Excitement is building as world class equestrian stars are confirmed in the line-up for The TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Horse Show at the M&S Bank Arena – December 28 to 31.
From the very best showjumping in the TheraPlate UK Grand Prix and Hope Valley Saddlery Puissance, to star performances by Carl Hester in this year’s Equitop GLME Freestyle Dressage to Music, as well as the all new John Oates Horseboxes Eventing Grand Prix, 2019 look set to be a truly memorable event.
The Whitaker dynasty will be out in force with showjumping legends John and Michael thrilling spectators, joined by son’s Robert and Jack, and niece Ellen. Other leading GB riders include Holly Smith, Guy Williams, William Funnell, Louise Saywell, Matthew Sampson and Georgia Tame.
Showjumper Shane Breen will be flying the flag for Ireland, along with Daniel Coyle and Billy Twomey, a two time Liverpool Champion, Anthony Condon, Richard Howley and Mikey Pender.
Polish rider Andrzej Oplatek is also heading to the M&S Bank Arena after major success in Salzburg with his main contenders Stakkatan and Conthinder. Other top showjumpers from overseas travelling to the show include Sweden’s Angelie Von Essen, Andy Kocher from the USA and Australian rider Rowan Willis.
As well as the legendary Carl Hester competing in the The Equitop GLME Freestyle, leading names Emma Hindle, Louise Bell, Henriette Anderson, Ulrik Moelgaard and Sarah Higgins will showcase Dressage to Music at both Grand Prix and Inter 1 level for the first time.
Former 5 star winning event rider, Ruth Edge, will also be joining the dressage line-up for the first time. Ruth hung up her eventing boots in 2016, and has since established herself as one of the country’s leading dressage riders, already having won multiple National titles, and scoring top results at Grand Prix level.
The John Oates Horseboxes Eventing Grand Prix final is set to attract major names including Gemma Tattersall, a winner at the Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show in June, Nicky Hill who galloped to success at the Equitop Bolesworth Young Horse Championship qualifier in August, and World and British Number 1 event rider, Oliver Townend, well known for his speed against the clock.
Irishman Cathal Daniels took the honours at Stuttgart’s indoor eventing competition just beating fellow countryman, Padraig McCarthy – with both heading to Liverpool to take up the challenge while the in-form Laura Collett – a big winner at Boekelo in October will be hoping her great run continues.
Emily King, Janette Brakewell, Polly Stockton, Izzy Taylor and Paul Tapner will also be battling it out for a place on the winner’s podium in this exciting final.
The four evening and two afternoon performances at the M&S Bank Arena are set to bring spectators another equestrian extravaganza building up to a New Year’s Eve celebration like no other.
With great family entertainment including the Shetland Pony Grand National, brilliant musical acts, high octane entertainment and world class equestrian sport there’s something for everyone.
For further information and to buy your tickets and experiences visit www.liverpoolhorseshow.com
