World's best head for Olympia

This year’s London International Horse Show at Olympia has attracted an all-star cast of international riders. Rodrigo Pessoa, Markus Beerbaum, Markus Fuchs, Beat Mandli and Frankie Sloothaak are among the international show jumpers that will be in action. They will be taking on Britain’s best riders including four members of the Whitaker dynasty, Robert Smith, Nick Skelton and Tim Stockdale.

Isabel Werth, Edward Gal, Kyra Kurlund and Imke Schellekens-Bartels are all making the journey to London for the World Cup dressage qualifier in which they will be competing against home riders Laura Bechtolsheimer, Wayne Channon and new talent Spencer Wilton among others.

Olympia’s own radio station, Olympia FM on 101.4FM will be broadcasting at the show for the first time this year. Radio headsets will be available with programmes and spectators with headsets will be able to hear live commentary from Carl Hester and Sandy Phillips during the dressage classes. The station will also be broadcasting interviews and features between midday and midnight on Tuesday and Wednesday. Olympia FM will also be available on the Olympia website (www.olympiahorseshow.co.uk), www.0157.org and Sky digital channel 0157.

Three FEI Badges of Honour will be presented to British riders at Olympia. The badges are awarded to riders who have successfully represented their country in Nations Cup or championship competitions. Mark Armstrong will receive a Gold Badge for completing more than 40 competitions between 1987 and 2006. Ellen Whitaker and Tim Gredley will each receive Bronze Badges for completing more than 10 competitions between 2004 and 2006. The presentations by David Broome will take place during the interval on Sunday afternoon.

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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.