Tag Archives: Olympia

Competitions, Dressage, FEI

Carl Hester Does the Double as Valegro Retires in Style

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The Olympia Grand Hall saw a sell-out crowd, as many of the world’s greatest Dressage riders took to the arena. The FEI World Cup™ Dressage Freestyle to Music wowed the packed crowd, with Carl Hester dominating for the second night running.

The talking point of the Show was the retirement of one of Dressage’s greatest horses, Valegro, with spectators treated to a special performance ahead of an emotional retirement ceremony.

The second day at Olympia, The London International Horse Show could not have ended any more perfectly than with British Dressage’s own Superman, Carl Hester, winning the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle supported by Horse & Hound.

The win with Nip Tuck, Hester’s second consecutive Olympia FEI World Cup™ qualifying win with his 18 hand high 2016 Olympic team silver partner, came during an emotionally charged evening performance that saw the retirement of Nip Tuck’s stable and Olympic team mate Valegro. The double Olympic gold medallist is part-owned by Hester and ridden by his pupil and former protégé Charlotte Dujardin.

Hester and Nip Tuck’s freestyle (84.669) delighted the capacity crowd many of who have come back to Olympia every year since the prestigious FEI World Cup™ qualifier was initiated here in 2003.

“That was the biggest atmosphere at Olympia that I have ever experienced,” said Hester, who is now aiming for the FEI World Cup™ Final in Omaha in April.  “Even yesterday in the Grand Prix it was super-charged and not just because of the numbers. Barney was a little on edge but I was really pleased that even out there, with so many people, he kept with me.”

Hester was also a major part of the evening’s retirement ceremony for Valegro.

“It has been such a joyous occasion,” said Hester. “I know everyone thought it would be sad, but how could anyone be sad to see Valegro go out so fit and well and happy – it’s been a happy-sad day.”

Hester and Nip Tuck not only successfully defended their Olympia title, but comfortably held off the potential challenge from Dutch Olympic riders Hans Peter Minderhoud with Glock’s Flirt (81.880) and Edward Gal with Glock’s Voice (80.467). The two Dutch riders, as last night in the Grand Prix, took second and third place. Hans Peter Minderhoud, the current holder of the FEI World Cup™ title took the runner up position with Glock’s Flirt with who he won the title last year – his first FEI World Cup™ accolade.

“I expected a great class with a big atmosphere so I knew we would have to produce our very best and then I heard Carl’s score,” said Minderhoud.

“I just had to keep to the plan and do the best we could and not over-ride him. He was really with me and really trying so I am super happy, but perhaps it’s time to make my freestyle more difficult.”

Fellow Dutchman Edward Gal and the stallion Glock’s Flirt were third, while Irish rider Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K (78.269) performed a powerful and expressive routine to a seasonal foot-tapping compilation to be fourth. British rider Hayley Watson-Greaves achieved a personal best with Rubins Nite for fifth place.

While Hester has yet to win a FEI World Cup™ Final, he has trained both Valegro and his rider Charlotte who have won the FEI World Cup™ series on two occasions (2014 & ’15). The pair is the current holders of the record FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix (87.129% in Lyon, 2014) and Grand Prix Freestyle score (94.16 in Las Vegas, 2016).

The 14-year-old equine superhero is part-owned by Hester, who has trained him and his rider Charlotte Dujardin through the fairy-tale style story that runs from four-year-old young horse champion to achieving double Olympic glory this year at Rio.

The 2017 FEI World Cup™ Final (March 29 – April 2) takes place in Omaha, Nebraska.

Three-time Olympic Champions Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro entered the Olympia Grand Hall for a final time, performing their London 2012 Gold medal winning freestyle test to a sell-out crowd in a touching retirement ceremony. In 2014 the pair set the Freestyle Dressage world record at Olympia, and currently holds the highest Olympic score in the Freestyle. Beyond their phenomenal medal haul, the pair has achieved a great amount for the sport itself, as acknowledged by British Dressage in a special award ceremony during last night’s performance.

Valegro and Charlotte were joined in the arena by mentor and part-owner, Carl Hester, as well as groom Alan Davies, in what was an emotional last dance. The packed-out stands gave the duo a well-deserved standing ovation as they paraded out of the arena.

Speaking after the ceremony, Charlotte Dujardin said, “There have been so many happy memories; he’s won every gold medal there is, including three Olympic golds and two FEI World Cup™ titles. He’s a once in a lifetime horse and I’ll miss competing with him enormously.”

