H&H’s guide to Olympia, London International Horse Show

Many of the world’s best show jumping and dressage riders will be at this year’s London International Horse Show at Olympia.

The show jumping classes have attracted such big names as Switzerland’s Markus Fuchs and Beat Mandli, Ireland’s Jessica Kurten and Cian O’Connor, America’s Beezie Madden and Germany’s Marcus Ehning and Alois Pollmann-Schweckhorst. These foreign raiders are among the riders who will be battling it out against Britain’s brightest jumping stars, including five members of the Whitaker family.

In the FEI World Cup Dressage Qualifier, all eyes will be on Anky van Grusven as she aims to repeat her 2005 victory. Among the riders hoping to rain on her parade are Britain’s Carl Hester, Laura Bechtolsheimer and the crowd’s favourite Steph Croxford with Mr President. Foreign challengers include Spain’s Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Finland’s Kyra Kyrklund.

Show director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “Olympia always attracts world class entries but even by our already high standards we will have a glittering line-up of stars at this year’s show.”

Tuesday evening’s dressage performance will include a masterclass from Anky Van Grunsven before the main FEI World Cup Kür, sponsored by The Berkeley Group and supported by Horse & Hound. Other highlights to look forward to include the Shetland Grand National, dog agility, Ukranian Cossacks and musical ride of the Household Cavalry, who will entertain daily from Monday 17-Saturday 22 December. The Riding Club quadrille takes place on Wednesday morning and Mountain and Moorland showing is on Thursday morning.

Ticket prices and availability

Although Thursday, Friday and Saturday are sold out, tickets for all performances on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are still available. Tickets cost £21, £31, £41 and £47, and are subject to a £2.25 booking fee. A 40% discount for senior citizen group bookings is available for Monday evening and both performances on Tuesday.

Getting there

• By tube: Kensington Olympia station on the District Line is adjacent to the venue.
• By bus: Hammersmith Road bus numbers 9,10, 27, 28; Holland Road bus number 49, or North End Road bus number 391. London Transport information: 020 7222 1234
• By rail: Kensington Olympia mainline station has direct services to and from Clapham Junction, Gatwick Airport, Brighton, Watford Junction, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Rugby. Rail information: 08457 484950
• By car: some parking is available near to the venue. You can pre-book by calling 0871 871 9809

Visit Horse & Hound

H&H has teamed up with its sister magazines Eventing and Horse at stand (GH4) at Olympia. There’s a chance to win over £2,000 worth of show jumps from Jump4Joy, one year’s free insurance from Amtrust, and a Rambo duo rug as well as lots of instant freebies in our tombola.

Make sure that you get to the stand early so you don’t miss out on great subscription discounts and a free Masta rug with every new subscription, available while stocks last, and pick up a free copy of Eventing and HORSE magazine. The first 200 visitors to the stand each day will also get a goody bag.

Can’t make it?

Log on to www.horseandhound.co.uk for the latest news and reports from our on site reporters, or watch on TV: Olympia TV listings

For more information

Visit: www.olympiahorseshow.com or call the box office. Tel: 0870 1432202

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s full Olympia preview, on sale tomorrow (Thursday 13 December), which includes a guide to the dressage competitors plus 25 fascinating facts about the show’s history

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