Tag Archives: London International Horse Show

Dujardin Dances to Victory on Second Day of London International Horse Show

Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) riding Imhotep @LondonInternationalHorseShow/Ashley Neuhof

Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep set the ExCeL alight on day two of the London International Horse Show as they took the victory in the FEI Dressage World Cup Freestyle to Music presented by Bret Willson Dressage International Ltd supported by Horse & Hound. The International Arena also saw action from the Extreme Driving supported by Karen and Hugh Scott-Barrett and the Yeti Under-25 British Show Jumping Championship.

Meanwhile, in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena, Showing kicked off with highlights coming from the Rising Star of Cob Type Championship, and the Rising Star of Hunter Type Championship. Spectators were also treated to the first of the LeMieux Masterclass series, ‘Dressage Unwrapped’ featuring FEI Eventing World Champion, Yasmin Ingham, Richard Davison, and Gareth and Ruby Hughes.

FABULOUS FREESTYLE

The pinnacle class of Thursday’s schedule came from the FEI Dressage World Cup Freestyle to Music, which saw a packed International Arena wowed by perfect piaffes and exceptional extensions.

Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and the 10-year-old chestnut stallion Imhotep followed up on their Grand Prix victory, and produced a breathtakingly beautiful performance to the sheer delight of the home crowd to take the win with a score of 89.465%.

It was once again a British top three, with double FEI World Championship gold medallist Lottie Fry claiming the runner-up spot. Fry, who was last to go in the competition with the stunning black stallion Everdale took to the arena with a brand-new Freestyle routine that featured numerous highlights including their phenomenal final line. It was a father-son one-two, with the success of Everdale, the sire of Charlotte’s Imhotep, proving the strength of this bloodline.

Third place went to Becky Moody and her homebred Jagerbomb with a score of 83.675%. The combination was not only making their debut at the Show, but also in the FEI World Cup Qualifier Series. The highest placed international rider was Denise Nekeman, who scored a personal best of 77.035% to claim the fourth spot.

Speaking on her win, Dujardin stated: “This was Imhotep’s first indoor show, and it was a full house tonight; you could hear the crowd in the warm-up, which was really incredible. I was so proud of him; he has never been in that kind of atmosphere before, and so it was a great learning experience for him. Even though he was nervous, he was still with me, which is all I can ask for. He is still a young horse and has so much more to give. I am very excited for what is to come next year!”

Third placed Moody continued: “You dream about riding at this Show. It is somewhere that we all aspire to compete at. I was incredibly nervous in the buildup, and my horse is a legend. Being on the podium with Lottie Fry and Charlotte Dujardin is amazing. They both inspire me on a daily basis. They are incredible role models, and it is incredible being sat next to them. But I do have every intention of beating them in the future!”

THE STARS OF THE FUTURE

24 British pairings faced the challenging 1.45m course in the Yeti Under 25 British Show Jumping Championship. The difficulty of the course became evident as the initial three combinations encountered issues with early faults. The fourth participant, Oliver Fletcher, son of Tina Fletcher – one of Britain’s leading female riders of recent decades – rode Hello William, owned by Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, securing the first flawless performance of the competition. The second faultless round was delivered by Alexander McLean and Gino F, who wisely steadied their stride in the triple combination towards the finish, a section that posed challenges for many. The third clear round came from the winner of the 2023 Ella Popely Award, the Shane Breen-trained Lauren Caroline, riding Gait L.

By halfway – after Nicole Lockhead Anderson, with the small but mighty chestnut stallion I Am a Harley, and Jennifer Billington, with Flipper Darco Uk Z, both jumped clear rounds – it meant only those with a faultless first round score would progress to the jump-off. To take the total number of second-round contenders to eight, there were three more clears from Jessica Hewlett, followed by London International Horse Show Ambassador and the Show’s 2022 leading rider, Jodie Hall McAteer, as well as Antonia Platt and Marvin van de Waterhoeve – 2023’s Royal Windsor Horse Show Under 25 Grand Prix winners.

The eight-fence jump-off had the audience gripped to their seats, with the young riders giving their all to win. The number of strides between the penultimate and last fence proved to be the differentiating factor in overall time. Jennifer Billington and Flipper Darco Uk Z led from the outset, being the only clear with the next to follow all having four faults – often, including the likes of Oliver Fletcher, heartbreakingly at the last fence. The only other clear round came from Scotsman Alexander McLean and the meticulously careful Gino F, who, building on their intelligently crafted first round, jumped fence one on an angle, taking out one stride to the second fence, resulting in them becoming champions.

