Onwards to Olympia… 2019 preview 🐴❄️

Ahhhh when I think of Christmas, I think of Olympia Horse Show. I always think of the Christmas wreath stand, you know Olympia has that special smell, which is often thanks to that strong smelling Christmas stand. And that’s when I know it’s truly begun, Christmas is here. Olympia this year runs Monday 16th (tomorrrow!!!) to Sunday 22nd December.

The first London International Horse Show was held in June 1907, and from there the event has grown and grown. It continued its success until 1939 when the last International Horse Show in Olympia was held, however, in 1972 the show returned back to Olympia where the magnificent show has become a highlight of every equine lovers calendar.

This year Olympia is set to be as exciting as ever. There are various tickets still available to book. If you’re interested in attending, follow this link to find available tickets. I am so looking forward to attending myself that I wanted to put together some highlights for you, so whether your attending for the first time, or whether you know Olympia Horse Show like the back of your hand, have a browse below at some of the things I am excited to see, or recommend doing!

Enjoy…

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Timetable Highlights

Olympia has an action packed timetable from day one. For me, there are a couple of things each day that I’ll be keeping an eye on. Each day boasts a fantastic performance from The Saracen Horse Feeds Shetland Pony Grand National, Jean-Francois Pignon and the Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. I appreciate everyone attending will all be interested in slightly different things, so for a full timetable of events, please see the Olympia website. But for those wanting a summery here are my personal day by day highlights to look out for:

Monday

With Dressage stars Carl Hester, Gareth Hughes and Richard Davison ‘Dressage Unwrapped’ will begin the evenings performance. There is also the FEI Dressage World Cup (Grand Prix). I love my Dressage so this evening performance would just be perfect for me!

Tuesday

Tuesday is again just an afternoon/evening performance, this time a mixture of the Services Jumping Championship and FEI Dressage World Cup (Freestyle to Music).

Wednesday

Wednesday welcomes the first full day of Olympia, with a morning, afternoon and evening schedule. A highlight here will of course be the Cayenne Puissance in the evening performance, amongst the other classes.

Thursday

Thursday sees some showing, driving and jumping highlights. The evening performance welcomes The Lemieux Six Bar as it’s first scheduled competition. If you haven’t ever seen a six bar, this is an absolutely must from me, and if you have seen it, I know this is definitely a class you won’t want to miss.

Friday

Friday sees a very special class for me in the evening performance, the Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund. Riders including the legendary MP McCoy, Bryony Frost (Frodon ring any bells here – only my favourite!), Ryan Moore, amongst so many fantastic others. This is a charity extremely close to my heart, so this is something I myself will not be missing, and also recommend you check out!

Saturday

Of course on Saturday afternoon all eyes will be on The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, there is also the FEI Driving World Cup in the evening performance!

Sunday

It might be the last day, but the competition is still as hot as ever, for me I will be keeping an eye on what’s happening in The Turkish Airlines Speed Stakes, and then The Turkish Airlines Olympia Grand Prix in the evening!

Don’t forget, there is an action packed schedule for each day, these are just a couple of highlights!

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Supporting Others – the Live Zone

Some of our favourite instagrammers are going to be present at the event. I love that places like this are able to bring people together and support each other. The Live Zone will be host to some incredible meet and greets, including This Esme (@this_esme), Gracie Tyte (@pony_nuts) and Kate Lewis (@blobthecob). The AMAZING Tina Wallace will also be at the event on Thursday alongside sidekick and best friend the incredible Emily Dunstan (@life_on_the_left_rein & @emd_eventing94). Andrea Owen from @mud_on_my_mulberry will then be there doing a special shopping takeover on Tuesday. Just to name a few appearances.

Teddy the Shetland, will of course, be doing a meet and greet, I personally cannot wait for this, and will be right in line, he is making an appearance on Thursday and Friday (@teddytheshetland).

These incredible Live Zoners are all amazing at what they do, so do make sure you go and check them out – meet them in real life and be sure to ask any questions, they will of course be so excited to answer them all! There is loads going on in the live zone, so much more than mentioned above, so do check out the timetable of events for the day you are attending to see which specific meet and greets are on!

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Places to Eat

If you know me, you know food is pretty much always at the top of my importance list. Having exhibited at the event for the last few years, I have tried out a lot of the catering options available at Olympia, so I feel like I am fairly qualified with the recommendations here!

There is a Pizza Express at Olympia, now I can probably safety say this was my most visited destination – dough balls – yes please! They have a takeaway outlet, so I can’t recommend this enough. If I remember rightly they also normally do a ‘meal deal’ type bundle which is really handy! Another site visited frequently was the Crussh Fit Food & Juice Bar. Now when you’re keeping Pizza Express propped up for the duration of the event, you do need to work on balance. So I would balance my diet with the amazing juices and salads from Crussh. These are designed to be healthy and their range of juices and smoothies are amazing – go for the most unlikely combination and I can guarantee you’ll be surprised and love it!