The solitary foot-perfect performance secured the Services Jumping Championship win at Olympia, The London International Horse Show for the Household Cavalry’s Major Chambers, an accolade he has chased for six years with the 12-year-old gelding Hightide.

“It’s the ultimate [equestrian] title to win when for the military,” said Major Chambers, a Riding Master for the Lifeguards. “We have been second two times previously, and I had actually qualified two horses at the Royal Tournament for this final. I decided to bring Hightide as I trust him in the atmosphere here. The other horse, Freeway, has never been here before, so it made sense.”

Major Chambers bought Hightide at Gorsebridge sales eight years ago for the Defence Animal Riding Centre as a school horse. However, the two quickly developed a strong bond. “I decided to try him out one day and fell in love,” said Major Chambers, who was also part of the winning Services Team Jumping squad with Hightide at this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Telford, Revolution Sports + Entertainment
gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk
0203 176 0355
www.olympiahorseshow.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, FEI

Hester Wins and Valegro Bows Out on a Night to Remember at Olympia

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Carl Hester with Nip Tuck. (Jon Stroud Media/FEI)

Olympia, London (GBR), 14 December 2016 – On an electrifying night at the London International Horse Show, Carl Hester won the fifth leg of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2016/2017 Western European League with Nip Tuck. This was a back-to-back double on home ground for the 49-year-old British star and his 12-year-old gelding, but the man who has been largely responsible for placing British dressage firmly on centre stage in recent years had to battle for the limelight, as his victory was quickly followed by an emotional farewell performance by his stable-star, Valegro.

The Grand Hall at Olympia was packed to capacity as reigning FEI World Cup™ champions, Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Flirt, filled runner-up spot ahead of Dutch compatriot and 2010 champion Edward Gal in third with Glock’s Voice. A fourth-place finish for Judy Reynolds has promoted the 35-year-old Irish phenomenon to the top of the Western European League going into the next leg of the series in Amsterdam (NED) in February.

Reynolds and Vancouver K led the way after the judging break with a score of 78.269, but Hester moved the target on to 84.669 with another of his text-book rides. “This was the biggest atmosphere I’ve ever experienced at Olympia. Barney (Nip Tuck) was a little on edge, but I’m really pleased that in that atmosphere he kept with me!” he said after posting what would prove to be the winning score.

Hester, whose own career is filled with major highlights, is the man who created the fairytale partnership between Charlotte Dujardin and the amazing gelding Valegro, who together have become icons in the sport over the last five years. Breaking world records was all in a day’s work for this sensational duo, but just a few short months after adding to their haul of Olympic gold in Rio, the 14-year-old horse was officially retired from the sport after presenting one last stunning performance of their winning London 2012 Olympic Games Freestyle test.

Hester, who trained and mentored the pair, said, “It has been a such a joyous occasion – I know everyone wanted it to be sad but how could anyone be sad to see Valegro go out so fit and well and happy – it’s been a happy sad day!”

Dujardin described Valegro as “just the perfect horse, with the biggest heart in the world; he always gave me his very best!” while fellow-Olympian, Richard Davison, put it all in perspective when he said that it was “the alchemy” between Hester, Dujardin and this very special horse that has been key to this extraordinary success story.

Detailed result here

Quotes:

Carl Hester GBR (1st): “My plan is to get to Omaha (for the FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2017 Final). I started at Lyon and will next head to Amsterdam and keep room in the diary for another one if needs be. I last competed in a World Cup Final in 2005 with Escapado.”

Hans Peter Minderhoud NED (2nd): “I expected a great class with a big atmosphere so I knew we would have to produce our best, and then I heard Carl’s score so decided to keep to the plan and just try to do everything the best we can and not over-ride him. I am super happy, but perhaps it’s time to make my Freestyle more difficult.”

Edward Gal NED (3rd): “My horse was a little unsettled at the beginning as being last to go he got left on his own in the warm up arena – which, because he is a stallion, distracted him. But otherwise he felt good and he made not many mistakes – it was a good start for our World Cup season. I love to come to London the atmosphere in the Hall is very special, and especially at Christmas time!”

Full standings here

Don’t miss a hoofbeat! Watch it all LIVE on www.feitv.org.

Social media: #FEIWorldCupWEL #RidetoOmaha #FEIWorldCupFinals #TwoHearts

Rider biographies: view online and download from www.fei.org/bios.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Olympia:

Jo Peck
Press Officer
JoPeck@hpower.co.uk
+44 1753 847 900

At FEI:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Dressage Stars Take Centre Stage on Opening Night of Olympia

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The World’s best Dressage riders were out in force on the opening night of Olympia, The London International Horse Show, where Carl Hester was crowned winner of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix supported by Horse & Hound aboard his Rio Team silver medal winning horse Nip Tuck.

