Olympia Horse Show confirms charity of the year

The Animal Health Trust (AHT) has been confirmed as the Olympia Horse Show 2013's charity of the year for its contribution to equine welfare.

Each year the show, which pulls in around 80,000 visitors, selects a charity to support. This year, the AHT has been recognised for its work monitoring equine disease globally, identifying threats and putting plans in place to head off infectious diseases in the UK.

In addition to this, the charity has been honoured this year for its ongoing research into minimising the risk of injury to sport horses.

Jo Peck, marketing director for the Olympia Horse Show, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the Animal Health Trust this year.

"The Show Committee selected the AHT from a number of charities as they felt its work deserved recognition amongst the equestrian community.

"The afternoon performance on Wednesday 18 December will be dedicated to the Animal Health Trust and 50p from every seat sold will go to the AHT."

AHT representatives will man the Shopping Drop Off Point, where visitors can find out how research undertaken by the charity has affected sport horses, as well as dogs and cats.

Previous charities to be recognised by the show include World Horse Welfare, the Horse Trust and the Ebony Horse Club.

This year's show will take place throughout the week beginning December 16 in the Olympia Exhibition Halls in Hammersmith, West London. The event includes international competition for show jumping, dressage and driving.

Image credit: Kit Houghton