Every year since 1888, the Olympia arena is home to one of Europe's biggest horse shows. What better way to celebrate Christmas time than taking in the week-long spectacles from London's pony party!
Olympia has been host to many great events over the past century which have included the ideal home show, Crufts dog show, and of course, the legendary Jimi Hendrix and the Who concerts
The London International Horse Show will run from the 16th - 22nd of December 2013. There is something for everyone with show jumping, dressage, the Shetland Grand National, driving, showing classes, The Ukrainian Cossacks and one of the highlights of this year's show, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art which will have a special performance on the opening night of the 16th and every night there after of the week long event! Complete with a massive hall packed out with exhibitors and shops! You'd better get saving now for next year!
The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
One of the Worlds finest equestrian schools based in Jerez, Spain. Widely renowned for high school dressage shows on their beautiful grey and bay Andalusian stallions, that are this year celebrating their 40th anniversary, will be coming to London to share and give you an insight into this mysterious, magical breed. This is also the first time they will be visiting the UK for 40 years!!
The "Pura Raza Espanola" (Pure Bred Spanish Horse) has a long history that dates back to the 15th century. Originally used for battle, they have changed very little over the years and still possess that stocky, well built statue and amazing presence. Nimble, agile and courageous, today they are famous for their ability to perform high school dressage moves with ease.
The breed has been on our TV screens and in films for many years and although you may not have realised, you would have seen Spanish horses in Merlin, Gladiator, The lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Braveheart, Interview with a Vampire and Lord of the Rings, just to name a few! They are the fairy tale equine most of us dream about as children!
In their Spanish homeland, they are also used in many disciplines including classical dressage, driving, cattle herding and working in the bull fighting rings. You will see them in most fiestas and street parties where the locals will parade through towns on them. And if you would like to have a ride on one of these beautiful animals, there are plenty of trekking centers around the country that will give you that opportunity to become acquainted with the breed!
Can't make it to Olympia? Watch it on TV!
BBC will be showing many of the events at Olympia:
Tuesday 17th 19:40-22:25: Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage – Red button and BBC website
Thursday 19th 20:55-22:15: The Alltech Puissance – Red button and BBC website
Saturday 21st 13:45-16:30: Longines FEI World Cup Jumping, plus highlights of Puissance on BBC1 live and also on the BBC website
Saturday 21st 18.00 – 20.45 Red Button – a replay of the above
Sunday 22nd 18:10-22.00 Evening performance live – plus delayed, from 22.55 – 05.59 on the Red Button
Monday 23rd 14.05 – 15.05: Olympia Highlights – BBC2
Along with the BBC, you can also catch some action on International Eurosport:
Thursday 19th 20:30-21:00: Kingsland Christmas Tree Stakes 21:00-22:15: Alltech Puissance
Sunday 22nd 17:15-18:15: Christmas Masters 18:15-20:45: Olympia Grand Prix
Official Olmypia Website: www.olympiahorseshow.com
Telephone the box office on: 0871 230 5580
Email: info@olympiahorseshow.com