Speaking on his win, McLean said: “I am over the Moon. I didn’t think we were going to be anywhere near fast enough, but we battled hard and performed under the pressure. I’m so proud of Gino; he has done so much for me over the last two years and is the horse of a lifetime. The atmosphere at the London International Horse Show is fantastic; it’s my second time competing here and I love this show – it’s one of the best shows in Britain by far, with a great Christmas feel to it.”

STUNNING SHOWING TO START THE NEW SERIES IN THE NEW HORIZON PLASTICS LONDON ARENA
Written by Nicola Jane Swinney

It is appropriate that the Showing programme for the London International Horse Show began with the Rising Stars sections — looking forward to the New Year with some names to watch.

Sections include Hunters and Cobs, and there was plenty to like. Sarah Moreland, who won the opening class for Small and Lightweight Hunter Types, was quite overcome, kissing her beloved horse before pulling herself together to comment, admitting she was “quite emotional.”

Coulthard, a bay gelding bred in Aberdeenshire, means everything to Sarah, not least because when buying him four years ago, she had to choose between him and a car.

“He is incredible,” she said. “He does everything. He also jumps so we are doing the Working Hunter class on Saturday.”

The judges, Robert Walker and Jenny Banks, clearly agreed with Sarah’s opinion of her splendid horse, awarding him the Rising Stars Hunter Type Championship over the Middleweight and Heavyweight winner, Eleanor Liddle riding Val Doidge’s Cu Chulainn Carrabawn Rebel. A former hunt horse, Bruce — which is much easier to say — has taken to showing with aplomb, although he hasn’t always been easy. Hunt horses are not used to standing still!

Relishing the atmosphere at the London venue, Carly Chapman and Frazer Foxes Covert headed the Rising Stars Heavyweight Cob class and claimed the Championship.

“It was a fantastic experience; the ring is absolutely great and he gave me a great spin in the go-round, so I’m really delighted,” said Carly. She was enthusiastic about the new venue at the ExCel, the New Horizon Plastics London Arena, saying the atmosphere was “really buzzy.”

The Maxi Cob class and reserve went to Alex George and his six-year-old Paulines Boy, who, he says, “has done very well for a young horse, very well behaved. He’s a good boy.”

The electric atmosphere at this centre is appreciated by riders, horses, and the public alike, and the showing classes over the next few days look set to end 2023 on a high note.

More information about The London International Horse Show can be found at www.londonhorseshow.com.

For more information, please contact: Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

Britain’s Dressage Golden Girls in Action at London International Horse Show

Lottie Fry at London International Horse Show (London International Horse Show/Peter Nixon)

Organisers of London International Horse Show have confirmed a stellar list of international Dressage entries to this year’s edition of the Show which runs from 13-18 December at ExCeL London.

The Show will host FEI World Cup™ action in three disciplines, including the CDI5* Dressage that takes place on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 December, with a new presenting sponsor – Bret Willson Dressage International Ltd, supported by long-time sponsor Horse & Hound. Britain’s golden girls of Dressage, Charlotte Fry and Charlotte Dujardin, head the high-quality list of entries for the 2023 FEI Dressage World Cup™ competition at London International Horse Show.

2022 double FEI Dressage World Champion, Fry, will be looking to reclaim the titles that she won at the Show last year, when she took home both the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Grand Prix and the Freestyle to Music. This year, Fry – a London International Horse Show ambassador – will bring her Olympic bronze medal-winning mount Everdale, with whom she won the CDIO5* Grand Prix Freestyle to Music at Compiègne earlier this year.

Looking ahead to the Show, Fry said: “The London International Horse Show is one of my favourite shows of the year. Being able to compete at this level in front of my home fans is very special, and there is always an amazing atmosphere. The 2022 Show was incredible for me, and I hope to be able to do the same again.”

Fry’s British teammate, Dujardin, will return to the Show where she achieved her World Record breaking performances with her Olympic gold medal winning partner, Valegro. Dujardin has had an impressive season following the birth of her daughter in March. Having made a successful international comeback at Royal Windsor Horse Show, Dujardin and Imhotep – the horse she will bring to London – have gone from strength to strength, including winning team gold, individual silver in the Grand Prix, and individual bronze in the Freestyle, with a score of over 90%, at the FEI European Championships in Riesenbeck in September.

