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Summary

  • Carmen Edwards (Happy Valerie) and Seb Hughes (Colorado Volo) among competitors

  • Olympic eventer Gemma Stevens riding Envoy Merelsnest Z also in action

  • The Puissance, also known as the 'big red wall' is the main event of the night

  • The wall is put up higher each round, reaching up to 7ft tall - the highest jumping competitor wins

  • Click here to WATCH LIVE on iPlayer

  1. How to watch?published at 21:19 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2024

    All times GMT

    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.

  2. The British athletes competingpublished at 12:14 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2024

    BBC Sport

    Ben MaherImage 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.

  3. What is the Puissance?published at 12:14 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2024

    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.

  4. How to get into equestrian sportspublished at 17:35 Greenwich Mean Time 17 December 2024

    BBC Sport

    Media caption,

    show jumping

    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.