Following an unprecedented rise in the interest surrounding pony dressage after the announcement that Millstreet will be hosting the 2014 European Pony Championships, Horse Sport Ireland has implemented a High Performance pony dressage squad.
International rider and trainer Anne Marie Dunphy has been appointed to the role of squad manager and a total of ten riders have been accepted onto the scheme.
The Irish Pony Dressage squad includes Linnea Larkin, Emily-Kate Robinson, Katie Burns, Tabitha Hagerty, Crystal Moore, Alice Foley, Laura Dennehy, William Cahill, Alanna Sullivan and Roisin Muirhead.
Speaking after her appointment, Anne Marie said she is “very honoured” to have been offered the role. “With the European Championships taking place at home this year, we have an excellent opportunity to inspire a new generation of dressage riders in Ireland and I am delighted to be a part of this”.
The scheme places emphasis on sustainable development, and although some members are not yet ready to compete at FEI level, it is hoped that the training and support these riders will receive will help them reach this level in years to come.
“These talented pony riders are our future junior, young rider and senior international stars and I believe this High Performance program will have long-reaching benefits for the development of dressage in Ireland.”
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Anne-Marie Dunphy Appointed Irish Dressage Pony Team Manager
Date Change for 2014 European Pony Championships