Back by popular demand! Fancy dress relay returns to London International Horse Show

Jennifer Donald's avatar
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Published In News
Olympia fancy dress competition: Geoff Billington in action
Picture by Kit Houghton
(Image credit: ©Kit Houghton)

For many years, the highlight of Olympia Horse Show used to be the fancy dress pairs relay. Top showjumping names including Harvey Smith, David Broome, Geoff Billington, Nick Skelton and John and Michael Whitaker would dress up in elaborate costumes and entertain the crowds with their antics on, and off, horseback – as well as being fiercely competitive.

The crowd-pleasing class eventually met its demise after the turn of the century but, in a move that will delight many showjumping fans, it is coming back by popular demand! The fancy dress competition will be making its return to this year’s London International Horse Show at its new home at ExCeL London (15-19 December), but with a “modern makeover”.

Jennifer Donald
Jennifer Donald
Showjumping and racing editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.