Now that the ultimate curtain has fallen on this yr’s London Worldwide Horse Present (18-22 December), let’s mirror on simply a few of the magic moments from this yr’s five-day equine extravaganza.
From a fearless teenager clearing practically 7ft to a surprising Fell stallion having fun with the highlight and the legendary John Whitaker competing alongside his granddaughter within the worldwide enviornment, we’ve cherished each minute.
Listed here are simply a few of our highlights from this yr’s London Horse Present 2024 and you may learn additional protection, together with unique interviews and perception, in our bumper report on this week’s Horse & Hound, within the retailers from Saturday 28 December.
The world’s best grandfather
Younger Evie Whitaker might have described her grandfather John Whitaker as “a bit sluggish” however in some of the magical performances of the week on the London Horse Present, the pair teamed as much as compete in Wednesday’s GS Equestrian Pony Membership Mini Main Relay. “You possibly can neglect the Olympics and world championships, that is severe strain,” mirrored John of using alongside his granddaughter.
Lottie Fry and Glamourdale win the 2024 freestyle at London Worldwide Horse Present.
The comeback of all comebacks on the London Horse Present
Lottie Fry and Glamourdale actually sparkled on the London Worldwide stage as soon as once more as they received again their 2022 title to high the FEI Dressage World Cup freestyle, introduced by Bret Willson Dressage Worldwide Ltd and supported by Horse & Hound.
“I don’t assume there’s any horse on the planet with that a lot presence and that a lot ‘take a look at me’,” stated Lottie.
Rachel Proudley using Straightforward Boy de Laubry Z to win the LeMieux puissance on the London Horse Present.
The fearless teenager everyone seems to be speaking about
Hitting the headlines for her excellent horsemanship, bravery and knowledge far past her 19 years was LeMieux puissance victor Rachel Proudley and her good associate Straightforward Boy de Laubry Z.
A 2.12m (6ft 11in) wall to clear? No drawback!
Energy cuts and a horse referred to as Rooster George
Our favorite horse in London was the brilliantly named Rooster George, who proved something however a rooster when an influence lower hit the London ExCeL halfway by means of his leaping spherical with Italian showjumper Francesco Turturiello.
A mare of many abilities makes London Horse Present historical past
The gorgeous 22-year-old mare Aplhaugs Lilja, recognized at dwelling as “Rhino”, grew to become the primary Fjord to win on the London Horse Present.
The gorgeous Aplhaugs Lilja wins at London Horse Present.
Grand prix hero makes successful return aged 21
Speaking of veterans, we had been delighted to see William Funnell’s former grand prix hero Billy Angelo again to his successful methods on the London Worldwide. Harry Skelton managed to fully out-horse his rivals by getting into the ring for the Markel Jockeys Leaping in help of the Injured Jockeys Fund on the tremendous 21-year-old gelding, however because it was all for an awesome trigger, no person actually minded. Oh, besides, maybe, for the ever-competitive Nico de Boinville: “It’s a bit like me using Sprinter Sacre in a 0-100 handicap race [for low-level horses]!” he quipped.
Harry Skelton and Billy Angelo lead the successful workforce within the Markel Jockeys Leaping in help of the Injured Jockeys Fund on the London Worldwide Horse Present.
The quickest jump-off spherical we’ve ever seen
Unimaginable by identify, unbelievable by nature – Daniel Coyle’s successful jump-off spherical on the Frankel-esque gray gelding was merely astonishing.
Darragh Kenny is the King of London Horse Present
All hail the King of London Worldwide Horse Present, Darragh Kenny, who was topped the present’s main rider after his spectacular successful double, together with topping Sunday’s Longines FEI World Cup with the good Eddy Blue.
Olympic eventer goes sky-high
We can’t repeat what Olympic eventer Gemma Stevens stated after she and Envoy Merelsnest Z – AKA Dime Bar – cleared a whopping 1.95m to not solely win Saturday’s Cavago six bar, however to beat showjumping legend John Whitaker within the course of.
Meet an incredible Fell stallion who ‘loves an environment’
The London Horse Present’s best showman was doubtless Fell stallion Birkettbank Grasp John, who dazzled with owner-rider Victoria Taylor to win the 2024 BSPS ridden M&M supreme championship.
And eventually…
Everyone knows the London Worldwide Horse Present means it’s Christmas and we’re actually within the festive spirit after this glittering five-day extravaganza. However London’s different magical ingredient is 100mph ponies and their good little riders and none went sooner than Annabel Widdowson and the 23-year-old megastar pony Bunbury Conquest.
Annabel Widdowson using Bunbury Conquest winners of The Agria 128cms Championship.
You may additionally be all for:
Laura Collett and Cooley Iceage leap a thin throughout a masterclass on the London Worldwide Horse Present 2024.
Credit score: Pippa Roome
Credit score: LIHS / Peter Nixon
Credit score: Future
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H&H showjumping editor
Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her position as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her world wide reporting from reveals and interviewing riders, connections and people concerned behind the scenes. Since becoming a member of H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on each topic throughout the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to secure administration — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She additionally has first-hand expertise of working within the equestrian trade as a using teacher and yard supervisor.
