RIHS 2013: Breaking Down Thursday's Marquee Showcases

On Thursday, the Longines Royal International Horse Show will progress into its third day in Hickstead, England, and the Amlin Plus Eventing Grand Prix is one of the unique headliners kicking off August's action.

It is a spectacle that combines the finesse of eventing and the physical prowess of showjumping for some of the world's most elite horses. Since the event began in 1998, showjumpers have very seldom won against eventers, since the latter are more well-rounded in competition.

Additionally, there is the Leeman Family Supreme Hunter Championship, in which the top-notch hunters do battle for supremacy and thrill the crowd in Hickstead Place.

Below is a brief breakdown of each of the day's top events.

Note: All background information is courtesy of the Royal International Horse Show's official website.

Amlin Plus Eventing Grand Prix

It's always interesting to see how the pure showjumpers adjust to the cross-country and dressage skills.

As the official website points out, the Breen brothers from Ireland have dominated the podium in recent years. Shane Breen claimed victory at the Grand Prix in the Royal Windsor Horse Show back in May too, so that gives him momentum entering this competition.

Maybe the hot streak can be attributed to Breen hanging around Superman himself, Man of Steel star Henry Cavill (h/t Flickr).

This competition, which blends the talents of horses in a special way, was conceived by Douglas Bunn, Paul Schockemohle and Robert Lemieux.

While the outcomes have been relatively one-sided in terms of the type of horse that wins and which family comes away with the prizes, this will still be a captivating challenge to witness. The horses will perform jumps in the International Arena, jump outside the ring and traverse through a river into the gardens of Hickstead Place.

Leeman Family Supreme Hunter Championship

The unquestioned star of this event is Louise Bell, who has taken home an unprecedented 10 titles, according to Horse & Countryside's website.

Bell has shifted her focus a bit to the dressage as of late, so she should be a factor in the dressage and Grand Prix before this event.

However, Bell has to be considered the prohibitive favorite to take home yet another title at Hickstead. She took home two Working Hunter sections at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

The presentation of this showcase is slated for 2:15 p.m. local time, while the Grand Prix will get underway at 3 p.m. BST.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/henrycavillfanpage/7620465994/

http://www.horseandcountryside.com/features/horsey/18-interview-with-10-time-supreme-working-hunter-champion-louise-bell