The London International Horse Show has named an impressive list of riders for its inaugural London International Eventing Challenge on Friday 18 December.
Five-star winners Ros Canter, Tom McEwen and Gemma Stevens, who were part of this summer’s victorious British team at the FEI World Eventing Championships, are all taking part in the arena eventing competition. They will be joined by compatriots Zara Tindall, a former World and European champion, and Alex Bragg.
“I’m really pleased that London is putting this class on and I am really looking forward to seeing how we all get on. Why should the show jumpers have all the fun at Christmas!?” said Tom.
Ireland’s Aoife Clark, New Zealand’s Jesse Campbell and USA’s Hallie Coon have also been selected by British Equestrian Performance Manager, Dickie Waygood, to contest the class which will take place over a series of showjumping and cross-country fences in the International Arena and part of the collecting ring.
‘A fun challenge’
France’s Gaspard Maksud, Sweden’s Sofia Sjosborg, China’s Alex Hua Tian and Italy’s Giovanni Ugolotti complete the list of eventers while Britain’s Matt Sampson will fly the flag for the showjumpers.
“I think arena eventing is a great addition to London International. As a showjumper, I also really enjoy cross-country, so I’m looking forward to giving it a go! It’ll be something a bit different and a fun challenge, and I can’t wait to get stuck in,” said Matt.
The course will be at three-star level and be designed by FEI level three course-designer Adrian Ditcham.
“We have got some truly brilliant riders coming to London and I can’t wait to see what they can do. The event is going to be a lot of fun, but technical and challenging enough to make it very competitive,” said Dickie.
The confirmed list of entrants is:
- Tom McEwen GBR
- Ros Canter GBR
- Gemma Stevens GBR
- Alex Hua Tian CHN
- Gaspard Maksud FRA
- Hallie Coon USA
- Aoife Clark IRL
- Jesse Campbell NZL
- Sofia Sjöborg SWE
- Alex Bragg GBR
- Zara Tindall GBR
- Giovanni Ugolotti ITA
- Matt Sampson GBR
Eventing fans can also enjoy eventing-themed Masterclasses at the Show this year. Dickie Waygood will deliver a Masterclass to Ros Canter and Gemma Stevens on Friday 18 December while Pippa Funnell will host Pippa’s Pony Club Rally on Monday 21 December.
The London International Horse Show will take place from Thursday 17 – Monday 21 December at the Excel London. The London International Eventing Challenge will take place in the evening performance on Friday 18 December.
For tickets, hospitality and further information, visit www.londonhorseshow.com.
Image of Matt Sampson riding Latte Macchiato © London International Horse Show/Peter Nixon.
