Why H&C is counting down the days until Olympia Horse Show

Never mind counting down the days until Christmas, we’re counting down the hours until Olympia Horse Show.

Equestrian party

At the time of writing (24 October) there are just 50 days to go before the world’s greatest equestrian party kicks off (that’s 1,200 hours if you’re interested).

But Olympia isn’t just about Christmas fun and frolics, there are also major titles to be won as it’s the only UK show to host all three FEI World Cup qualifiers in dressage, showjumping and driving.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to London for the live event, as you can watch all the action right here on H&C.

We have got highlights of all three World Cup competitions, as well as the Olympia Grand Prix and Cayenne Puissance.

Christmas atmosphere

Olympia always attracts the biggest names in equestrian sport, who love the show for its unique Christmas atmosphere, so you can watch all your favourite riders on your small, or big screen.

Last year’s World Cup Dressage was won by Carl Hester, who put in a fabulous performance with Nip Tuck. Will Carl be back this year to defend his title?

Dressage masterclass

Charlotte Dujardin is riding at Olympia, although she won’t be competing. Last year she retired her Olympic partner Valegro in an emotional ceremony, and this year she is giving a dressage masterclass on the opening day (12 December), riding Mount St John Freestyle.

Charlotte has high hopes for the eight-year-old Hanoverian mare and is looking to step up to grand prix level next year, with the 2018 World Equestrian Games as their target.

British one-two

Showjumping is Olympia’s main event, and last year’s World Cup couldn’t have been more thrilling, with Scott Brash and Ben Maher achieving a one-two for Britain. We would love to see a Brit take the title once again, but whoever wins we are guaranteed a great night of world class competition.

In the driving, seven-times World Cup champion Boyd Exell will be back to defend his 2016 Olympia title.

What’s on, when

The action on H&C kicks off on 18 December, here is what you can watch and when:

FEI World Cup Dressage: Olympia on 18 December at 8pm

FEI World Cup Driving: Olympia on 20 December at 8pm

FEI World Cup Jumping: Olympia on 22 December at 8pm

The Olympia Grand Prix and Cayenne Puissance coverage will be shown in early January.

Don’t miss Olympia when it comes to H&C this Christmas. You can watch highlights on Sky 253 or online via H&C Play or Amazon Video.