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I’ve got first-hand experience of competing at London International and these are my top tips for first-timers

Bethan Simons Bethan Simons

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    • Horse & Hound’s showing editor explains what to expect if you’re competing in London for the first time in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers...

    If you’ve not competed at London before, then a show in “The Big Smoke” in the middle of winter can seem a lot to get your head around – and so you might be looking for some tips for competing at London International Horse Show. Especially if, like me, you’re part of a home-produced family team battling the weather and general Christmas prep to get there! But trust me, you are in for a treat.

    Firstly, congratulations on qualifying for London. We first qualified as a family in 2010 and we’ve been extremely lucky as amateur sisters to have shared the ring, each with a ride, in the prestigious native final held on the show’s last day. Our uncle bred the first-ever Welsh cob to win the final, so it’s even more special to us as a family. So with a week to go, here are my tips for competing at London International for the first time…

    Ballynacoy Prince and Bethan Simons trot to Best of Breed and fourth place at London International Horse Show in 2017

    Ballynacoy Prince and Bethan Simons finish Best of Breed and fourth overall in 2017. Credit: Peter Nixon

    Tips for traveling to London International

    And enjoy!

    This show is such fun — to a certain extent I have FOMO at the prospect of being sidelined even by my own doing! As I said before HOYS, the worst that can happen is you fall off or you have to leave the arena. In the highly unlikely event this happens, breathe and smile – you won’t be the first and you absolutely won’t be the last.

    So, try to enjoy every minute of it in the arena, and throw yourself into the festive mood – decorate the stable, wear matching Christmas jumpers and buy lots of photos – after all, it’s Christmas.

    Good luck!

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    Bethan Simons
    Bethan Simons

    H&H showing editor
    Bethan joined Horse & Hound as showing editor in January 2025, after spending two years as Editor for Showing World. Having adored ponies since childhood, she started showing as a teenager and has enjoyed wins at major shows up and down the country, including Royal Highland, New Forest, and the Royal Welsh, as well as HOYS, RIHS and London. She is particularly passionate about Welsh breeds and is also a Welsh language commentator.
    Bethan Simons

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