JENNIE LORISTON-CLARKE MBE AND WILLIAM FUNNELL TEAM UP WITH LONDON SPRING INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW
Wednesday 30 November 2016
Organisers of the inaugural London Spring International Horse Show are delighted to announce important roles for Olympian Jennie Loriston-Clarke MBE and Great Britain European team gold medallist William Funnell.
A six-day extravaganza of world class dressage, national and international showjumping - plus a host of sporting and musical entertainment - will take centre stage at the Ex-Cel London at Royal Victoria Docks from April 12-17, 2017.
Billed as "a celebration of the horse," six days' thrilling action are guaranteed, with headline names topping the bill from at home and abroad across morning, afternoon and evening sessions.
And show director Daniel Watson is thrilled to announce Jennie as the show's honorary president, while top international rider William has been named as a jumping ambassador.
"I am absolutely thrilled that two such eminent people in the equestrian world as Jennie and Will will play a key part in the first London Spring International," Dan Watson said. "To have their support and witness their enthusiasm for this new event has been a delight, and I know they will both bring a huge amount, both during the build-up, and then at the show itself."
Jennie competed in dressage at four Olympic Games before becoming an international judge in dressage and eventing. She was also the first Briton to be invited to judge at the World Breeding Championships, and is a regular speaker at various national federation and FEI judging and training seminars.
Jennie is based in Hampshire, where she owned and managed the famous Catherston Stud. She was awarded an MBE in 1979, while in 2006, she was the first recipient of the Queen's Award for Services to Equestrianism.
William Funnell is among the most successful and consistent performers on showjumping's domestic and foreign circuits. He helped Great Britain to team gold at the 2013 European Championships in Herning, Denmark alongside Scott Brash, Ben Maher and Michael Whitaker, while he is a multiple Hickstead Derby winner. Together with his wife, Olympic eventer Pippa Funnell, he runs the renowned Billy Stud in Surrey.
Some of equestrian sport's greatest spectacles will be on show at the London International - from the serenity of dressage to dramatic showjumping action, including a grand prix finale and the puissance - while show-stopping performances can be expected from The Gaga Experience and Pierre Fleury and his amazing horses.
British Olympian Richard Davison will conduct his highly-acclaimed masterclass, offering a fascinating insight into the sport of dressage, one that has never been more popular in Great Britain following golden successes for the likes of Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester.
Dressage will take centre-stage on the opening two days, showcasing competitions like Grand Prix Freestyle, Grand Prix Special and Prix St George, with showjumping beginning on Good Friday and running throughout the Easter weekend.
An extensive shopping village will keep visitors occupied, before watching the performances and warm-up arenas where top riders demonstrate their outstanding skills, all of which can be done with a relaxing drink in the most comfortable of surroundings.
Further information, including ticket details and available hospitality packages, is available at the show website - www.londonspringinternational.com
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