Compatriot Lewis Carrier was another to have a strong performance at Royal Windsor, and will head to London with Diego V, a KWPN warmblood he has produced himself from a four-year-old. Also achieving a podium position at Royal Windsor was Emile Faurie, who will ride Bellevue in London. Adding to the British entries and looking to impress selectors ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be Becky Moody, riding Jagerbomb – the horse she rode to victory in the CDI3* Freestyle to Music at both Hickstead and Hartpury and at the LeMieux National Dressage Championships during the summer.

The home riders will be challenged by a strong international contingent. France’s Morgan Barbançon will partner Sir Donnerhall II, a horse who recently led her to victory in the Freestyle to Music at CDI-W Wierzbna Bialy Las, and with whom Barbançon has competed at multiple championships. Fellow French rider, Alexandre Ayache, will also make the trip to London with his FEI European Championship mount Jolene.

The sole representative from Germany comes from United Kingdom based Kathleen Kröncke, whilst Caroline Chew will represent Singapore aboard Blue Hors Zatchmo, and Abigail Lyle will ride Giraldo for Ireland.

For tickets to London International Horse Show, please visit www.londonhorseshow.com.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

Champion Jockeys to Jump at London International Horse Show

Sir Anthony ‘AP’ McCoy at London International Horse Show 2022 (London International Horse Show/Peter Nixon)

The ever-popular Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of The Injured Jockeys Fund class returns to London International Horse Show on the evening of Monday 18 December. The Show, which takes place from 13-18 December at its new home of ExCeL London, is a true equestrian Christmas extravaganza filled with top-level competition and entertainment.

This unique class sees two teams of five world-class jockeys each put their Show Jumping skills to the test in the prestigious International Arena – all in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

This year’s class comes with exciting additions: Great Britain’s Eventing Chef d’Equipe, Dickie Waygood, will be responsible for setting the height of the course, having watched the jockeys warm up, and a Markel Joker fence will be included as the last obstacle in the course, which, if cleared successfully, will subtract four seconds off the jockey’s time – making the competition even more exciting. In addition, Team Trainers Pippa Funnell and Nick Skelton CBE will be on hand prior to and throughout the competition, offering the jockeys guidance and Show Jumping tactics.

The 2023 teams, who have over 16,000 winners between them, will be captained by the legendary Sir Anthony ‘AP’ McCoy and Tom Scudamore. McCoy is a 20-time Champion Jump Jockey and has ridden 4,358 winners, making him the most successful jump jockey of all time. McCoy is also the President of the Injured Jockeys Fund, and a regular at London International Horse Show having led his team to victory in last year’s competition.

His rival captain, Tom Scudamore, is one of the UK’s most successful jump jockeys and is the third generation of the famous Scudamore Racing dynasty. Whilst he retired in February of this year, Scudamore rode an impressive 1,499 winners over jumps and 12 on the flat throughout his career.

Full teams will be decided in the run-up to the Show and released in due course; however, fans will be excited to learn that Harry Skelton, son of Olympic gold medallist show jumper, Nick Skelton CBE, will join the line-up. Harry will also be looking to retain his title from last year, and with a Show Jumping background, he will be one to watch.

Jim Crowley, who names London International Horse Show as his ‘favourite event of the year,’ will also be seen in action. Crowley used to be a jump jockey before he switched paths to become a flat jockey, becoming Champion Flat Jockey in 2016. The three-time and current Champion Jump Jockey, Brian Hughes, is another of the headline names set to fly around the International Arena at the Show.

Representing the women are Joanna Mason and Saffie Osborne. Mason rode as an amateur for many seasons before turning professional on the flat in 2020 and has an impressive tally of over 100 winners already. Meanwhile, Osborne is the daughter of famous jockey turned trainer, Jamie Osborne; having turned professional this year, she is undoubtedly one of the rising stars of the weighing room. Currently recovering from a knee injury, she hopes to make a return to the saddle for the class.

Rounding off this stellar line-up are James Doyle, Ryan Moore, and Harry Cobden. Doyle rides for the mighty Team Godolphin and has just announced a new retainer as a jockey to the Wathan Racing operation for 2024. Moore is a three-time Champion flat jockey, who has ridden over 3,000 winners and won at all the major Classics, including the recent Breeders’ Cup on the Derby winner, August Rodin. Finally, Cobden is one of the UK’s leading jump jockeys as stable jockey to Champion Trainer, Paul Nicholls. With over 750 winners to date, Cobden is undoubtedly a superstar jockey; however, he has stated he has ‘never jumped a course of Show Jumps in his life!’ and so will be looking for expert guidance from the Team Trainers.

