Preview: Military riders set to compete at Forces Show Jumping Final

The top eight forces show jumpers are set to compete at the Forces Show Jumping Final at the London International Horse Show on Friday where the military champion of 2022 will be crowned. 

The Forces Show Jumping Final is the culmination of competitions at horse shows and championships that have taken place throughout the year. 

The top eight military riders who have qualified for this event against dozens of military riders and horses, will have their chance to compete at the pinnacle event on the military show jumping calendar. 

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This year's competition will see the return of four riders who reached last year's final, including last year's sixth-place finisher Major Zoe Andrew, who is back on her horse Whizz. 

The eighth-place finisher from last year, Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael McGrath, who is based at the Defence Animal Regiment at Melton Mowbray, will once again be riding working military horse Middleham. He will face competition, however, from new rider Bombadier Lara Hills on her horse Gem.

Newcomer Petty Officer Amy Taylor, the only finalist from the Navy, will be on her horse Bruno, and also back is last year's seventh-place finisher Trooper Dylan Hinton, who will be on his new horse Atlas. 

Air Trooper Will Field, from 675 Squadron Army Air Corps, will compete in his first final on his horse Dave, and he will be joined by Sergeant Louise Hoyle of the Adjutant General's Corps who will be riding Dior. 

Thought to be the favourite to take this year's title is Lance Corporal Laura Charley from the 16 Signal Regiment, who will be back on her horse Fern, who she has had since she was five.

Second at last year's event and the jump champions in 2018, LCpl Charley will be leaning on her experience to help her and Fern to the title this year. 

The London International Horse Show will commence on 15-19 December at the ExCel London, with the Forces Show Jumping Final taking place on Friday 16 December.