In addition to the top-class competition, Britain’s favourite horse, Valegro, graced the arena along with Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester, ahead of his retirement, and Emile Faurie also gave a foot perfect masterclass.

Spanish horse whisperer, Santi Serra, opened the show with his unique display featuring dogs and horses, paving the way for a spectacular performance from the Pride of Portugal Lusitano horses and riders.

Olympia, The London International Horse Show kicked off in great style with the first night’s full house witnessing British Olympic rider Carl Hester win the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix (supported by Horse & Hound).

The British favourite produced a controlled and confident test from the giant Nip Tuck who, despite being 12 years old, is still a notoriously spooky horse. The pair produced particularly impressive piaffe and passage and claimed a unanimous win from the five judges.

“I am very happy with him tonight,” said the Gloucestershire rider. “This time last year it took another 24 hours to get to this point.”

“We can improve on the score and yes I need to be more attacking in the ride to gain the higher marks but tonight was a stepping stone to that and, considering how spooky he can be, he is becoming a very reliable horse.”

Dutch Olympic team riders Hans Peter Minderhoud and Edward Gal, regular visitors to the London Show, were second and third.

Hans Peter and Glock’s Flirt, the reigning World Cup champions stand second. It was just the second show for the pair since their World Cup win in Gothenburg in April.

“I am very satisfied with Flirt, especially as he had all summer off and only came back at Maastricht where he was second. Already he feels improved and hopefully he will be better again tomorrow,” said Hans Peter who has been coming to the London show for the last ten years.

“We always try to do this show and now feel very much at home here in London,” said Hans Peter. “It has a great atmosphere and is good way to end the year.”

It was also only the second outing for the stallion Glock’s Voice since he competed with Edward Gal at the Olympic Games in Rio.

He said; “Yes, he was a little overwhelmed by the atmosphere and a little bit too much of a stallion in the warm-up – which is quite small and was busy with other horses – so he was a bit difficult and falling into the corners and a little against my hand at times, but we can most certainly can do better and tomorrow we start again.”

The FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle starts Wednesday night at 7.30pm after which the audience will have their tissues at the ready for the retirement ceremony of the British team Olympic gold medallist horse Valegro.

Valegro made his first UK public appearance since winning his third Olympic gold medal in Rio, much to the delight of the packed crowd. Fans were treated to a Q&A session with Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin, questions for which were submitted in advance by members of the audience. Charlotte and Valegro also demonstrated a couple of the moves that gave them such phenomenal success in the competition arena.

The session also included an awards ceremony, with the following awards presented:

  • Lifetime Achievement Award to Valegro’s groom Alan Davies, presented by Chris Hewlett (Chairman of the British Grooms Association)
  • BHS Fellowship Award to Carl Hester, presented by Lynn Petersen, Tessa Martin-Bird and Julia David from The British Horse Society
  • British Dressage Award to Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin, presented by Jennie Loriston-Clarke

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Telford, Revolution Sports + Entertainment
gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk
0203 176 0355
www.olympiahorseshow.com

Competitions, Dressage, Racing, Show Jumping

Top Events This Winter Beginning with the London International Horse Show at Olympia

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The anticipation for this year’s winter horse show competition and horse racing is tremendous with some of the top riders in Show Jumping and Dressage scheduled to compete this month. December begins with the annual international horse show at Olympia. The 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. Horse racing and betting enthusiasts can check scheduling and horse racing odds at 888sport Horse racing betting.

The most competitive Show Jumping competition since the Olympics will be taking place in Olympia this week with gold medallists from England, France and Germany competing in what will be one of the most talented and exciting international shows in recent memory. The Frankfort Festhalle will also be taking place this month from December 15-18. Of the top 30 riders, 17 will be competing in Mechelen from December 26-30.

Dressage, Driving, Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

World’s Best Riders Set to Compete at Olympia, The London International Horse Show

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Olympia, The London International Horse Show, will host 10 Olympic gold medallists who will be providing top class sporting action across the seven days of competition.

From the world of Show Jumping, five of the top 10 riders from across the globe, including former World No.1s, Germany’s Daniel Deusser and Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, will be under one roof to compete at the UK’s premier indoor horse show. Carl Hester, gold medallist from London 2012 and silver medallist in Rio 2016, will be heading up Team GB’s dressage entries. The sporting excitement does not end there, with the three-time World Champion, Boyd Exell, returning to wow the crowds with his Carriage Driving skills.

