Eventers Assemble to Take London by Storm
Many of the world’s top eventers will descend on the capital this December to contest the London International Horse Show’s inaugural London International Eventing Challenge. Taking place in the evening performance on Friday 18 December, the arena eventing competition will see leading riders go head-to-head over a challenging course combining showjumps and cross-country fences.
Ros Canter, Gemma Stevens and Tom McEwen, members of Britain’s gold medal-winning team at the World Championships in Aachen this summer, will be among the star-studded line-up assembled by British Equestrian Eventing Performance Manager, Dickie Waygood. Former World and European and current British Open Champion, Zara Tindall will also compete, ensuring the home crowd have plenty to cheer about.
Ireland will be represented by Aoife Clark, while riders including New Zealand’s Jesse Campbell, USA’s Hallie Coon and France’s Gaspard Maksud will add an international flavour to what promises to be an exciting new addition to the Show’s packed programme.
Matt Sampson will fly the flag for the showjumpers, hoping his experience in the International Arena – he was leading rider at the Show in 2023 – will help him to a good performance.
The three-star track will be designed by FEI level three course-designer Adrian Ditcham and will take place in the International Arena and part of the collecting ring.
The confirmed list of entrants is:
- Tom McEwen GBR
- Ros Canter GBR
- Gemma Stevens GBR
- Alex Hua Tian CHN
- Gaspard Maksud FRA
- Hallie Coon USA
- Aoife Clark IRL
- Jesse Campbell NZL
- Sofia Sjöborg SWE
- Alex Bragg GBR
- Zara Tindall GBR
- Giovanni Ugolotti ITA
- Matt Sampson GBR
Dickie Waygood said, “We have got some truly brilliant riders coming to London and I can’t wait to see what they can do. The event is going to be a lot of fun, but technical and challenging enough to make it very competitive.”
Tom McEwen said, “I’m really pleased that London is putting this class on and I am really looking forward to seeing how we all get on. Why should the show jumpers have all the fun at Christmas!?”
Matt Sampson said, “I think arena eventing is a great addition to London International. As a showjumper, I also really enjoy cross-country, so I’m looking forward to giving it a go! It’ll be something a bit different and a fun challenge, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Simon Brooks-Ward, Event Director, London International Horse Show, said, “We are really pleased that Dickie has recruited such a stellar roll call of talent for this inaugural event, which we hope to become an annual fixture. There’s huge excitement around the class and the beauty of London is that it showcases the very best of so many disciplines, I’m thrilled that we can now add eventing to the list.”
Eventing is firmly in the spotlight at London this year. Along with the arena eventing class, fans can enjoy Masterclasses delivered by Dickie Waygood to Ros Canter and Gemma Stevens on Friday 18 December and Pippa’s Pony Club Rally with Pippa Funnell on Monday 21 December. Plus another exciting eventing Masterclass is still to be announced.
London International Horse Show takes place at Excel London from 17-21 December 2026, bringing together international show jumping, dressage and driving alongside dog agility, shopping, festive entertainment and family attractions.
For tickets, hospitality and further information, visit www.londonhorseshow.com.