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Jemima Haydon from London International Horse Show gives us the lowdown on this year's event!
London International Horse Show 2024 is set to bring its share of thrills and spills and of course its special festive charm, with its dates this year being the week just before Christmas. The first International Horse Show took place in Olympia London in 1907, it was called to a halt during the war years but was revived by Raymond Brooks-Ward in 1972. It took place in the exhibition halls at Olympia for nearly 50 years and now, for the third year in a row, is setting up shop at London ExCeL (easily accessible via the Elizabeth Line). Spectators can expect five days’ worth of rip-roaring first-class equine competition and displays spanning Under 25 classes giving up-and-coming riders the chance to compete on a global stage all the way up to FEI World Cup™ Jumping status which showcases the world’s best riders, and don’t forget the added extra of the Kennel Club Dog Agility classes, the Defender Shetland Pony Grand National and the equestrian displays. Visitors can also spend their time perusing the expansive Shopping Village to find everything from top-tier equestrian gear to festive favourites or soak up the atmosphere with a glass of fizz in one of the many hospitality experiences on site.
London International Horse Show is only one of a handful of global events that host FEI World Cup™ Qualifiers for all three disciplines: Show Jumping, Dressage and Driving. These Qualifiers are part of the FEI World Cup™ series and play a huge role in the annual competition circuit. They bring a whole host of avid fans to cheer on each sport, and of course the best riders from all over the world come to London to compete for the titles. The first FEI World Cup™ qualifier for jumping was introduced at Olympia in 1979 and has run every year since, promising undeniable rivalry between riders jumping difficultly constructed courses with enormous fences up to 1.60m. In addition, FEI World Cup™ Dressage was introduced in 2004 and following that the FEI World Cup™ Driving in 2013.
WHAT’S ON
This year’s Show will commence on Wednesday 18th December with The FEI Dressage World Cup™ (Grand Prix) presented by Bret Willson Dressage International Ltd and supported by Horse & Hound - Short Grand Prix as the inaugural event in the International Arena. This kicks off the duo of Dressage classes, with the The FEI Dressage World Cup™ Freestyle to Music presented by Bret Willson Dressage International Ltd and supported by Horse & Hound taking place the following evening. The Freestyle class is when the riders can really show off the prowess of their horses, manoeuvring them into beautiful shapes and paces in time with their chosen soundtrack. Following Olympic team bronze medal success in Paris in August and respective second and third places at The Show in 2023 having both scored over 75% in the Grand Prix and over 83% in the Freestyle, Charlotte (Lottie) Fry and Becky Moody are likely to have all eyes on them as they take the centre stage hoping to defend their British titles.
Show Jumping classes will take place each day, kicking off with the merry Champagne Taittinger Mistletoe Stakes and for those with guts of steel, the infamous LeMieux Puissance – last year won by Guy Williams on the late Mr Blue Sky Uk. The London International Puissance record still stands at an amazing 2.31m (7ft 7 ins) set by Nick Skelton when he took on the challenge with Lastic as far back as 1978. The festive Show Jumping continues with The Santa Stakes, The Christmas Tree Speed Stakes and The Snowflake Stakes, and make sure you don’t miss the gripping Cavago Six Bar on Saturday 21st December: a competition where six jumps are set out equally spaced and heighted, usually with two canter strides in between, and each round the bars are raised higher until only one horse and rider combination jumps them all clear. The pinnacle of Show Jumping culminates with The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ presented by Agria on the final day of The Show, Sunday 22nd December, last year won by Ben Maher on Enjeu de Grisien with a flying clear in the jump-off narrowly beating his fellow 2024 gold medallist Scott Brash by 0.62s.
Friday 20th December will see the start of the FEI Driving World Cup™ leg in which Boyd Exell of Australia will aim to retain his winning title, having scored 136.35 in 2023, and having won the World Cup™ 13 times already. This continues into another session on Saturday 21st December where the final result will be revealed. Driving here sees four-in-hand horse teams compete in one of the most adrenaline-fuelled equestrian disciplines by aiming to be the fastest team to complete a narrow course of obstacles without fault, testing resilience and fitness of both horse and rider. Outside the International Arena, the New Horizon Plastics London Arena located in the Shopping Village will host The London Showing Series, comprising 28 classes, running at five more than last year. These classes will include everything from in-hand to ridden, and small horse to ex-racehorse; they have been introduced to provide a comprehensive viewing experience for anyone and everyone. The commentator’s roles in this Series are two-fold; they will announce what the judges are looking for in each of the classes to give the audience full context as well as observing and sharing how each rider-horse performs.
