SOME of the world’s leading show jumpers will be out in force at this year’s Liverpool International Horse Show as they battle it out for a place in the prestigious Theraplate UK Grand Prix on New Year’s Eve.

The Whitaker dynasty will be represented by elder statesmen John and Michael who are set to compete at this festive show jumping finale which will round off 2018 in style at the Echo Arena, December 28th to 31st next.

Leading British stars, Laura Renwick, Robert Smith, William Funnell, Harriet Nutall, Harry Charles and Nigel Coupe will be joining them to provide the very best show jumping sport in the run up to the New Year.

The show is always a huge draw for Irish riders and two-times Grand Prix winner, Cork's Billy Twomey will have plenty of support with Tipperary's Shane Breen, Waterford's Anthony Condon, Galway's Michael Duffy and Co Down's Conor Swail also in action.

Overseas riders include Frenchman Felicie Bertrand, Germany’s Tobias Meyer and leading American rider, Andrew Kocher.

The Sunday night Equitop GLME Puissance is certainly building to what looks set to be one of the hottest competitions of the show.

Fighting it out for the leading awards are puissance specialists Ireland's David Simpson, Kilkenny's Mikey Pender with Hearton de Bois Halleux, James Smith riding Cycloon W, Nano Healy who was a winner of the Balinasloe and Cavan International puissance classes when clearing 2.10m, and Michael Whyte another to clear well over two metres.

Show president Nina Barbour said: “The puissance is always such a crowd pleaser and we are delighted that so many of the inform stars are heading to Liverpool. The Sunday evening is really building up to be a must see performance.”

DRESSAGE STARS

As well as the legendary Charlotte Dujardin competing in the Equitop Myoplast sponsored Inter 1 Freestyle – Dressage to Music class, leading names Sophie Wells, Nikki Barker, Amy Woodhead, Ulrik Molgaard, Katie Bailey and Kate Lister will be riding at their best to take the coveted title at Liverpool International Horse Show.

Britain’s finest, Carl Hester will also be in attendance at the show for a meet and greet, as will the iconic and record-breaking Valegro for a parade and celebration of his amazing success.

Said Liverpool International Horse Show, Dressage Consultant, Richard Davison: “The show is one of the most exciting on the international calendar and it is great to have dressage back for a second year.

“We can always rely on Charlotte Dujardin to provide a masterclass when it comes to competition riding and we also have the very best judges in Jo Graham and Debbie Jones to deliberate over those much sought after leading scores.”

Added Liverpool International Horse Show President, Nina Barbour: “We are delighted to be bringing dressage to the show once again and to have Charlotte and her fellow competitors at the event is just fantastic.

“The sport of dressage has grown beyond recognition and we are looking forward to watching some of the most talented and up and coming dressage horses in the country as they work towards Grand Prix.

“The Echo Arena is a fantastic venue and there will certainly be plenty of atmosphere to give the crowd a real taste of top class dressage.”

As well as dressage on the opening night, December 28, for those visitors making it a New Year to remember they can look forward to a showjumping feast on New Year’s Eve, December 31, with the prestigious Theraplate UK Grand Prix one of the highlights, when leading names will battle it out to take top honours.

Hospitality at The Liverpool International Horse Show is second to none and makes a fantastic present for great friends and family. Whether on the purpose-built platform at the head of the arena or in one of the VIP boxes – you won’t be disappointed.

This year’s Liverpool International Horse Show will see a host of leading names in action from December 28th to 31st at The Echo Arena on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront.

For further information and to book tickets visit www.liverpoolhorseshow.com

To reserve VIP Hospitality tickets on the purpose-built stage at the head of the arena please contact Hospitality Manager, Melanie Simm on 01829 307676.