Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates of the Show?

The dates for the Show for 2008 are Tuesday 16th December to Monday 22nd December. The evenings of 16th and 17th December will be dressage only with no afternoon performances. All other performances include two jumping competitions.

What time do the performances start?

Afternoon performances start at 1pm and evening performances start at 7.00pm.

Who is competing?

We don’t yet know who is competing as the entry forms are still going out. However you can be pretty certain that you will see your favourite dressage and show jumping stars as Olympia is such an important event in their calendar.

What happens in the Dressage Grand Prix?

The object of Dressage is the development of the physique of the horse and the harmony between rider and horse. High quality is revealed by freedom and regularity of the paces, lightness and ease of the movements. The horse gives the impression of doing the movements on his own accord because of the small and invisible aids of the rider. In all competitions, the horse has to show three paces: walk, trot and canter, as well as transitions between the paces and transitions within the paces (collection - extension - collection).There are tests with different degrees of difficulty. In lower-level tests, there are movements as Halt, Rein-back Volte, Walk-pirouettes and lateral movements. In medium levels there are also flying changes in canter. At Grand Prix level, the most difficult level, which will be seen at Olympia and is also ridden at the Olympic Games, there are movements like Piaffe, where the horse gives the impression of trotting on the spot and Passage which is a trot with suspension and elevation.

What happens in the Kur?

At Olympia there are two tests, the Grand Prix and the Kur or Freestyle Test to Music . In the Free Style to Music, the rider can choose the music, the choreography and the sequence of movements that have to be shown. In the Free Style test, the technical skill and the artistic performance are evaluated. On the artistic part, one of the most important things is that the horse can do all the movements in the rhythm to the music.

Which is the most exciting Show Jumping competition?

It really depends on what you like. The most important event is the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping on H&M Sunday (afternoon), The Accenture Puissance on Friday evening is great fun as the horses jump higher and higher and the Olympia Grand Prix on Monday evening is also very important.

Who won last year?

Puissance - William Whitaker (Insul Tech Leonardo)

World Cup (Jumping) - Jessica Kurten )Castle Forbes Libertina)

Grand Prix - Albert Zoer (Oki Doki)

World Cup (Dressage) - Anky Van Grunsven (IPS Salinero)

What are the displays this year?

Highlight displays are The Musical Drive of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery and Lorenzo, The Flying Frenchman, but you can be sure that you will see all the old favourites such as the Kennel Club Dog Agility, and the Shetland Pony Grand National. This year the finale will celebrate ’A Highland Christmas’.

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets for the 2008 show will go on sale on 23rd June when you will be able to either buy online or by calling the box office directly.

If I want to pay by cheque what do I do?

Send your cheque with a covering letter indicating preferred seating requirements to: See, The Hollows, St. James St, Nottingham, NGI 6FJ. Cheques need to be made payable to ’Way Ahead’.

If I only want to visit the shopping village, what do I do?

You can buy ’Only Shopping’ tickets for £7.

How do I get to Olympia?

Directions for Olympia can be found on the how to get there page in this section - just click on the right page top left.

Is there any parking?

Yes, there is parking, but it is limited. It is suggested that if you wish to travel by car you should book your parking beforehand. Telephone 0871 871 9809.

What time does the evening performance finish?

Evening performances generally finish at about 10.45pm. If you are traveling by public transport make sure that the trains and tubes are still running for your journey home.

Is there anywhere to eat after it finishes?

Yes, Pizza Express has a franchise at Olympia and this usually keeps taking tables after the performances.

Is there a cloakroom?

Yes, there are cloakrooms in the entrances to the National Hall and the Grand Hall.

Is there disabled access?

Yes. You are best advised to telephone the disabled hotline for all the latest advice on visiting: 020 7370 8078.

Is photography allowed?

Flash photography is prohibited in the Grand Hall, whilst performances are on, for the safety of horses and riders. Video recording equipment is also prohibited, but a DVD of the Show will be available after the event - details will appear on this website.

Do I need to buy a ticket for my toddler/baby?

As long as the child is small enough to sit on your lap throughout the performance, they won’t need a separate ticket. Anyone requiring a seat must purchase a ticket.

My tickets still haven’t arrived, where are they?

Tickets will be dispatched from the beginning of September, and you should receive them within 7-10 days. If you have not received them 7 days before the performance, please contact the Box Office.

I live abroad, how will I receive my tickets?

Your tickets will be posted to you. If you are leaving for the UK before they arrive, just let us know and we’ll arrange for them to be delivered to a suitable UK address.

I have pre-booked a programme, will it be sent to me?

When you pre-book programmes, you will in fact be sent a voucher with your tickets, which can be redeemed on site for a programme. The reason for this is that programmes are printed as late as possible to ensure that the information contained in them (entries etc) are as accurate as possible.

How can I find a coach tour operator coming from near where I live?

We suggest that you look in your local newspapers to see what trips are being run from your location. You could also try searching for coach operators close to you on the ABTA site: http://www.abta.com/2002/addr2000.html

Does my ticket include entry to the morning classes?

Afternoon tickets include entry to the morning classes and the afternoon performance on that one day, evening tickets entitle you to attend the evening performance only.

What time do the doors open?

On Tuesday 16th December doors open at 5pm and Wednesday 17th December at 12 noon. For the remainder of the show doors will open at 9am for the afternoon performances. For the evening performances doors will open at 1.00pmpm.

Is there a half price ticket offer available this year?

This year there is no half price ticket offer.

I would like to reserve a seat in the Members Restaurant?

The reservation telephone number for the restaurant is 020 7598 2772 .

I don’t have seats in the Members Enclosure, but I would like to eat in the Member’s Restaurant, can I do it?

If you reserve a table in the Members Restaurant for a performance for which you’ve purchased tickets (proof of purchase will be required), an arrangement will be made for you to gain access to the Members Restaurant. The telephone number for reservations in the restaurant is 020 7598 2772.

How can I qualify to compete in the Shetland Pony Grand National?

Ponies and Jockeys train for 12 months and must be registered members of the Shetland Pony Performance Stud Book. For further information on how to register please send a stamped addressed envelope, to: Emma Leivers, SPGN, The Knowe, Roadhead, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 6PG.

Can I book tickets for the double dressage package online?

Unfortunately this offer can only be booked through the telephone booking line on 0844 412 4634.

I didn’t receive an email confirming my booking?

This can be for a number of reasons, and doesn’t necessarily mean that your booking didn’t go through. For example many AOL accounts can’t receive the confirmation email. Try the ticket tracker facility to check your booking has gone through.

Can I make a group booking online?

The maximum number of tickets that can be booked in one go online is 10, for groups larger than this you will need to telephone the Box Office on 0844 412 4634 and ask for Group Bookings, and a group booking advisor will be able to assist you.

Is there a discount for groups?

Yes, there are discounts for certain performances. Check the Ticket Prices page.

Is there a discount for children?

Yes, there is a discount for certain performances, check the ticket prices page.

If you still cannot find the answer to your question click here to submit a question to us.

FAQs