‘They’ll set the event on fire’ Shetland ponies set to take Hong Kong by storm

A team of Shetlands is set to take Hong Kong by storm this month as organisers feel they will “set the event on fire”.

Star combinations from the Shetland Pony Grand National series are flying out to take part in the first Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, which runs from 14-16 February and is managed by HPower, the team behind the London International Horse Show and Royal Windsor.

The show features CSI5* showjumping – John and Jack Whitaker and Scott Brash are among the entries – and displays, as well as the famous racing Shetlands.

“The team wanted to bring a touch of London to Hong Kong and also provide them with a ‘never before seen’ experience,” a spokesperson for HPower told H&H. “Knowing that horse racing is very popular in Hong Kong, it was felt that the perfect fit for the show would be to take some riders from the Shetland Pony Grand National out to Hong Kong. Some of the riders that were seen in the finals at London International will be making the trip eastwards in February. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is one of the partners for the new Hong Kong show and the excitement is already mounting.”

Event director Jo Peck added that the team is delighted to be able to take the ponies and riders.

“We know that this will set the event on fire – it being a completely new experience to the Hong Kong audience who are so proud of their horse racing,” she told H&H. “I’m convinced these horses and riders are going to be an instant hit.”

Those who took part in the London puissance last year were invited to do the same, and the six-bar, in Hong Kong. The puissance entry list includes Brits Seb Hughes, Gemma Stevens, Nathan Bull, Maisy Williams, Elliott Smith and Paul Gaff.

It was announced last September that the first Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show would run, and that it is to be an annual event.

“It is a collaboration to bring world-class equestrian excellence to Hong Kong,” a spokesperson for the event said at the time. “Longines, the title sponsor with the founding partner the Hong Kong Jockey Club and partners Cathay Cargo and the Hong Kong Tourism Board, have thrown their full support behind LHKIHS, to create one of the most distinguished events in the equestrian calendar.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in: