OLYMPIA, THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW
Tuesday 27 November 2012
The world’s best equestrian Christmas party
17 – 23rd December 2012 at London Olympia
Celebrating 40 years of world class equestrian sport, Olympia, The London International Horse Show returns to London this Christmas with its seven day equestrian extravaganza from the 17th – 23rd December.
Billed as the world’s best equestrian Christmas party, 2012 marks the 40th year since this prestigious event was reintroduced by Raymond Brooks-Ward to Olympia in the 1970’s. Following the successful introduction of international driving to the Show format in 2011, it will return in 2012, now as one of the official FEI World Cup™ Legs for indoor driving. This is added to the existing UK FEI World Cup™ Legs for Jumping and Dressage already well established at Olympia, making the Show one of the most important indoor equestrian events in the UK and European calendars.
The show will also celebrate Great Britain’s tremendous success in equestrian sport at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. During the evening performance on Wednesday 19th December, in conjunction with the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), Team GBR’s Jumping, Dressage, Eventing and Para-Equestrian Dressage Gold and Silver Medal winning teams will take part in a Medal Parade. Joining the Team from London 2012 will be a further eleven equestrian teams who have also had a highly successful 2012. These include senior, young rider, junior and pony teams from across the disciplines (full list included in notes).
Visitors to the show can not only be a part of the evening spectacle but can rub shoulders with their Olympic heroes at the After Show Party, held in the newly refurbished West Hall on the evening of Wednesday 19th December until the early hours. Joint show tickets (Wednesday afternoon or evening) and After Show Party tickets are available from £72.50 each including booking fee and are obtainable via the box office at www.olympiahorseshow.com or by phone 0871 230 5580.
New this year is the option for visitors to purchase tickets to the collecting ring viewing area backstage. Tickets are £15 each and can be purchased via the box office on 0871 230 5580. Afternoon ticket holders will gain access during the evening performance and vice versa. This area will allow visitors to see competitors warming up during classes before they go into the arena for their round. They will also be able to watch the action on television and see the competitor's reaction as they come out of the arena after competing.
Olympia will continue with its traditional mix of outstanding sporting competition and great family entertainment. Firm favourite competitions, The Shetland Pony Grand National and The Kennel Club Dog Agility will once again feature in all performances from Tuesday 18th December and closing the Show this year, is an exciting new circus themed finale - Cirque De Noel including clowns, vaulting, juggling and extraordinary circus acts.
What’s more, the event welcomes the return of Jean-François Pignon who last performed at Olympia in 2009. The famous Frenchman and his amazing horses were also enjoyed by the Queen at the Diamond Jubilee Pageant at Windsor Castle earlier this year. At Olympia, Pignon promises to wow the crowds with his spectacle of trust and horsemanship. To add, The Barcelona Police Mounted Unit will showcase their perfect demonstration of mounted exercises, which make up the well-known Carrusel. Both these unique displays can be watched every night at the Show (excluding Monday 17th).
Simon Brooks-Ward, Managing Director of HPower and Event Director said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years since my father reintroduced this magical event to the famous Olympia halls in the 1970’s. Today Olympia is recognised as one of the greatest equestrian events in the world and we are enormously proud to be home for a week to the outstanding riders and display teams who travel from all over the world to take part. As Olympia fans will know, the Christmas party atmosphere is what makes this event so special – you can guarantee this year’s event will be one to remember.”
The annual event attracts over 80,000 horse-loving enthusiasts from around the UK. As well as enjoying the action in the arena, visitors can also stock up on Christmas gifts and equestrian goodies courtesy of the Shopping Village, which boasts over 200 shops and stalls selling items ranging from food, gifts, homeware, clothing, art, jewellery and much more.
This year’s official charity for the Show is The Ebony Horse Club, a charity that helps improve the life skills, education and aspirations of disadvantaged children and young people growing up in Brixton, South London, by providing access to horse riding, outdoor activities and mentoring.
Tickets for Olympia, The London International Horse Show, are on sale now and can be purchased by ordering online at www.olympiahorseshow.com or by telephoning the box office on 0871 230 5580. Tickets are priced between £19 and £57 with various discounts available for groups, seniors and children. Visitors to the show can not only be a part of the evening spectacle but can rub shoulders with their Olympic heroes at the After Show Party, held in the newly refurbished West Hall until the early hours. Joint top price tickets (Wednesday afternoon or evening) and After Show Party tickets are available at £90 each including booking fee and are obtainable via the box office.
For more information on The London International Horse Show visit:
www.olympiahorseshow.com
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