Showing classes take place each day of The Show and in between them the New Horizon Plastics London Arena will hold The LeMieux Masterclasses spanning Dressage, Jumping, Driving and Eventing Grassroots to Glory. These Masterclasses are a chance to watch experts in the field such as Richard Waygood MBE, British Equestrian’s Eventing Performance Manager, run a session with celebrity equestrians in an engaging and informative experience, featuring demonstrations of advanced techniques as well as practical, step-by-step exercises that can be implemented at home. These Masterclasses will offer a comprehensive exploration of the path to competitive success, tailored to inspire and educate riders of all levels and promise to be highlights of the Show.
SPECIAL MOMENTS
The programme this year will again include The Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of The Injured Jockeys Fund which will see ex-jockeys battling it out in the unknown (to them) world of Show Jumping. In addition, this year will see the return of popular Display, Lorenzo the Flying Frenchman who hasn’t performed at The London Show since 2011. Lorenzo and his team of eight to ten horses will showcase their groundbreaking ‘Action’ performance in a display of harmony and valour. Lorenzo will stand atop his galloping horses, clear obstacles, and orchestrate breathtaking sequences, embodying his reputation as he ‘flies’ around the International Arena. Pushing the boundaries of the extraordinary, Lorenzo never fails to captivate children, awe novices, and impress specialists alike. Show Director Simon Brooks-Ward said, “We are delighted to welcome back Lorenzo after all these years. His display exemplifies the highest level of horsemanship, showcasing an extraordinary bond and deep understanding with his horses. It is an honour to have him, and his team return to London International Horse Show, bringing their unique blend of glitz and glamour to the Show with an incredibly impressive display.”
A familiar favourite, the infamous Defender Shetland Pony Grand National sponsored by Defender will also return in December where audacious child jockeys will have a chance each day of taking home the trophy by being the fastest around the track, racing in their iconic colourful jockey silks on their pocket-rocket Shetlands. What’s more, The Kennel Club Dog Agility will take place in the International Arena and a variety of other dog agility classes in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena, seeing handler-dog combinations race against the clock in a bid to successfully complete a course of daring obstacles without fault.
GET INVOLVED
Aside from the thrilling competition taking place in both arenas across equestrian and canine classes, there really is something for everybody throughout The Show at ExCeL. The Live Zone will be running each day with a whole host of activities, talks and Q&As offering the chance to meet and hear from some of your favourite riders and leaders of the industry. Named appearances include Meet and Greets with Meg Elphick and This Esme, a Meet the Defender Shetland Pony Grand National jockeys, a talk with the Show’s official charity partner, The RDA and daily Children’s Hobby Horse Activities. Make sure you are dressed to impress for the daily LIHS Best Dressed Competition or spend your day browsing the Shopping Village, now open from 9am each morning and closing 30 minutes after the evening interval each day. Experience a range of shopping opportunities for horse and rider, from equestrian clothing to jewellery, to all your tack needs. There will also be fashion, footwear, fine art, and sculpture stands to cater for all interests. As well as shopping you can stroll through The Christmas Market, sampling festive treats such as award-winning Christmas liqueur which tastes like mince pies in a bottle and artisan vans offering a range of warming delights. The Christmas Market will be a particular highlight area of the Show as it will have views over the Warm Up Ring and the main ring for the New Horizon Plastics London Arena.
TICKETS AND MORE
The Show has wonderful hospitality options, with Private Boxes offering incomparable views over the International Arena, entertaining up to 16 guests and including a delicious meal, or the Phoenix Club Enclosure located next to the International Arena collecting ring where you can make use of the Restaurant and Bar all day, watch the riders warm up and enjoy VIP seating for the International Arena. Alternatively, upgrade to a first-class seat in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena Grandstand and benefit from the Equiyd London Arena VIP Bar too. This extra can be added to any ticket type including shopping only tickets so make sure you don’t miss out on a drink and sit down with a view after you’ve shopped until you’ve dropped.
You can purchase tickets for every performance and shopping only at
www.londonhorseshow.com with discounts available for concessions and group bookings.
Photo credits to Peter Nixon