last updated on December 09, 2008 20:04

The line-up for the FEI World Cup contest at Olympia, the London International Horse Show, 16-22 December 2008, looks set to make for a thrilling, top-class competition.

Supported by Horse & Hound magazine, the competition kicks off with the grand prix on Tuesday, 16 December, with 18 riders from 12 nations taking part, three of whom are in the top 10 of the FEI World Rankings. The top-placed combinations then go through to the FEI World Cup qualifier, which is a grand prix freestyle test, on the Wednesday night.

Last year’s winner Anky van Grunsven (pictured) will return, this time with IPS Painted Black, with whom she is fifth in the world rankings. Her compatriot Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival, fourth in the world rankings, relegated Anky to the runner-up slot in both the grand prix and World Cup qualifier recently at Stockholm CDI-W, 28-30 November. Then there is the ever-popular British-based Fin, Kyra Kyrklund, who is eighth in the rankings with Max.

The highest-ranked British rider, in 12^th, is Laura Bechtolsheimer, who set a British record at this show last year when she scored 75.33% in the grand prix with Mistral Hojris. She has entered both Mistral Hojris and Andretti H.

It will be interesting to see Britain’s team captain at the Olympics, Richard Davison, in action with Artemis. He is hoping to unveil his new freestyle with Elton John classics played by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Carl Hester with Liebling II and Nicola McGivern on Active Walero make up the rest of the British contingent.

Before the freestyle on Wednesday night, there will be an Anky masterclass, showing how she teaches flying changes, the half-pass, passage and the extended trot. For those who like a bit of glamour, Katie Price will there promoting her clothing range.

If you can’t make it to the show, Eurosport 2 will be broadcasting live from 6.30-10.30pm on Wednesday and the show’s website www.olympiahorseshow.com is now interactive. It has video clips and audio interviews with riders as well as twittees (I have been reliably informed they are mini-bloggers), with inside information from those working behind the scenes.

For all the info, visit www.olympiahorseshow.com.