The British Dressage Pony Selectors have confirmed the four names who will make up the team for the 2018 European Pony Championships held on home soil at Bishop Burton in East Yorkshire, from 8 – 12 August 2018.
The British pony team includes:
- Megan Barratt (16) on Susan Barratt’s Valido’s Starlight (14yrs, by Valido x Capri Moon)
- Isobel Lickley (14) on Rob and Nicola Lickley’s Valido’s Sunshine (15yrs, by Valido)
- Annabella Pidgley (13) on Sarah Pidgely’s Ine (11yrs, by Constantin x Handryk)
- Sophie Taylor (15) on her own George Clooney B.S. (7yrs, by Caesar 171)
Reserves:
- Holly Kerslake (14) on her own Valhallas Zorro (9yrs, by Valhallas Lord Matrafal)
- Olivia Wrennall (16) on her own Donna Schuflo (10yrs, by Don Schufro x Florett As)
Jason Brautigam, Chief Executive for British Dressage, commented: “With so many strong pony combinations coming forward for selection this year and some great performances to match, it’s been a tough job for our Selectors this year, with very little separating the top six riders. In Megan, Isobel, Annabella and Sophie we have a strong mix of talent, experience and ability to fly the flag and hopefully challenge for a medal.”
“I’d encourage everyone to visit Bishop Burton to see the next generation in action and get behind the riders, as home support makes a huge difference. We are really looking forward to hosting the European Championships in the UK and wish all of the riders and their connections the best of luck next week.”
The squad of six will travel to Kilbees Farm in Berkshire for a final training camp this weekend (4 – 5 August) before making the journey north to Bishop Burton on Monday. Competition gets underway on Wednesday 8 August with two days of the team test, where the first medals will be decided, before the riders then battle for individual honours on Friday and Saturday, with the freestyle on Sunday bringing the championships to a close.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2018 European Pony Championships