The much-anticipated return of the London International Horse Show fancy dress class certainly did not disappoint. Some of the world’s top riders delighted the crowds at the ExCeL arena on Sunday (18 December) with their fabulous costumes and brilliant banter.
Check out some of the truly iconic costumes worn by the competitors, and so gallantly carried by their respective mounts.
1. Holly Smith and Manuel Fernandez Saro, as Elsa and Olaf from Frozen, jumped clear in the fastest time to win the London International Horse Show fancy dress relay. Here’s Holly complete with her flowing golden locks…
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
… and Manuel as Olaf.
The team from Frozen Holly S. / Manuel F.S. (1st) inTHE FANCY DRESS RELAY during The London International Horse Sho w at ExCel in London on the 15 December 2022
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
2. Is that you, Joe Stockdale? And wherever Shrek is found you can be sure that Donkey won’t be far behind – thanks to Joe’s pairs partner Jack Whitaker.
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3. William Funnell, who is on the show’s committee and helped organise the competition, dressed as Dick van Dyke – the chimney sweep in Mary Poppins – to partner his wife Pippa for the class.
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4. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Pippa Funnell ditched her Mary Poppins’ umbrella to fly around the course.
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(Image credit: creditUnknown)
5. To infinity and beyond! Harry Charles rockets around the course dressed as Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. His partner was Matt Sampson dressed as Woody.
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6. Ahoy! Marcus Ehning makes a brilliant Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates Of The Caribbean, and his partner was…
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7. …the legend that is John Whitaker, dressed as a fetching Elizabeth Swann, complete with generous bosom.
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8. Laura Collett and Gemma Stevens (née Tattersall) as Captain America and Wonder Woman make an entrance.
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9. Say cheese! Tom McEwen, who is dressed as The Mad Hatter, poses for a picture with Pippa Funnell. Tom’s pairs partner was Yasmin Ingham dressed as The Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland.
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10. What great sports! A team photograph showing the riders’ fantastic costumes in all their glory.
Happy Feet / Minions Guy W. / Trevor B.
Toy Story Harry Ch. / Matt S.
Mary Poppins Pippa F. / William F.
Shrek Jack W. / Jo St.
Iron Man Gemma St. / Laura C.
Frozen Holly S. / Manuel F.S.
Pirates of the Caribbean John W. / Marcus E.
Alice Tom McE. / Kirsty Ch.
Just some of the teams that took part in THE FANCY DRESS RELAY during The London International Horse Show at ExCel in London on the 15 December 2022
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
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Happy Feet / Minions Guy W. / Trevor B.
Toy Story Harry Ch. / Matt S.
Mary Poppins Pippa F. / William F.
Shrek Jack W. / Jo St.
Iron Man Gemma St. / Laura C.
Frozen Holly S. / Manuel F.S.
Pirates of the Caribbean John W. / Marcus E.
Alice Tom McE. / Kirsty Ch.
Just some of the teams that took part in THE FANCY DRESS RELAY during The London International Horse Show at ExCel in London on the 15 December 2022
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Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
