and come in a variety of designs.
Wingfield Digby have some beautiful feather photo frames. Handmade from goose, guinea fowl, pheasant or duck they’re sure to make a very special gift.
I love these boots from Fairfax and Favor. Sophisticated and stylish, they’re a must have for the party season.
As I’ve been after a new sports bra for ages I was delighted to come across the Lessbounce.com stand. The girls were lovely and helpful and offered me a professional bra fitting. I then compared two different bras on the horse simulator. Despite struggling to stay on the simulator (I promise I’m better on a real horse) the Panache bras were incredible. I can now see why they’ve been voted the number one sports bra.
By this point I was all shopped out. No, I didn’t believe it was possible either. I headed up to the members area for a sit down and fell in love with the Apres Ski Bar. A fun and festive way to enjoy a drink or snack with your friends, away from the hustle and bustle of the shopping village.
Or, if you’re looking for something a little more upmarket I highly recommend the Champagne Bar. The perfect way to finish the day.
On my way out I couldn’t help but stop by the Olympia photo booth. Despite being judged by everyone in the queue for taking a lone selfie (no one believed me it was for work…) it was great fun. No shame. No regrets.
Happy shopping!
