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This year’s Olympia Horse Show (15-21 December) audience will be treated to masterclasses from dressage stalwart Kyra Kyrklund and British Olympic gold medal winner Laura Tomlinson.
Finnish dressage rider Kyra (pictured above) has an impressive series of accolades to her name; she has competed in five Olympic and FEI World Equestrian Games, taking silver in 1990 with Matador, and winning the 1991 World Cup Finals in Paris. One of the world’s most highly respected and accomplished trainers, Kyra has been nicknamed ‘The Great Communicator’ for her ability to teach in English, German, Finnish and Swedish. Audiences have a rare chance to witness these training skills on Tuesday 15 December when Kyra will be assessing and guiding an aspiring young grand prix rider.
Don’t miss out on your chance to pick up tips from this dressage star – see below for an exclusive Horse&Hound discount!
On the evening of Wednesday 16 December, Laura Tomlinson (pictured above) will be returning to Olympia to give audiences the benefit of her gold medal-winning experience. Laura was part of the gold medal-winning team in London 2012 with Mistral Hojris and, since his retirement at Olympia in 2013, has been concentrating on bringing on her young horse Unique. Tomlinson’s masterclass will provide the perfect insight into her training techniques, focusing in particular on how to deal with a difficult competition environment.
Thrilling International Displays
Alongside world-class dressage competition and masterclasses, Olympia will be hosting two thrilling international displays. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will be returning to the show with their much-loved musical ride that includes high speed cross overs and their iconic flag charge out of the arena. Audiences will be treated to a ride of both skilled military precision and ceremonial splendour.
Internationally renowned horseman Jean-François Pignon will be demonstrating the unique bond he has with his horses in a beautifully choreographed performance of trust and intelligence. It is a display which has to be seen to be believed.
Firm Olympia favourite The Shetland Pony Grand National will also be returning to provide audiences with all the excitement of a traditional horse race in minature. Make sure that you cheer these pint-sized ponies and their young jockeys home!
Olympia Dressage Grand Prix Ticket Offer
Horse&Hound readers get an exclusive 30% discount on Tuesday 15 evening performance to watch Kyra Kyrkland’s unmissable masterclass plus the Reem Acra FEI World Cup dressage grand prix. Book your tickets online www.olympiahorseshow.com or through the box office 0871 230 5580 and quote the code ‘HHTue’ to receive your discount.