Juliet Redfern, Head of Equine Insurance at Markel, added: “Markel is delighted to be sponsoring this fabulous event again and supporting a charity that looks after its own so well. As a specialist equine insurer, we are committed to supporting the wider equine industry through such charitable initiatives, and this is one of our favourite events!”

The Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund will be part of the Show’s thrilling final performance, which also includes the 5* London Grand Prix, featuring the finest international Show Jumping horse and rider combinations.

For more information, including how to purchase tickets to watch the jockeys at London International Horse Show, visit www.londonhorseshow.com.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

Oh No, It Doesn’t; Oh Yes, It Does – Pantomime Comes to London International Horse Show

Manuel Fernández Saro dressed as Olaf at London International Horse Show 2022 (London International Horse Show/Peter Nixon)

London International Horse Show, which takes place at ExCeL London from 13-18 December 2023, is excited to announce that following last year’s successful reintroduction of the fan favourite Fancy Dress Relay, the class will return on Sunday 17 December, this time with a Christmas Pantomime twist!

2022 Fancy Dress Relay competitors at London International Horse Show (London International Horse Show/Peter Nixon)

The evening class promises to be a highly entertaining festive celebration and is not to be missed. The competition will see nine pairs of riders from all disciplines of the equestrian community, including top international Show Jumpers such as John Whitaker and Harry Charles, compete against each other wearing ingenious fancy dress costumes, with prizes awarded to the fastest partnership and the most entertaining pair.

Last year saw characters such as Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story franchise and Olaf from the Frozen movies fly around the International Arena at London International Horse Show to the sheer delight of the packed-out crowds. This year, fans will be treated to an evening of merriment as family favourite pantomime duos, including Peter Pan & Captain Hook, Snow White & the Wicked Queen, and Robin Hood & Friar Tuck, race against each other to claim the top spot.

The whole evening will be rounded off in the Champagne Taittinger Bar and Brasserie with a ticketed After Party, where you can join in the fun and dance the night away with your favourite riders and celebrities to a sensational live band from 22:30 until 00:30. Additionally, anyone attending the evening’s performance wearing Fancy Dress will receive free entry to the fabulous After Party.

Looking ahead to party night, Show Organiser Simon Brooks Ward said: “The Fancy Dress Relay is always such a high-energy class, which has been a highlight of the Show for spectators and riders alike over the years. We are thrilled to have reintroduced the class last year, and following its huge success, the class will be back with some of the sport’s most successful stars, in even better costumes.”

Tickets to watch the Fancy Dress Relay and the After Party can be found here.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

British Dressage Riders Line Up to Compete at London International Horse Show

Gareth Hughes riding Classic Briolinca at London International Horse Show 2022 (London International Horse Show/Peter Nixon)

The FEI Dressage World Cup™ competition at London International Horse Show is one of the key events at the Show and has, in the past, seen some of the most important record-breaking achievements in the sport. This year, Bret Willson Dressage International Ltd is the new presenting sponsor and the class continues to be supported by Horse & Hound. The competition is set to feature some of the world’s best Dressage combinations including several of Britain’s most accomplished riders.

Taking place on the first two days of the Show, the Grand Prix provides a fitting opening on Wednesday 13 December, and the Freestyle to Music is always an exciting end to the competition on the evening of Thursday 14 December.

Last year, Great Britain’s double world championship-winning combination, Lottie Fry and the 12-year-old black stallion Glamourdale, wowed both the audiences and judges with their spell-binding performances, featuring their immaculate piaffe, passage, and signature extended canter to take home both the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Grand Prix and the Freestyle to Music.

The London International Horse Show provides one of the final chances for British riders to impress selectors on home soil before Paris 2024 Olympic selection. Whilst entries are yet to be confirmed for this year, spectators can expect to see breathtaking and inspirational performances from elite dressage riders, including members of the British gold medal-winning team from this summer’s FEI European Championships.

British Olympic Dressage rider and Dressage consultant to the Show, Richard Davison, stated, “British Dressage is in fantastic shape at the moment with many new combinations starting to compete at top level. This class in London is the pinnacle of the sport in the UK where we have seen many records, and hearts, broken. I know that my fellow British riders, Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, and Lottie Fry, are really looking forward to getting back in the International Arena again to show what they and their horses are made of. All British riders fight for a place at the Show and this year Becky Moody and Lewis Carrier stand as good a chance as any to make the cut.”

