Olympia – The London International Horse Show a “must” at Christmas

Witness the best of equestrian sport in Christmassy splendor in the heart of London! Visit Olympia – The London International Horse Show for one-of-a kind horsey atmosphere

The First Royal International Horse Show took place in the Grand Hall Olympia in 1907 and celebrated it's centenary at the same venue in 2007.

It also has outstanding Equestrian Displays; this year from Lorenzo The Flying Frenchman and The Lusitano Ride from Portugal includes some of Portugal’s finest horses and riders. Ten riders in traditional dress on Lusitano stallions will take part in a high octane, captivating musical display that will reflect the traditional horsemanship that still exists in Portugal today.

Portuguese Lusitanos are short-coupled, powerful and athletic and were originally used for close-combat mounted warfare. Lusitanos are extremely brave and exude tremendous presence. They love a big audience!

New this year is ‘Extreme Driving’ which is a high speed indoor driving competition with the World’s top three drivers participating. Taking place on Thursday 15th December’s evening performance and Friday 16th December’s afternoon performance, Extreme Driving brings a brand new equestrian disicpline to Olympia and is bound to have the audience on the edge of their seats.

Olympia attracts some of the top riders in the world and visitors can enjoy fantastic, edge-of-the-seat equestrian excitement and horsey Christmas shopping all wrapped up in a festive atmosphere in central London.

Some of the most exciting showjumping classes include the Rolex FEI World Cup with Puissance, and the Grand Prix, as well as a scintillating speed class.

A visit to Olympia is not complete without witnessing the Shetland Pony Grand National and the dramatic British Riding Clubs Quadrille of the year.

There is a great Shopping Village and a special West End Christmas Finale.