Fans
come from all over Europe to behold this
grand event that occurs annually at the Olympia
London International Horse show. Even though the event takes place in
late December, ticket booking starts as early as May. This includes
bookings for accommodation and sitting. With its continued
popularity, each year, it gets better.
In
2014, the seven-day show included not only dressage
shows, but also the Shetland pony Grand National, The
metropolitan Police activity Ride, Show jumping and
the kennel Club Dog agility performance. Clearly,
there was something for everyone in attendance.
Olympia
Dressage Star
Decked
in a dark colored tailed coat, Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro went
ahead to break another record with their breathtaking grand prix,
breaking the 87.46% former record and also the 94.3% points for the
freestyle. Dressage training helps a horse to acquire technique
crucial to either racing or other
sport activity as it learns to be keen
and attentive to the rider. The routine movements,
when done with precision and with fluidity score points for the
overall performance. A rider and his or her animal communicate
with ease such that it almost seems that the
horse is moving at will and not under
subtle guidance. The end result is a safe, comfortable horse
for future riders.
The
side shows
Different
spectators who came for the Olympia Horse Show 2014, come in
for different shows, and it really does
no harm to check the schedule in
advance to know which show is most appealing. Show
jumping is a sport favored by those that are particular about horse
agility and athleticism. Jumping is creatively designed to appeal to
the eye, with colorful displays elaborately packaged. The rider and
his ride jump over obstacles that vary from water, stone walls and
bars. There is the Oxer bar which is composed of
two verticals close together, a triple bar and even the
hogs back which is a spread fence with three
rails. The penalties pop when a horse
refuses to jump and obstacle, exceeds the time
limit or knocking down a rail. Ben Maher riding
Diva made a spectacular show of jumping, maintaining his former
position.
Excitement
Some
have argued that the metropolitan police activity
ride is a bit over the top, but a
consideration of the purpose of the show can
shed light to the whole idea. Since it
involves jumping fire and other hair raising
actions, it is no different from what the
police go through during normal
training, and is in fact quite appropriate
when performed in controlled
environment.
Riders
of 9-14 years of age participate in the Shetland Pony Grand National
show. Which is a fast paced race to show
off the young one’s abilities. It is also a
great reservoir for future jockeys and racers. Young ones are also
thrilled about the display of canine agility by the Kennel Club Dog
show.
The
Olympia Shop
Such
a celebrated event require at least a souvenir, and
the International Equestrian Displays Shopping village is a
home to all that and more. Guests were able
to bring home beautiful art, key chains and stuffed animals. The
beauty of this is that is even a
luggage drop of point so one
need not cart around the items bought.
Hotels bookings can be made online,
even specifying the requirement for
maybe, a walking distance to the event venue.
Disabled visitors have their own sitting areas, completed with
toilets fitted for the disabled. In the coming years, it is expected
that the show will keep getting more competitive, with even more
participants. If you want your equine to participate in such a
prestigious show, then start grooming your loving horse with best
quality equestrian equipment from a store like Robinsons
Equestrian where the superior products are available at
competitive prices.