SHOWJUMPING

Olympia’s Show Jumping competition will have a dazzling array of first-class riders set to take centre stage during a week of unmissable competition.

Britain’s most renowned riders are, once again, congregating in London for five days of competition including the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Leg presented by H&M and the Olympia Grand Prix. London 2012 team gold medallists Scott Brash and Ben Maher will be joined by rising Team GB star Jessica Mendoza, as well as William Funnell, Laura Renwick and Olympia newcomer Anna Power. Reigning Olympia Grand Prix Champion, Michael Whitaker, returns alongside his brother John Whitaker. Competing for the younger generation of the Whitaker family, Jack Whitaker lines up for the Dodson & Horrell and the World Class Programme Under 23 Championship.

The Brits will be rivalled by a strong international contingent including the current Olympic team gold medallists from France, Kevin Staut and Penelope Leprevost who are currently ranked World Nos. 8 and 9, respectively, alongside team mate Philippe Rozier. The German challengers will mount a strong opposition with World No. 3 Daniel Deusser, hoping to add another World Cup™ victory to his 2016 tally, appearing alongside his compatriots, Marcus Ehning and Marco Kutscher.

Peder Fredricson, individual silver medallist in Rio, and Steve Guerdat, individual gold medallist in London, will also feature amongst the leading riders. 2008 Beijing team gold medallist Laura Kraut, will be joined by Edwina Tops-Alexander and team silver medallist Malin Baryard-Johnsson to add further strength to the depth of the field.

DRESSAGE

On the evenings of the 13 and 14 December, the FEI World Cup™ Dressage supported by Horse & Hound comes the Olympia Exhibition Hall with eight Rio Olympians taking part.

Setting the standard will be Great Britain’s Carl Hester, aboard his Olympic medal winning partner Nip Tuck, who will be hoping to repeat his 2015 winning performance in the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Freestyle to Music supported by Horse & Hound. Competing against him will be fellow London 2012 Olympic team gold medallist, Laura Tomlinson, who will be attending Olympia as a final competition before she goes on maternity leave, and leading Dutch riders, reigning World Cup™ Champion, Hans Peter Minderhoud and Edward Gal.

Representing Ireland will be Judy Reynolds, who currently holds the highest Grand Prix score by any Irish rider in international competition. Olympia will be seeing a new face as Japan’s Akane Kuroki will be attending for the first time, after making her international debut at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

CARRIAGE DRIVING

Olympia is set to provide an exhilarating display of skill, as the World’s best carriage drivers storm the arena.

Current World Champion Boyd Exell will be returning to the Olympia Grand Hall, armed with a team of horses to battle for the number one spot. Great Britain’s Dan Naprous will be contending against Boyd, pulling out all the stops in an endeavour to achieve first place position.

For more information, please contact:
Olympia, The London International Horse Show:
Gayle Telford, gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk 0203 176 0355

Competitions, Dressage, Publications/Media

Valegro Retirement amongst the Live Broadcast Highlights of Olympia Horse Show

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On 13-19 December, Olympia, The London International Horse Show, is back in its iconic venue and set to grip spectators from day one.

For those who are not able to attend the Show, coverage from the event will be available via the BBC, FEI TV and through streaming and video on demand, thereby ensuring you don’t have to miss a moment.

This year’s event is particularly special, with double Olympic Gold medallist, dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin appearing with her outstanding horse, Valegro, before he retires from competition. Furthermore, double Olympic gold medal winning Show Jumping duo, Nick Skelton and Big Star, will be competing; allowing home fans to have a rare first-hand display of their magical partnership.

The competition will be of the highest international standard, with three FEI World Cup™ competitions in Driving, Dressage and Show Jumping as well as other outstanding international jumping classes including The Cayenne Puissance and The Olympia Grand Prix.

Each performance includes international displays from the Portuguese Lusitanos and Santi Serra who will demonstrate their breath-taking horsemanship as well as old favourites, the Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand National and the Kennel Club Dog Agility.

