The French Equestrian Federation has announced the Grand Prix dressage squads for 2019.
At the beginning of the year, the French Federation (FFE) notified its members about the new squad and team selection criteria for 2019-2020.
The Grand Prix A- and B-squad are named Group 1 and 2 in France. From Group 1 the actual team riders will be selected for this year's competitive goal: the 2019 European Championships in Rotterdam, where Olympic team qualification for Tokyo can be achieved.
To be submitted to the A-squad (Group 1), riders have to score more than 70% three times at a national Grand Prix of CDI 3* of which one show has to be at least abroad. The results have to be achieved in a period of 12 months and the most recent score can not be older than six months. For Group 2 riders have to achieve three times 68% or once 70% on the same competitions and in same conditions.
The national shows were squad scores can be achieved is a special Grand Prix circuit in France with seven legs: Le mans, Jardy, Cluny, Vierzon (national championship), Compiègne, Mâcon, and Saint-Lo.
Emmannuelle Schramm, FFE Dressage Director, told Eurodressage that "the groups may change each week-end. Getting in or out depends on the performances of the riders. Participation in international competition depends on which group you belong as a combination."
Only group 1 listed riders can compete in CDI 4/5*, CDIO, CDI-W.
"When we observe the international level, 70% - 71 % seems to represent now the performance expected in Rotterdam to qualify for the Games in Tokyo," Schramm continued. "That's the reason why the French Federation wanted to clearly show the goal to achieve."
Group 1
- Morgan Barbançon Mestre - Sir Donnerhall II
Group 2
- Morgan Barbançon Mestre - Bolero
- Stephanie Brieussel - Amorak
- Nicole Favereau - Ginsengue
- Remy Issartel - Dark Pleasure
- Bertrand Liegard - Star Wars
- Anne Sophie Serre - Vistoso de Massa
- Arnaud Serre - Ultrablue de Massa
- Jean Philippe Siat - Lovesong
Remarkably absent from the groups are French team riders Marie Emilie Bretenoux (Quartz of Jazz), whose last performance over 68% is older than six months ago, and Ludovic Henry (After You) whose does not have the 3x 68% or 1x 70% for group submission.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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