As the first rays of the sun peak over the horizon, penetrating the dark, soft light illuminates the mist rising up from the ground, forming an eerie, almost surreal landscape.
The ground sparkles, wet with dew, and the day fast-forwards; people start to gather in the stands awaiting the return of Olympia, The London International Horse Show.
The show, which goes on from 16 December 2019 till 22 December, combines world class equestrian competition with thrilling displays and just a sprinkling of Christmas magic to make the perfect festive day out. Olympia London has been regarded as the home of inspirational events since 1886, making it a top choice for over 1.5 million people each year.
The best riders and drivers from across the globe will be coming to London to compete in FEI World Cups in Dressage, Show Jumping and Driving. Audiences can also enjoy the thrilling Shetland Pony Grand National, Kennel Club Dog Agility and even a visit from Father Christmas himself in the Olympia Finale.
The show also has an extensive shopping village. Hosting over 200 stands, you can find a huge variety of places to stock up on last-minute Christmas gifts from well-known brand names and not-on-the-high-street shops. Even better this year’s show offers a host of delicious new food offerings for you to tuck into. Find out more here.
Soak in the atmosphere at our Winter Markets in Central Hall or the Shopping Village in National Hall where you can find additional seating. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled to our socials for exclusive food and drink offers throughout the Show.
Olympia Horse Show 2019 Displays
The Kennel Club Dog Agility
One of Olympia’s most loved parts of the Show is the Kennel Club Dog Agility competitions. These take place at each of the performances with different types of classes for each one. For instance, you may see the ABC Class (that’s Anything But a Collie) or you may see the small dog pairs relay.
Whatever you see, you are in for a great deal of fun, as these wonderful animals race around, over and through the obstacles, wearing their owners out and going hell for leather to be the one with the winning time.
Shetland Pony Grand National
The Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand National holds all the excitement of the horse race on a miniature scale! Shetland Ponies and their riders race around the arena at a fast and furious pace – it really is one of the highlights of Olympia.
Dressage
Dressage focuses on the development of the physique of the horse and the harmony between rider and horse. High quality is revealed by freedom and regularity of the paces, lightness and ease of the movements.
The horse gives the impression of doing the movements on his own accord because of the small and invisible aids of the rider. In all competitions, the horse has to show three paces: walk, trot and canter, as well as transitions between the paces and transitions within the paces (collection – extension – collection).
Show Jumping
The most important Show Jumping event at Olympia is the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Leg which takes place on the Saturday afternoon. The Cayanne Puissance on Wednesday evening is great fun as the horses jump higher and higher and the Olympia Grand Prix is also very important.
FEI World Cup Driving and Extreme Driving
FEI World Cup Driving and Extreme Driving are without doubt the most thrilling face of competitive carriage driving and nowhere is this more keenly apparent than at Olympia.
It has the audience gripping their seats dazzled by the skill of fearless drivers who manoeuvre four galloping horses round a technical course at seemingly impossible speeds. FEI World Cup Driving is only open to the top ten ranked drivers in the world, taken from results in the preceding summer outdoor season.
Christmas Finale
Every year our Olympia finale is especially created for you children in the audience... that is... you, children of all ages! The finale always includes a bit of singing, a bit of dancing, a very special guest, and a lot of fun!
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