BBC iPlayer

Wednesday, 18 December

Puissance: 21:00 – 22:20 - BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button, BBC Sport website and app.

Thursday, 19 December

Dressage World Cup: 19:15-22:30 - BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button, BBC Sport website and app.

Friday, 20 December

Evening performance, including London Grand Prix: 18:50 - 22:30 - BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button, BBC Sport website and app.

Sunday, 22 December

Jumping World Cup: 14:30 -16:45 - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button, BBC Sport website and app.

BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Showjumping Olympic team gold medallists Ben Maher and Scott Brash are back competing on home soil.

The 41-year-old Maher will be looking to emulate his double of victories from last year, including the prestigious World Cup.

Scott Brash, 39, is back after finishing runner-up to Maher by only 0.62 seconds in a thrilling World Cup jump-off in 2023.

The third team member of the Paris Olympic-winning team, Harry Charles, is not competing having recently relocated to the United States.

The Whitaker dynasty are making their customary trip to London, with 69-year-old John returning having first competed at the show in 1976.

Other top British entries include Joe Stockdale, Matthew Sampson and 18-year-old debutant Maisy Williams.

Dressage World Cup entries include British world champion Charlotte Fry, who rides her Paris team and individual bronze medal-winning partner Glamourdale. The pair are favourites having won the World Cup at the show in 2022.

Fry, 28, is ed by fellow Olympic team bronze medallist Becky Moody with her homebred Jagerbomb. Making up the British contingent is 2012 Olympic team gold medallist Laura Tomlinson, national champion Lewis Carrier and London first-timer, 63-year-old Richard White.

Olympic eventer Gemma Stevens returns for her second attempt in the Puissance riding Envoy Merelsnest Z.

The London International Horse Show is one of Britain’s most famous equestrian competitions. First held in 1907, the show features a range of events across the equestrian disciplines from showjumping and dressage to the Shetland Pony Grand National.

Today features live coverage of the Puissance – a classic test of jumping skills. Each competitor faces a series of jumps over the “big red wall”, which gets higher with each successful attempt. A competitor is knocked out if they knock the jump down or their horse refuses – and the contestant with the highest jump at the end is declared the winner.

Puissance means “power” and the event once featured in the Olympics, back in 1900. The current record for highest jump in the event was set in 1991 by German rider Franke Sloothaak, who took his horse Optiebeurs Golo to a jump of 2.40m in Charleroi, Belgium.

BBC Sport

Why get into horse riding?

This is a unique activity. The bond you create with the horse mean it's beneficial physically and mentally.

Who is it for?

Whether you are an adrenaline junky or seeking quiet relaxation and stress relief, horse riding is for you.

Is there a cheap option?

Group lessons at an approved equestrian centre are your most cost effective option. They will provide all the equipment you need including the horse!

What if I want a proper workout?

The horse definitely doesn't do all the work! As well as strengthening leg, bum and tum muscles, you'll get the heart racing.

Can I take it to another level?

There are competitions for all horse sports from beginner to advanced level.

Is there a disability option?

Riding for the Disabled Association is a ed charity that can help you get started.

Is there a family option?

Horse riding naturally appeals to children and is an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family together.

So where can I start?

Take a look at our club finder page to find equestrian events near you.