To view the show online and on TV this year, below is our day by day listing of coverage*:

Tuesday 13 December:

The FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix
19:30-22:35 – LIVE on FEI TV

Wednesday 14 December:

The FEI World Cup™ Dressage Freestyle to Music and The Retirement of Olympic Gold Medal Winner, Valegro
19:30-22:35 – LIVE on BBC RED BUTTON, BBC ONLINE & connected TV and FEI TV

Thursday 15 December:

The Santa Stakes
12:00-12:30 – LIVE STREAM

The Christmas Pudding Stakes
18:45-19:50 – LIVE STREAM

The Cayenne Puissance
21:00-22:15 – LIVE on the BBC RED BUTTON, BBC ONLINE & connected TV

Friday 16 December:

The FEI World Cup™ Driving Leg
12:45-13:25 – LIVE on FEI TV

The Snowman Stakes
15:00-16:25 – LIVE STREAM

The Entire Evening Performance
18:45-22:25 – LIVE on BBC RED BUTTON, BBC ONLINE & connected TV including;
Markel Champions Challenge
The Longines Christmas Cracker

Saturday 17 December:

The Christmas Masters
15:15-16:15 – LIVE STREAM

The FEI World Cup™ Driving Leg
18:30-19:15 – LIVE on FEI TV

The Martin Collins Enterprises Christmas Tree Stakes
20:45-22:15 – LIVE STREAM

Sunday 18 December:

The H&M Pony Club Mini-Major
12:30-12:50 – LIVE STREAM

The Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Leg – Presented by H&M
13:45-16:30 –  LIVE BBC TWO HD, ONLINE & connected TV
14:35-16:30 –  LIVE on FEI TV

The H&M Ivy Stakes
21:00-22:25 – LIVE STREAM

Monday 19 December:

The Six Bar
12:30-13:30 – LIVE STREAM

The Entire Evening Performance
18:45-22:25 – LIVE on the BBC RED BUTTON, BBC ONLINE & connected TV including:
The Mince Pie Stakes
The Olympia Grand Prix

Wednesday 21 December:

Highlights
12:00-13:00 – BBC TWO HD, ONLINE & connected TV

* All programmes subject to change 

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Telford, gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk 0203 176 0355

Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

Olympic Champion Nick Skelton to Compete at Olympia

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Organisers of Olympia, the London International Horse Show, are delighted to announce that double Olympic gold medal winning duo, Nick Skelton OBE and Big Star, will be competing at the Show this December.

The combination, part of the gold medal winning Show Jumping team in London, 2012, and individual gold medallists in Rio, will be making a rare UK competitive appearance, giving home fans the opportunity to witness their brilliance first-hand.

Earlier this year, at the age of 58, Nick became Britain’s second-oldest Olympic gold medallist, in what was his seventh Olympic Games.

On Thursday afternoon 15 December, the audience will be treated to a live Q&A session with the Olympic star which will take place in the arena. Members of the public will have the opportunity to submit their questions ahead of the event by filling in an application form on the Show website.

The news comes on the back of the announcement that triple gold medallist Valegro, the superstar of the Dressage world, will also be present at Olympia, as he bows out of the sport on a high in an official retirement ceremony, on Wednesday 14 December.

Nick Skelton OBE said, “It’s been a fairy tale year and to compete Big Star in front of the home fans at Olympia is really important to me, so I can give something back to the people who have supported us. Olympia is always one of my favourite shows of the year and will be a fantastic finale to 2016.”

Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, commented, “We are honoured that Nick is bringing his gold medal winning horse to Olympia and can’t wait to see him in action. To have the current Olympic Champion, Big Star, competing whilst at the pinnacle of his career is an exciting prospect and will add to the anticipation of what is certain to be a top-class week of competition.”

For more information, please contact:
Olympia, The London International Horse Show:
Gayle Telford, gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk 0203 176 0355

Competitions, Driving

Olympia Set for an Exhilarating Competition as Carriage Drivers Come Charging In

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The world’s top Carriage Drivers will be storming back into the Olympia Grand Hall, on Thursday 15, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 December, with only one intention, to take home the top prize. The record holding six-time FEI World Cup™ Driving Championship winner, Boyd Exell (AUS), will be hoping to defend his 2015 title and extend his lead in the FEI World Cup™ Driving standings, but there are plenty of challengers in the line-up who will be vying to claim the coveted title.

Long-time rival Koos de Ronde (NED) will undoubtedly be one of them having competed in every show since 2011. De Ronde will be entertaining the crowds with his aggressive approach in the four-in-hand, battling it out with Exell and the rest of the field.

