The London International Horse Show

If you are looking for Equestrian Christmas magic together with the best riders, then the London International Horse Show is the most amazing event all under one roof.

London International Horse Show is one of the UK’s biggest equestrian competitions, held at Excel, London. It is best known for its show jumping, however, it also has competitions in horse showing, driving, mounted games, dog agility, and more recently dressage.  It is held over six days, in the week leading up to Christmas with many of the events being Christmas themed.

The show is split into ticketed morning, afternoon, and evening sessions and season passes can be purchased for all events.

History

In 1887, the first London International Horse Show was held.

Subsequent years saw the show attendance rise but with the Second World War and with motorisation becoming more popular than genuine horsepower.  The show stopped and was resurrected in 1947 at a different venue called White City in London.  The Horse Show went back to Olympia in 1972 and in 2021 moved to London Excel. The London International Horse Show is now the favourite winter show for all equestrian enthusiasts to enjoy.

What to expect

The best riders from all over the world compete at London Olympia in the FEI World Cup Dressage, Show Jumping (and the very famous Puissance) and Driving. A firm favourite with all horse lovers is the Shetland Pony Grand National which always thrills the enthusiastic audience! Dog lovers can enjoy the Kennel Club Dog Agility displays and everybody will love fantastic Azerbaijan and the “Land of Fire’ display showcasing the unique abilities of the country’s native Karabakh horse. The famous Le Garde Republicaine will be bringing their display to the main arena, which is a very exciting addition to the program.

Australia’s very own Boyd Exell is a regular competitor at London Olympia competing in the fast and furious indoor driving event.

Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin are regular competitors in the Dressage.  Also, don’t forget Father Christmas makes an appearance in the main arena, sprinkling some Christmas magic to an audience from the young to the mature!

Shopping

The London International Horse Show offers an extensive shopping village with over 200 shops.  This makes it a brilliant place to stock up on last-minute Christmas gift buying.

Come and join Snaffle Travel in 2025.  You can DREAM AND PLAN now…

Snaffle Travel is offering a group tour to the London International Horse Show in December 2025.  We are also offering a pre-tour to the Christmas markets in Vienna with a visit to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.  The visit will include a Gala show and a behind-the-scenes stable tour in Vienna.

Christmas at the London International Horse Show in 2025. Please make enquiries and to be included on our list, so we can send you a detailed itinerary. Email us at info@snaffletravel.com.au or call us at Tel: 61 427 286061 or 61 3 54 286 061.

Snaffle Travel has had many clients attend the London Olympia Horse Show in the last few years and they have all loved the magic and the Christmas spirit of the show.

“It was fantastic with all the Christmas atmosphere which made it even more special.” (V & I Hoile)

References: London International Horse Show
Photo: Snaffle Travel – V Hoile