Information…

We hope we have here all the answers to your questions about your visit to Olympia. You have reached the FAQs section – this has the answers to even some of the more obscure questions! click here to return to the main information page

FAQs

What are the dates of the Show?

The dates for the 2012 show are 17-23 December

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What time do the performances start?

Afternoon performances will start at approximately 12.30pm and evening performances start at approximately 6.30pm

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Who is competing?

We don’t yet know who is competing as the entry forms will go out in the autumn. 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

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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

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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

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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 Saturday (afternoon), The Alltech Christmas Puissance on Thursday evening is great fun as the horses jump higher and higher and the Olympia Grand Prix on Sundayevening is also very important

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Who won last year?

• Puissance
• Guy Williams – Richi Rich and Pius Schwizer – Koby du Vortellier
• World Cup (Jumping)
  Ben Maher – Tripple X III
• Grand Prix
  Dermott Lennon – Loughview Lou-Lou
• World Cup (Dressage) Qualifier and Grand Prix Freestyle
  Qualifier-Charlotte Dujardin – Valegro
• Grand Prix Freestyle-Laura Bechtolsheimer – Mistral Hojris

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What are the displays this year?

Jean François Pignon and one more yet to be confirmed

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How do I buy tickets?

Tickets for the 2012 show will be on sale at th ebeginning of May

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

Send your cheque with a covering letter indicating preferred seating requirements to: SeeTickets, 4th Floor Norfolk House, 47 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, NGI 2AB. Cheques need to be made payable to ’Way Ahead’.

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

You can buy ’Only Shopping’ tickets through the ticket office

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How do I get to Olympia?

www.eco.co.uk/p/how-to-get-here/94

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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 EC&O Venues on 0207 598 2515.  Please note parking will be available to book from September onwards

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What time does the evening performance finish?

Evening performances generally finish at about 10.45pm. If you are travelling by public transport make sure that the trains and tubes are still running for your journey home ahead of your vist.  All timings are provisional timings only and can change.  Performances can also overrun

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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.

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Is there a cloakroom?

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

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Is there disabled access?

Yes. You are best advised to telephone the disabled hotline for all the latest advice on visiting: 0871 230 5580. All carers go free of charge

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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

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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

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

Tickets will begin to be dispatched from the start 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

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I live abroad, how will I receive my tickets?

All overseas tickets will be sent up to 6 weeks before the show.  Any orders made after this time will be left for ticket collection at the venue, or can be sent to a pre-arranged UK address

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

When you pre-book programmes, you will 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

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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: www.abta.com/2002/addr2000.html

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Does my ticket include entry to the morning sessions?

Afternoon tickets include access to the morning sessions and the afternoon performance on that day, evening tickets entitle you to attend the evening performance only

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What time do the doors open?

Please see the programme page for timings http://www.olympiahorseshow.com/programme/.  Timings are provisional and are subject to change

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Is there a half price ticket offer available this year?

No there is no half price ticket offer

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

The reservation telephone number for the restaurant is 020 7 370 8163

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I don’t have seats in the Members Area, 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 7 370 8163

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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 contact Karen Smiter karens@hpower.co.uk or 01753 847900

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Can I book tickets for the double dressage package online?

Unfortunately this offer can only be booked by calling the box office and is not available online

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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

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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 4650 and ask for Group Bookings, and a group booking advisor will be able to assist you

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Is there a discount for groups?

Yes, there are discounts for certain performances. Check the Ticket Prices page for more information. Groups should be for 20 people or more

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Is there a discount for children?

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

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If you still cannot find the answer to your question click here: info@hpower.co.uk to submit a question to us

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