Carl Hester and Scott Brash among entries for Olympia

Olympic dressage rider – and H&C favourite – Carl Hester will be headlining the dressage action at Olympia, while Britain’s number one Scott Brash is among a stellar line up of showjumpers.

In fact there’s an impressive total of 10 Olympic gold medallists heading to The London International Horse Show, next week (13-19 December) for the seven-day Christmas extravaganza.

In the showjumping classes, which get underway from Thursday onwards, Scott is joined by the likes of his London 2012 team mate Ben Maher plus Jessica Mendoza, William Funnell, Laura Renwick and Olympia newcomer Anna Power.

Olympia wouldn’t be Olympia without at least one Whitaker – and fortunately both Michael and John will be at the show.

A dazzling international line-up includes the likes of Kevin Staut, Penelope Leprevost, Daniel Deusser, Marcus Ehning, Marco Kutscher, Peder Fredricson, Laura Kraut, Edwina Tops-Alexander and Malin Baryard-Johnsson – plus Steve Guerdat, the individual gold medallist at the London Olympics.

But before attention turns to leaving up those coloured poles, first of all we have two days of FEI World Cup Dressage to look forward to.

There’s no Charlotte Dujardin among the line-up – though dressage fans can look forward to seeing her and Valegro perform a special demonstration of one of his famous Freestyle tests as part of his official retirement ceremony.

As well as Carl Hester and his Olympic partner Nip Tuck, winners here 12 months ago, we have Britain’s Laura Tomlinson, who will be attending Olympia as a final competition before she goes on maternity leave.

Other main British hopes are Emile Faurie and Michael Eilberg.

The reigning World Cup Champion, Hans Peter Minderhoud, is competing, alongside his partner and compatriot, Edward Gal. Ireland’s Judy Reynolds and Japan’s Akane Kuroki are others to look out for.

Carriage driving is also hugely popular with the Olympia crowds, and this year current World Champion Boyd Exell will be competing against Koos de Ronde and Britain’s Daniel Naprous.

For a full list of showjumping entrants click here, for carriage driving click here, and for dressage, go here.