The London Horse Show

[PinkvSantaboots]

Anyone going?

I'm going on the 19th December evening performance am quite looking forward to at as not been in years.

 

[humblepie]

Not going as still not really worked out where it is now. Sounds like it is good venue though.

 

[SallyBatty]

I'm going to the evening performance on the 18th with my daughter and eldest granddaughter. Haven't been for a few years so looking forward to it.

 

[criso]

Not going as still not really worked out where it is now. Sounds like it is good venue though.

Herts people who went last year were very impressed and found it much easier to get to.

 

[ester]

Doing both performances on the Friday, not been for the dressage before . Loved the new venue last year, a lot less stressful.

 

[Orangehorse]

Is this "Olympia"?

 

[Sealine]

Is this "Olympia"?

Yes it is but it’s now held at EXcel.
https://londonhorseshow.com/

 

[mhorses]

Not going. I went to Olympia every year my whole life - originally as a Christmas gift from my parents and then to myself. The day was part of almost an annual ritual which felt nostalgic and a bit magical. Sadly that was lost when it moved to the soulless excel. I can see how it is logistically easier to run the show there but it’s impossible to recreate that intense feeling there. I’m sure there are others out there who feel the same?
I have been to excel many times for other events btw.

 

[ester]

See for me it's the audience that creates the feeling and once in the arena other than the roof it didn't really feel any different.

 

[Orangehorse]

I remember going on a coach to Olympia. We made good time and we were looking forward to having a good look round. Until we hit the traffic jam and it must have taken an hour to travel the last mile or so and only just got there in time for the start.

I would like to see it in its new home, so maybe think about it for next year.

 

[MuddyMonster]

Not this year as I couldnt guarantee easily getting there with possible train strikes and protesters closing the motorways.
I'm hoping for next year though ?

 

[Crazy_cat_lady]

Can remember going once when I was younger, about 11, with my mum and her friend and the trains were all over the place, can remember being stood on that freezing cold platform (back when we had proper winters) for ages think we got in about 3 in the morning

 

[WelshHoarder]

We’re going all day on the 19th - went last year for the first time in over 20 years and really enjoyed it, but it was logistically a bit challenging with a child on crutches! Thoroughly enjoyed it though, perhaps not quite the same intensity as Olympia, but the atmosphere was still brilliant, and the transport connections were a lot easier for us. Really looking forward to going this year, and being able to fully enjoy it without constantly worrying about the crutches…

 

[canteron]

Much prefer the new venue - you feel more involved as you can see more of the horses and watch them warming up, as well.
Also, there is space to actually see the ‘shops’, I always used to find the old Olympia shopping venue a bit sad and down at heel, in a village hall jumble sale way. The new venue is nice and spacious and it’s easier to get your goodies to the car!!!!!!

 

[suebou]

Coming from Scotland for Saturday night, staying at daughters in London with two others! All four of us going…..hoping for a fun afternoon/evening!

 

[sarcasm_queen]

Completely the wrong side of London for me now

 

[ester]

Having been to the west, and to the north neither were great for training it in, especially for evening performances.

 

[Bobthecob15]

Going on the 16th in the evening. Went last year to the same venue at Excel and it was fantastic, so much easier than when it was in central London. The new Elizabeth line stops right by the doors, can't wait!

 

[Bobthecob15]

Much prefer the new venue - you feel more involved as you can see more of the horses and watch them warming up, as well.
Also, there is space to actually see the ‘shops’, I always used to find the old Olympia shopping venue a bit sad and down at heel, in a village hall jumble sale way. The new venue is nice and spacious and it’s easier to get your goodies to the car!!!!!!

Yes i agree seeing the warm up was fantastic and the shops were so much better spaced out

 

[Nicnac]

I wasn't but now I am thanks to generous daughter. Friday evening as usual. Loved Excel last year. Olympia is, for me, a PITA to get to and find it rather claustrophobic. Excel is airy and preferred the shopping layout and the food selection was so much better. The sushi was great!

 

[Bobthecob15]

I wasn't but now I am thanks to generous daughter. Friday evening as usual. Loved Excel last year. Olympia is, for me, a PITA to get to and find it rather claustrophobic. Excel is airy and preferred the shopping layout and the food selection was so much better. The sushi was great!

100% agree, I hope it stays there permanently after the original Olympia refurbishment finishes ?

 

[teapot]

100% agree, I hope it stays there permanently after the original Olympia refurbishment finishes ?

Given the development plans for Olympia, there won't be the space for it to go back! Info here: https://olympia.london/future

 

[TGM]

I’ve been to the show every year for over 30 years. My daughter has been every year of her life too, even when she was in the womb! I was sad initially when they changed the location from Olympia to the Excel but actually it was much easier to get to and more spacious. I think the atmosphere will improve a lot now we are out of Covid restrictions. We are going Sunday for the World Cup.

 

[Bobthecob15]

Given the development plans for Olympia, there won't be the space for it to go back! Info here: https://olympia.london/future

Oh yes that doesn't look particularly horse friendly ?

 

[chaps89]

One of the horses I ride is jumping on the Friday, wish I was going! I’ve not been in a few years but always loved a nice dose of horsey Christmas - I just never think to ask for a ticket for my birthday present and by the time I remember in Nov/Dec the good tickets are gone and I don’t have any money for it anyway ? I also keep forgetting I’m not local anymore, so tricky to get to now! Have fun all that are going

 

[Bobthecob15]

Ugh just seen the train strikes when we are going ? will have to drive now, we'd booked trains and were all set. So annoying...luckily there is parking but it's not cheap!

 

[Patterdale]

I really wanted to take all the children but it was just prohibitively expensive for 4 of us sadly

 

[Bobthecob15]

I really wanted to take all the children but it was just prohibitively expensive for 4 of us sadly

Its not cheap is it ? such a shame

 

[Joss]

We are meant to be going Saturday afternoon but not sure we will make it with no trains running.

 

[ester]

Parking is way cheaper than parking in Cambridge ? £20 only gets you 5 hours. . not 24