This colossal clash also welcomes back home-favourite, Daniel Naprous, lead member of the world-famous Devil’s Horsemen Stunt Team, who will be looking to record his first World Cup Leg victory. Ranked seventh in the world Jozsef Dobrovitz Snr (HUN) will be looking to go one better than his result in 2015, after narrowly missing out on 1st place. His son Jozsef Dobrovitz Jnr (HUN), ranked fifth in the world will be making his debut, adding extra spice as the family rivalry will commence with no holds barred.

Drivers George von Stein (GER) and Theo Timmerman (NED) ranked eighth and ninth in the world respectively, will be looking to make their mark on this nail biting contest, as the entire hall will be treated to an adrenalin fuelled competition. The matter of ultimate success will come down to the smallest of margins, as pace and power must be matched with definitive precision.

World no.1, Boyd Exell, commented; “Olympia always has an enthusiastic crowd and the atmosphere is electric.  There is a strong line-up this year, but I hope we can repeat our result from last year.” For more information, please visit the website at www.olympiahorseshow.com.

For more information, please contact:
Olympia, The London International Horse Show:
Gayle Telford, gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk 0203 176 0355

Dressage, Revolution Sports

Clare Balding among Stars to Pay Tribute to Valegro ahead of His Retirement at Olympia

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Ahead of the retirement of Charlotte Dujardin’s record breaking ride, Valegro, Olympia Horse Show has created a copyright free film, ‘A Tribute to Valegro’. It features celebrities such as Clare Balding OBE, Leona Lewis, Alistair Stewart OBE, and Natasha Baker OBE, as well as Carl Hester MBE and Valegro’s groom Alan Davies. The unrivalled partnership that Charlotte and Valegro have shared has not only broken countless records and claimed multiple medals; it has also won the hearts of everyone who has had the privilege of seeing them in action. This film captures just how special their journey has been.

Valegro’s official retirement from competition will take place in the Olympia Grand Hall on Wednesday 14 December. The retirement ceremony will follow the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Freestyle competition in what promises to be an emotional evening for Valegro fans.

To view the film, click here.

For more information, please contact:
Olympia, The London International Horse Show:
Gayle Telford, gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk 0203 176 0355

Community/Charity, Olympic Games

Equestrian Olympic and Paralympic Medallists to Parade at Olympia

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Picture Credit: Eric Knoll.

Olympia, the London International Horse Show, will welcome the 2016 Team GB and Paralymics GB Equestrian medallists in a celebratory parade, to take place on the evening of Friday 16 December.

Triple gold medallist, Charlotte Dujardin OBE, and double gold medallist, Nick Skelton OBE, will lead the way in a parade to hail the fantastic achievements of the GBR Equestrian Team. Charlotte will be joined by her Dressage teammates, Carl Hester MBE, Spencer Wilton and Fiona Bigwood, who together claimed Team silver.

The parade comes at the end of what will be an emotional week for Charlotte, who will be retiring her gold medal winning ride Valegro on Wednesday 14 December in front of a sell-out crowd following the FEI World Cup™ Freestyle competition.

Great Britain’s equestrian Paralympians won a phenomenal 11 medals in Rio, seven of which were gold, including an 11th gold for Paralympics GB’s Rio flag bearer, Lee Pearson CBE, who has now won gold medals in each of his five Paralympic Games.

Lee will be commemorating his achievements on the night alongside three-time Rio gold medallist Sophie Christiansen OBE and her victorious Dressage mixed teammates Sophie Wells MBE and Anne Dunham MBE, who alongside Natasha Baker retained the team title, making them unbeaten at Paralmypic, European and World level.

The unmounted parade will be a chance for fans to reminisce about the inspirational performances from Rio, which not only captured the spirit of the Games but also produced breath taking rides to bring home the medals. It is set to be a highly emotional occasion as the equestrian heroes of 2016 are celebrated in true Olympia style.

Show Director Simon Brooks-Ward commented, “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming such an exceptional group of riders to the Olympia Grand Hall and it will be a privilege to be able to applaud their exceptional achievements at the Show.”

Also taking part in the parade will be members of the Equestrian performance team and the owners of the medalling horses, ensuring that the event is a full celebration of the accomplishments of the Team and their associates, without whom it would not be possible.

Chief Executive of the British Equestrian Federation Clare Salmon says: “We are delighted to be able to recognise the fantastic achievements of our athletes in Rio at Olympia this year. It has been a great year for equestrian sport and what better way to celebrate than to share the moment with some of our fantastic supporters.”

For more information, please contact:
Olympia, The London International Horse Show:
Gayle Telford, gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk 0203 176 0355

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 13-19 December 2016 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 and The Kennel Club Dog Agility.