The International Horse Show - A Must Visit for the Weekend
If you only do one thing this weekend, be sure it includes a trip to The International Horse Show at Olympia, which is running right through until Monday 21st December 2015.
As a child I was horse-mad, and lucky enough to have my own horse by the time I was twelve. As a keen showjumper, learning over a mini-Hickstead course that had been built by my trainer, I loved watching the highlights from The Horse of the Year Show, The International Horse Show Olympia and Hickstead events on television, but never going to the shows myself.
In the late 70's I sat glued to the screen as Nick Skelton pinged Lastic over the Puissance wall at heights of over 7 foot, breaking records in a single jump. 
With signalling trouble on the trains, limited parking at the station and not a ray of sunshine on the way I was sorely tempted to turn back and not go along to spectate while other people ride, when I would much rather prefer to 'do' than watch. But I continued to Olympia and thought I had to at least go and see what all the fuss was about (horse-mad friend goes every year and raves on about the show).
Our photographer for the day, Vanessa Champion had also never seen the show so after a quick cup of tea we ambled around the venue, looking at the shopping village stands, having some lunch and generally catching up.
At around 5:30pm we took our seats and waited for the performances to begin, expecting some pretty shows, nice horses and a bit of fun and showmanship. What we actually got was goosebumps - and tears in our eyes! Yes, we actually welled up - with awe, with passion and with complete wonder.
Jean-François Pignon stunned us with his performance, and his Liberty horse. The Household Cavalry Musical Ride had us puffed up with pride and feeling very patriotic and the Shetland Ponies brought on plenty of laughter and fun.
We had to leave just after start of the dressage to catch trains that were already begin to delay again. But we are on our way back today and for the whole weekend, to watch in wonder at this fantastic show! And I have to confess, this is one event that will now be firmly and permanently placed in the calender for 2016.
There is still time to join the excitement for 2015 so pop along to www.olympiahorseshow.com and make a date for this weekend with one of the best shows money can buy.