Dressage aficionados can also watch Richard in action when he presents the LeMieux Dressage Masterclass on the afternoon of Thursday 14 December in the Show’s new arena – the New Horizon Plastics London Arena. Richard will appear alongside his compatriot, Gareth Hughes, and Gareth’s daughter Ruby, who has had a very successful year in Young Rider classes, plus the audience can watch medal winning eventer, Yasmin Ingham, being put through her dressage paces.

For tickets to the FEI Dressage World Cup™ presented by Bret Willson Dressage International Ltd and supported by Horse & Hound, please click here.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

Davison and Hughes to Host London Int’l Horse Show’s ‘Dressage Unwrapped’ Masterclass

Photo Credit: London International Horse Show

Organisers of The London International Horse Show 2023 have announced an exciting addition to the LeMieux Masterclass Series: ‘Dressage Unwrapped,’ featuring World Eventing Champion, Yasmin Ingham, who was part of the British team to win a European gold medal earlier this month.

The Masterclass will take place in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena – a new arena being introduced at the 2023 Show – on Thursday 14 December, and aims to provide both amateurs and experienced riders with Dressage tips and tricks that riders can put into practice at home. The hour-long session will be co-presented by Dressage World Championship silver medallists Gareth Hughes and Richard Davison, who will work with both Ingham and the up-and-coming Dressage young rider, Ruby Hughes, daughter of Gareth.

British Olympic Dressage rider Davison is no stranger to the London International, having competed at the Show for over 20 years, a tenure during which he has represented Great Britain at multiple Championships, most recently at the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning, where alongside his co-host Hughes, he won a team silver medal. Hughes is also part of the British Dressage team heading to the 2023 FEI European Championships in Reisenbeck in September. The pair will be perfectly placed to provide the audience with guidance and insights on expert training routines.

World individual and European team Eventing Champion Yasmin Ingham will be demonstrating the advised practices and is sure to provide a spectacle for the Show’s audience.

Ingham will be joined in the arena by 16-year-old Ruby Hughes, who has had a successful year in international Young Rider classes, including recent team and individual victories at Hickstead. The former Vaulting competitor has made huge strides on the Dressage circuit in only her second year competing in Dressage internationally. Together, the quartet of Davison, Hughes, Ingham, and Hughes will bring unique qualities and experiences to the Masterclass to provide an insight into how they train and prepare for competition at the highest level.

Davison said, “Having been involved with the Dressage Unwrapped Masterclasses at the London International Horse Show last year, I’m even more excited to be presenting this latest edition, as I know how beneficial it can be for the audience. The addition of Gareth, Yas, and Ruby will make this Masterclass completely unique and will, I hope, provide a really exciting and informative session.”

Simon Brooks-Ward, Show Director, said, “The LeMieux Masterclass Series provides fantastic opportunities for world-class riders to share their knowledge with an eager-to-learn audience, and I have no-doubt that Richard and Gareth will deliver on every dimension regarding this. It is a great privilege to welcome Yasmin, who has achieved so much over the last 12 months, and Ruby, a star of the future, to make this Masterclass truly unmissable.”

More information about The London International Horse Show, including how to buy tickets, can be found here.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

Olympic Medallist and YouTube Star to Headline London Int’l Masterclass Hosted by Richard Waygood

Photo: London International Horse Show

The organisers of The London International Horse Show have announced the next instalment of the LeMieux Masterclass Series.

Taking place on Sunday 17 December in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena, world-renowned coach Richard Waygood MBE will present Grassroots to Glory, starring Olympic medallist Laura Collett MBE and YouTube personality and equestrian Megan Elphick. The masterclass will be a 360-degree review of achieving competition success, aimed at both amateurs and experienced riders alike.

The 45-minute session will feature a demonstration of top-level techniques broken down into stepping-stone exercises for the audience to take home and put into action. Waygood will guide the audience through an exploration of producing a successful competition partnership all the way from establishing the essentials and improving technique, to making those all-important steps up the levels – illuminated by a few of his own tips and tricks learnt across his long and successful career.

Currently the British Equestrian Federation’s Technical Director and Eventing Performance Manager, Waygood has a string of achievements, including riding at Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials, his long tenure as Riding Master of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, and an MBE for services to equestrianism. Waygood will be joined by Laura Collett and Megan Elphick, who will be putting into action his words of wisdom.

Olympic medallist and multiple Champion Laura Collett is no stranger to the London International. Having previously starred in the Show’s Dressage Unwrapped Masterclass in 2022, Laura returns to the venue on a high following her brilliant win at the 5* Luhmühlen Horse Trials aboard London 52. The chance to learn from Laura – one of the brightest stars of international eventing – is sure to be a real treat for the Show’s audience.

