Show Jumping’s reigning world champion Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden, who has held the World No. 1 spot for an impressive 28 months, leads an extraordinary lineup of entries for the CSI5*-W Show Jumping at the 2024 edition of London International Horse Show. Von Eckermann will face thrilling competition, including from Germany’s Olympic champion Christian Kukuk and Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, the reigning European champion and current World No. 2.
The CSI5*-W Show Jumping at London International will run from Wednesday 18 December to Agria Super Sunday 22 December, concluding with the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier presented by Agria. This highly anticipated class will feature some of the best horse and rider combinations in the world, including six of the world’s top 10 riders, offering a showcase of world-class equestrian talent.
Looking ahead to the competition, Show Director Simon Brooks-Ward commented: “The calibre of Show Jumping at London International Horse Show is exceptional, and we are thrilled to welcome back many of the world’s best to the International Arena. Last year’s FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier jump-off was among the most thrilling of my career, and with an even stronger field this year, 2024 promises to be truly unforgettable.”
Britain’s Ben Maher, a London International Horse Show ambassador, will return to defend his FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier title after a breathtaking performance last year, where he and the brilliant nine-year-old Enjeu de Grisien delivered a flawless round to secure the win and earn a standing ovation. Maher, currently ranked World No. 3, has a fantastic history at the Show, including multiple London Grand Prix and Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier victories. Fresh off a golden year that saw him help Team GB claim Olympic gold in Paris, Maher will enter the International Arena brimming with confidence.
Close on Maher’s heels will be Olympic teammate Scott Brash, whose impressive record at the Show includes a win in the 2022 FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier and a runner-up finish to Maher in the same class last year. Known for his ability to thrive under pressure, Brash will be eager to take the top spot in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at this year’s event.
The British lineup also features Show Jumping icon John Whitaker, returning to the International Arena as the eldest competitor at 69 years old. He will be joined by his son, Robert Whitaker, who claimed the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier victory earlier this year in Helsinki aboard Vermento. Adding to the stellar family line-up, John’s grandson Jack Whitaker will also compete and hope to gain inspiration and insight from his grandfather, who first won the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier at the Show in 1998.
Last year’s Leading Rider of the Show, Matthew Sampson, will be looking to return with his 2023 form, coming into the Show having had a very successful year, including CSI5* wins and placings at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, The Royal International Horse Show and Royal Windsor Horse Show. Joe Stockdale, Team GB’s Olympic reserve in Paris, completes the formidable British contingent.
Switzerland’s Guerdat will be joined by compatriot Martin Fuchs, who won the FEI World Cup™ Final in 2022 and secured a second consecutive Rolex Grand Prix victory at Royal Windsor Horse Show earlier this year. They will be accompanied by Géraldine Straumann, who will add depth to the Swiss challenge.
Seasoned London International competitor Marcus Ehning of Germany, a past winner of the London International Horse Show Grand Prix, will join the country’s headliner – Olympic champion Christian Kukuk – as will Rising stars Sophie Hinners and Mario Stevens, both making their debuts at the Show.
Ireland is set to showcase a formidable pairing with Daniel Coyle and Darragh Kenny. Both riders will aim to build on the success of their compatriot Daniel Coyle, who claimed victory in last year’s London Grand Prix at the Show, demonstrating Ireland’s strong tradition of excellence in Show Jumping. Belgium’s lineup is equally impressive, led by twins Nicola and Olivier Philippaerts alongside Gregory Wathelet, who recently dazzled in Oslo by clinching the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier with the exceptional stallion Bond Jamesbond de Hay. Meanwhile, France is spearheaded by World No. 14 Kevin Staut, fresh from an impressive 2024 season, and he will be joined by talented compatriots Julien Anquetin and Julien Gonin. In addition, Austria’s Max Kühner will return to London with fond memories, having celebrated multiple CSI5*-W victories at this prestigious event.
London International Horse Show will truly be ‘international’ this year, with riders from several other nations also travelling to the Excel to compete, including Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca, Spain’s Mariano Martinez Bastida, and Portugal’s Duarte Seabra to name a few.
To find a complete list of entries please click here.
