The organisers of the world’s biggest equestrian Christmas party, Olympia, The London International Horse Show, have announced a dazzling new line up of displays for this year’s show, which takes place on 16-22 December 2014.
The headline acts include the unique Ukrainian Cossack Stunt Riders and the magnificent Mounted Branch of the Metropolitan Police – both of whom haven’t performed at Olympia for four years. In addition, all the old favourites which make London’s premier horse show magical, such as The Shetland Pony Grand National, The Kennel Club Dog Agility and The Olympia Finale, will be back once again to delight the 90,000 visitors expected to attend this year’s show.
Taking centre stage at Olympia 2014 will be the Mounted Branch of the Metropolitan Police* who will be bringing their fabulous Activity Ride back after a four year break. The Metropolitan Police had to temporarily stop performing their famous display to carry out their role in the London 2012 operations. The Mounted Branch have been able to regroup this year to bring back its ride which demonstrates the high level of skill and agility required from both horse and officer. Key moments include jumping through fire, crossovers and crashing through a solid paper wall.
The world famous Ukrainian Cossack Stunt Team from Kiev will be making a rare visit to the UK to demonstrate their legendary riding skills, originating from battlefield tactics used over 300 years ago. The 11 man strong team of Cossack riders, who have not performed in the UK for over two years, are sure to thrill the Olympia crowds with their daredevil stunts, including standing on a horse whilst galloping at full speed, hanging from a stirrup with just one leg and riding two horses at the same time.
Show Director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “Olympia, The London International Horse Show is the ultimate celebration of equestrianism. Every year, we endeavour to bring the very best horse men and women from around the world to London for this truly special occasion.
“Both the Ukrainian Cossacks and the Metropolitan Mounted Police have been real crowd pleasers in the past and are the perfect complement to Olympia’s world class competitions in Dressage, Show Jumping and Carriage Driving. It is very exciting to have such a phenomenal line up at Olympia once again.”
Living up to its reputation as one of Europe’s premier indoor equestrian events, Olympia 2014 will once again host three FEI World Cups™ in Carriage Driving, Dressage and Show Jumping. The Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage leg takes place on 16 and 17 December, the FEI World Cup™ Driving leg presented by Dodson & Horrell on 19 and 20 December and the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping leg presented by H&M on 21 December. The climax of the seven day equine extravaganza will finish with the Olympia Grand Prix on Monday 22 December.
Tickets start at £24.50 each with discounts for groups, children and concessions applying for certain performances. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit the website at www.olympiahorseshow.com or telephone the box office on 0871 230 5580.
Visit the www.olympiahorseshow.com for a full programme of events.
*subject to contract
For more information, please contact Hannah Grissell hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk or +44 (0)207 592 1207.
Olympia, The London International Horse Show
The first international horse show took place in the Olympia halls in 1907. Olympia, The London International Horse Show, the event we see today, was started by Raymond Brooks-Ward in 1971. This year’s show takes place on 16-22 December 2014 in the Olympia Exhibition Hall, located in West Kensington London. The show will play host to a packed timetable of all things equestrian and is expected to welcome over 90,000 visitors. It is regarded as one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious equine competitions. The show mixes top class equestrian action, including FEI World Cup™ Jumping, Dressage and Driving with family entertainment, such as the Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand National which raises money for Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Kennel Club Dog Agility. The show’s official charity for 2014 is The Injured Jockeys Fund.