YouTuber Megan Elphick joins the Masterclass following a popular appearance in last year’s Winter Survival Guide Masterclass with Pippa Funnell. Megan, who inspires a huge number of followers by sharing her grassroots journey in her vlogs, will be helping Richard and Laura demonstrate the essentials of good foundations to a horse’s education.

Waygood said, “I’m really pleased to be bringing this LeMieux Masterclass to the London International Horse Show this year. It has been brilliant to be so closely involved with the Show’s Masterclasses in previous years, and with the introduction of the New Horizon Plastics London Arena, it’s fantastic to be able to put these demos at the heart of the Show. Laura and Megan are great fun – and it’s looking to be a great line-up!”

Simon Brooks-Ward, Show Director, said, “We are delighted to be welcoming back Richard, Laura, and Megan to the London International. It’s a real pleasure to be able to put top-level riders in front of our keen audience to share their knowledge. We know there is a strong appetite to learn and the LeMieux Masterclass series will deliver in spades.”

More information about The London International Horse Show, including how to buy tickets, can be found here.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

London International Horse Show Announces King’s Troop Foundation as Official Charity for 2023

Photo: London International Horse Show/Rose Lewis

London International Horse Show announced The King’s Troop Foundation as its official charity for the 2023 edition of the event, which will be held from 13-18 December.

The Foundation was selected to coincide with the return of the renowned King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery Musical Drive to the Show’s arena after 15 years. Formed in 2020, the Foundation promotes the efficiency, morale and well-being of His Majesty’s Mounted Ceremonial Battery and their horses. All members of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery are trained operational soldiers who play a vital role in the defence of the United Kingdom. The Foundation holds the best interests of the soldiers at its heart, as it ensures that opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable are provided to them, to boost motivation and engagement in their careers.

The Foundation is funded entirely by voluntary donations, supported by Gift Aid and grants. The partnership with London International Horse Show will provide significant financial and material benefits, including building awareness for the Foundation to the Show’s audience and promotion of the Foundation in the Show’s printed material and through the Show’s social media channels.  Visitors are asked to donate to the Show’s charity at the point of purchasing tickets and a portion of all ticket sales for the Thursday afternoon performance is donated to the Charity.

The Musical Drive of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will be part of the dazzling schedule of equestrian action across the six-day Show. The display will spectacularly demonstrate and highlight the multitude of talent and skill that these soldiers have, but particularly their unique ability to control teams of six horses pulling wheeled guns at high speed. The act will culminate in the firing of the Troop’s 13-pound field guns – a moment sure to create excitement for the audience.

The Commanding Officer, Major John Baileff, expressed his delight at the selection of The King’s Troop Foundation: “All at The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery are looking forward to being a part of the London International Horse Show. It is one of the highlights of the horse show calendar and we are thrilled and privileged to be part of the show this year.  Having the London International Horse Show select the King’s Troop Foundation to be the Show’s official charity this year is a huge honour for The Troop, with it being such a key part of The Troop’s life. The Foundation is an independent charity that promotes the efficiency, morale, and well-being of the serving Troop and our Military Working Horses, funded entirely by voluntary donations, supported by Gift Aid, and grants. We can’t wait to see everyone in the arena soon.”

London International Horse Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “The London International Horse Show is delighted to name The King’s Troop Foundation as our official charity for the 2023 Show. The Foundation supports the operational soldiers who are part of the Troop and honours their dedication. We are proud to be able to contribute and are looking forward to seeing The Musical Drive of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in action at the Show.”

The highly anticipated 2023 edition of the London International Horse Show will bring world-class equestrian action, with its traditional Christmas feel, to the capital’s ExCeL venue. As the only Show in the United Kingdom to host FEI World Cup competitions in Dressage, Jumping, and Driving, it is the pinnacle of the equestrian calendar, attracting many of the world’s best horse and rider combinations from around the globe.

More information about The London International Horse Show, including how to buy tickets and donate to The King’s Troop Foundation can be found here.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

Markel Jockeys Jumping Set for Spectacular Return to London International Horse Show

The Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of The Injured Jockeys Fund will be returning to The London International Horse Show for the first time since 2019, featuring some of the most prolific jockeys of Great Britain and Ireland. Back by popular demand, this competition sees jockeys attempt a show jumping course at the famous London Horse Show – often with hilarious results. The 2022 competition will be a girls versus boys format and takes place on the evening of Monday 19 December.

