Local charity, Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony, is set to be the official charity at Olympia, The London International Horse Show 2017.

Founded by the late Hannah Francis, a successful young event rider, when diagnosed with a rare bone cancer, the charity aims to support vital research into osteosarcoma, together with granting Willberry’s Wishes to seriously ill people with the aim of enriching their lives through equestrian experiences. Hannah was so touched by the generosity of many in the equestrian world who allowed her to do likewise, and was determined to be able to do the same for others.

Supporting Hannah’s legacy, the charity has continued to grow and capture the hearts of the equestrian community, raising £750,000 in public donations within a year of becoming an official charity.

The charity has received an extraordinary amount of support from the equestrian world, particularly the Dressage and Eventing community, including Olympic Dressage star and charity patron, Carl Hester, and International Eventer, Ben Hobday. Hobday completed the cross-country phase of Badminton Horse Trials in 2016 accompanied by the charity mascot, Willberry. Olympic rider, Kitty King, is another of the charity’s patrons, and has also been immensely supportive.

Simon Brookes-Ward, show producer for Olympia, said: “Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony is a great charity that has drawn together so many through a common interest. We hope that the partnership can benefit this cause greatly, not only through increased awareness, but also in terms of fundraising and granting Willberry’s Wishes.”

Charity trustee, Miles Toulson-Clarke, said: “Working with Olympia is an important opportunity for us to be able to connect with the wider equestrian audience, extending to the Show Jumping world.

“Hannah would be simply amazed to see the prominence her charity has achieved and this partnership will enable us to continue growing in order to support those like Hannah, and to further the support of vital research.”

The first international horse show took place in the Olympia halls in 1907.

The event we see today was started by Raymond Brooks-Ward in 1971.

This year’s show will take place on Tuesday, 12th to Monday, 18th December, in the Olympia Exhibition Hall, located in West Kensington, London. Host to three World Cup competitions in Carriage Driving, Show Jumping and Dressage, the event is expecting many of the world’s top riders to compete.