There is also a Gallery Resturant which can be booked and the Justin’s Champagne Taittinger Bar so those much needed bubbles!

There are lots and lots of food options particularly on the ground level around the arena, so there is definitely something for everyone.

Note – Food isn’t allowed in the main arena seating.

Water bottles will be re-filled free of charge.

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Travel

Getting to Olympia is pretty straight forward! There is the Kensington (Olympia) station opposite the venue. This means you are able to get to the show very easily by Train/Tube. Don’t forget to check last train times if you are planning on staying until the end of the evening performance.

The postcode for Olympia is W14 8UX. There is limited parking at the venue but booking of these spaces is always recommended as this usually sells out- so do check this if you are planning on driving. Westfield London offers extensive parking, this isn’t bookable. There are also bus links available, these can be found on the Olympia website if you need any further guidance.

As always, don’t forget to check travel updates before you set off, so you know if there are to be any disruptions or any issues that may arise. Planning all of this ahead will reduce stress on the day.

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Exhibitors

There are lots of exhibitors at Olympia, the perfect opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done, or for treating yourself this festive period. Let’s start with the exhibitors I’ll be dying to see and catch up with. Then I’ll let you in on some other stands that I’m looking forward to browsing this year. I’ve previously worked at Olympia as an exhibitor, as well as attending as a spectator.

First up is Welligogs. If you’re looking for clothing, this is my ‘go to’ suggestion! They have the most beautiful jackets, shirts and jumpers, as well as accessories. If you’re looking to treat someone along those lines this year, this would be my first point of call. I am always trying on something in here, the team are so helpful and can’t wait to help you find what’s perfect for you!

For all your bag needs, it just has to be Grays 1922. They have every bag size covered, so whether you’re looking for a special occasion clutch, or an every day handbag, they have something for you. Beautifully created leather and subtle equestrian theming, these are definitely a stand I’ll be stopping by! I particularly have my eye on their new belts!

Boots and shoes – well who else! I’ll be stopping by the Fairfax and Favor stand to see all of the gorgeousness of their Autumn/Winter collection. I have a bit of an obsession with the Rockingham collection, and I am hoping to try on the ankle boot version here, we all need a little retail therapy!

Another stand I’ll be very excited to catch up with is Teddy Edward. Now if you’re a regular to the blog you’ll see that I’ve recently worked with this brand to produce a style guide on their stunning Chloe high-waisted moleskin jeans. I love everything about this brand from their designs, to their Great British ethos. I have my eye on the moleskin skirts here, I think I will definitely be tempted to try one on!

If you love hair on Hyde products like me, you’ll probably want to pay a visit to City Cows. Now, City Cows have the most amazing collection of rugs, furniture and fashion. At the shows, they often have a basket of mini cowhide products at really great prices, making the perfect stocking fillers.

Buying for a little one this Christmas? Crafty Ponies are at the event, and having had one of these mini ponies myself, I can safely say they are the cutest, and all of the accessories are so sweet, and a great way to teach more about horses!

I am also on the search for some new riding boots, so I will be keeping my eyes peeled for stands with some that I can try on, I have quite small feet and I just struggle with ordering online, so I am excited to see what is available. I will also be heading over to Pinkster Gin to do a top up there, and I want to head over to The Oxton Liqueur Company who are able to personalise their bottles

There is an interactive shopping village plan on the Olympia website, so if you want to find out exactly where a store is, please use this link.

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Top Tips…

• Make sure you have everything you need! Oh how this sounds obvious, but I am the worst culprit of turning up to something without the things I actually need!
• A battery power pack! We are all so dependant on our phones now, and although I would encourage you to put your phones down and enjoy the day in person, I know that isn’t how we live now. If your phone battery is always catching you out, make sure you take a portable charger with you as it is unlikely you’ll have chance to charge it there. This way you can capture your memories by phone if this is what you prefer.
• The show has different opening/closing times throughout the week, check for the day you are attending here.
• Not to sound mothering, but make sure you take plenty of water or buy water throughout the day, it can be a long day and often when you’re busy you can forget to drink!
• If you take a reusable cup/water bottle, there is discount available on hot beverages, and free water top ups!
• There is a shop and drop!! Do make use of this if you need too!

• Most of all, enjoy yourself and have a fabulous time. Olympia is an incredibly special event and you’ll have the most amazing time! Enjoy!

• Not able to make it to Olympia? Don’t panic! There will be TV coverage and live streaming of the event. Find out more about what’s available here.

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Wanting to head to Olympia now? There are various tickets still available to book. If you’re interested in attending, follow this link to find available tickets.

That’s all for now Darlings, if you are heading off to Olympia have a fantastic time! I might see some of you there.

Lots of love, Lucinda xo

‘There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man’ – Winston Churchill

{Please note that at some point I have worked with the many of the brands mentioned in this post, however, these thoughts/suggestions and opinions are all my own and I was under no obligation to write about or mention any of the products or brands that feature within this blog. I did not team up with any brand to produce this blog post}