About London International Horse Show
The London International Horse Show is one of the oldest fixtures in the equestrian calendar. The first International Horse Show in London opened at Olympia in 1907, and after spells away, including a post-war revival at White City, it returned to Olympia in 1972 and became a fixture of the run-up to Christmas. Building work at Olympia led to a move to ExCeL London in 2021, where it has stayed.
At its heart this is a sporting event. It hosts qualifiers for three FEI World Cup series: jumping, introduced in 1979, dressage, added in 2004, and driving, added in 2013. Alongside the international classes there are showing finals, displays and family entertainment spread across two arenas.
For exhibitors the commercial side is the shopping halls, which the move to ExCeL allowed the organisers to expand. More than 200 country and equestrian shops trade over the five days, selling everything from saddlery and riding wear to country clothing, gifts and homeware. Stands are booked by width and depth, and packages include shell walls, lighting, power, carpet and a name board, which keeps the build simple.
The show is managed by The HPower Group and presented by Clarion Events. Because the audience is the riding and horse-loving public, many of them buying Christmas presents, it suits brands selling direct to consumers rather than those seeking trade buyers. Long opening days and a festive atmosphere mean exhibitors should plan staffing and stock levels with care.
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London International Horse Show 2026: what to expect
The 2026 show runs from Thursday 17 to Monday 21 December at ExCeL London, with the London and International Arenas hosting three FEI World Cup competitions in dressage, jumping and driving, the latter ending with the Driving World Cup Final on the Monday. New for this year is the inaugural London International Eventing Challenge, along with Rising Talent dressage classes and new masterclasses. The organisers expect more than 200 country and equestrian shops in the shopping halls.
Five long days in the week before Christmas make this a retail marathon, so plan staff rotas and a restocking route from the outset. Shell-scheme stands come with lighting, power and carpet, so effort is best spent on graphics, merchandising and gift-friendly packaging. Stands offering catering must be arranged directly with ExCeL. Use the show's exhibitor listing and offer codes to attract visitors before they arrive.