British Dressage has announced the short list of eight potential squad members who carry Britain's hopes of qualifying for the Athens Olympics at the European Dressage Championships at Hickstead, England.
Hot favourites include Richard Davison who has scored consistently well abroad riding Ballaseyr Royale and German-based Emma Hindle on chestnut stallion Wie Weltmeyer, who were the best of the British at Aachen CDIO recently, qualifying for the Kur and finishing in 11th and 15th places respectively.
The short list also includes six other top British combinations: 2002 National Champion Nicky Barrett (Giorgio S), Fiona Bigwood (Habana), Emile Faurie (Rascher Hopes), Carl Hester (Escapado), Nicola McGivern (Active Walero), Laura Richardson (Millenium)
In order to qualify for Athens the British team must finish as one of the top two teams outside those already qualified at WEG last year. The short trip to Hickstead should see the horses arrive and compete at the top of their game in front of a sell-out home crowd.
By Diana Williams
Image copyrighted: Dirk Caremans
depicting Richard Davison on his 2001 European Championships' mount Hiscox Askari
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