Heading the boys’ team will be 20-time champion National Hunt jockey Sir Anthony ‘AP’ McCoy, who will be seeking to reverse the 2019 result, in which the girls were victorious. From the world of Flat Racing will be Jim Crowley, who started his professional career over fences riding for the stable of show jumping legend Harvey Smith. Since his switch to the flat, Crowley has been crowned champion jockey and won many of the world’s most prestigious races, most recently the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes last week aboard Baaeed, currently the highest rated horse in the world.

They will be joined by 2021 champion National Hunt jockey Harry Skelton, son of Olympic double gold medallist Nick Skelton CBE. Skelton will be looking to reclaim the title he won in dramatic circumstances following a bridle malfunction in 2018. Skelton’s wife, Bridget Andrews, will be a pivotal part of the girls’ team, following a successful performance in the 2019 edition. Andrews, a Cheltenham Festival winner, will be seeking to make it a double over her husband, this time at the iconic ExCeL London.

Another husband-and-wife combination likely to go head-to-head at The London International Horse Show will be flat jockeys Tom Marquand and Hollie Doyle. Doyle will head to The London International Horse Show on the back of another record-breaking season, during which she claimed her first Classic win in the French Oaks, becoming the first British female jockey to win a Classic. Doyle holds the record for victories in a single season by a female rider in the UK and will be looking to add to her list of accomplishments in London. Marquand, also a Classic winner having won the St Leger Stakes in 2020, will add to the stellar list of jockeys taking part in the class, described by Clare Balding in 2019 as “the most extraordinary sporting event I’ve ever seen,” with more top-class participants to be announced in due course.

Looking ahead to the 2022 event, McCoy, President of the Injured Jockeys Fund, said: “At one of our previous appearances in the Markel Jockeys Jumping at The London International Horse Show, Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton resorted to using a cable tie to fix the bridle on Harry’s horse, so let’s hope we are a bit more professional this time around!” He continued, “At our last appearance in 2019, we were beaten by the girls, so we’ll be putting that right this year. In all seriousness though, it’s for a great cause in the Injured Jockeys Fund – and we all love taking part.”

Juliet Redfern, Head of Equine Insurance at Markel, added: “Markel is delighted to be sponsoring this fabulous event, as a specialist equine insurer we are committed to supporting the wider equine industry through various charitable initiatives. We have supported this particular event for six years; it’s great fun, but more importantly provides crucial funds to the Injured Jockeys Fund, a wonderful charity that looks after its own so well.”

Taking place from 15 to 19 December at ExCeL London, The London International Horse Show hosts three FEI World Cup™ competitions in Dressage, Carriage Driving, and Show Jumping, attracting the world’s best equestrian athletes. Spectators can also look forward to entertainment from The Shetland Pony Grand National, Kennel Club Dog Agility, and two international displays, to be announced.

The Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund will be part of the Show’s thrilling final session, which also includes the five-star London Grand Prix, featuring the finest international show jumping horse and rider combinations.

More information about The London International Horse Show, including how to buy tickets, can be found here.

The London International Horse Show
www.londonhorseshow.com
Niki McEwen / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

Double Delight for Harry Charles at London International Horse Show

It was an action-packed final day of The London International Horse Show. The prestigious London Grand Prix provided a fitting conclusion to the five-day event, with Harry Charles taking the spoils. His victory sealed his status as the Leading Rider of the Show. The world’s best riders were also in action in The Mistletoe Speed Stakes, which was won by Edouard Schmitz.

Great Britain’s top young riders battled it out in The Voltaire Design Under 25 British Championship, with reigning champion Jodie Hall McAteer reclaiming her title. The junior riders also came to the fore in The GS Equestrian Pony Club Mini-Major, won by Cliodhna McEvoy paired with Laura Renwick.

The BSPS Ridden Mountain & Moorland Championship sponsored by LeMieux was won by Welsh Section C, Lynuck the Showman, ridden by Rebecca Penny and owned and bred by Lynn Scott. It was a well-deserved victory for one of the most consistent combinations on the circuit, who have been in the top 10 at the London International Horse Show for the past four years.

HARRY CHARLES DOES THE DOUBLE

The London Grand Prix provided a spectacular finale to the 2021 Show. A challenging course designed by Guillherme Jorge left no room for error, demanding precision and power to achieve the all-important clear round required to progress to the jump-off.

Nine combinations made it through to contest the second round against the clock. In-form Harry Charles made a very good start aboard the 15-year-old Borsato to put the pressure on, with a clear in the time of 33.53, going one step closer to emulating his father’s 1993 victory in this class. France’s Edward Levy followed and put in a valiant effort, although not quite matching Charles’ pace.

FEI Jumping World Cup runner-up Harrie Smolders was the next to jump a clear, although again not able to match the level set by Charles. Even Olympic champion Ben Maher had to settle for second place, despite pulling out all the stops in a round which will have had Charles worried. In victory, Charles becomes the first rider to do the London leg of the FEI Jumping World Cup and the London Grand Prix double since Robert Smith in 2005.

An elated Charles said: “Weekends don’t get better than this. I’ll probably never have another weekend like it in my life! Thank you everyone for putting on such an amazing show; it’s my first time here and I can’t wait to come back. To be honest, I didn’t think I’d done enough. The guys behind me are all so quick. I just did all could and I’m absolutely ecstatic.”

Charles went on to praise the jubilant home supporters: “The crowd make this show what it is, so I would like to thank everyone for supporting all of us this week.”

The Voltaire Design Under 25 Championship featured the top 10 riders from the morning’s qualifier, which was won by defending champion, Jodie Hall McAteer, riding Mademoiselle A.

The first of five to go through to the second round was Robert Murphy, carrying four faults from the first round; however, with only two first round clears, all was still to play for. Murphy put in a solid performance to stay on four faults, posting a time to beat of 28.74 seconds, good enough for eventual third. Joe Stockdale produced the first double clear to move into pole position, but with a relatively conservative time, the door was left open to Hall McAteer as the final rider to go. With a gallop down to the last, Hall McAteer made up time on her rival to take her second win of the day and reclaim the title she also won at the 2019 Show.

The 21-year-old said: “I’ve been very fortunate to have had the year I’ve had; I’ve got an amazing team of horses and people around me so it’s really special to come here and end the year in this way. There’s nothing better than coming here with the amazing crowd and atmosphere; this is what we work every day for, so I’m very happy to be here and in this position.”

The GS Equestrian Pony Club Mini-Major, a pairs relay whereby the world’s best international Show Jumpers team up with young Pony Club riders, had the crowd on the edge of their seats. The format saw the international riders jump an untimed first phase before handing over to their junior counterparts for a second section against the clock.

First to go, France’s Daniel Delsart, paired with Martha Cussins, set a good standard, jumping double clear with a second phase time of 22.33 seconds. Laura Renwick, a previous winner of this class, this year paired with Cliodhna McEvoy, completed her role successfully, jumping clear in the first phase. McEvoy took over the baton, setting off like a rocket and making impossibly tight turns to make up almost two seconds and set a new target of 20.58 seconds.

Cate Kerr, from the Newmarket and Thurlow Pony Club, already a winner at The London International Horse Show this week, was paired with William Funnell, as the last to go, but despite a great round by both partners, Kerr’s time of 22.40 seconds was only good enough for third place.

After the class, Renwick said: I was gob smacked with their performance. I did my round, which was very pressurized as I couldn’t have a pole down, and obviously I didn’t want to let Cliodhna down. Then I stopped and did a nice circle before she started, and then when she started, I think my jaw dropped; it was incredible. The atmosphere, the angles, the speed, the accuracy – I was really surprised and impressed.”

The Mistletoe Speed Stakes was an adrenaline-filled test of speed, with three seconds added for every fence knocked down. Renwick was looking to make it a double for the afternoon and came out first to go meaning business; however, a fence down added three seconds to her otherwise fast round to put her out of contention.

Shane Breen put in a brilliant performance to set the early pace aboard Cuick Star Kervec and he held the lead for the majority of the class. With just four to go, home favourite John Whitaker – in his 49th year competing at The London International Horse Show – showed why he was still at the top of the sport, with a majestic performance aboard Green Grass, the horse he rode to victory earlier in the week, to take over at the top of the leaderboard much to the crowd’s delight. However, it was Switzerland’s Edouard Schmitz, as the penultimate rider to go riding Balenciana K, who clinched the victory from Whitaker, who at the age of 66 is 44 years Schmitz’s senior.

“I have really enjoyed the Show,” said Schmitz, “especially now having a result like this. The crowd has been amazing, the classes have been super; it’s been top sport; you can only be happy. I saw John’s round and I thought it would be very hard to beat, but I think I was very fast from fence two to three and my horse in generally a bit faster than John’s; however, I do feel a bit guilty about beating him in London!”

More information about The London International Horse Show can be found here.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com