Mandy Stibbe has been appointed chairman of British Eventing’s (BE) senior championship selection committee after BE’s four-yearly review of selection panels.
Mandy is joined by Ian Stark, Angela Tucker and Bridget Parker on this committee, which will select the squad for each year’s senior championship, such as this year’s European Championships at Fontainebleau, France (24-27 September).
These four have all been senior selectors for the past four years and Mandy was previously chairman of the committee from 1999 to 2004.
Lucinda Green — outgoing chairman of the senior selectors — is now a member of a new, separate committee, set up to choose riders for all senior international competitions other than the annual championship. The other people on the new committee are Bridget Parker (chairman), Robin Balfour and Nick Turner.
“I am delighted to have been asked to join the international selection committee and I look forward to building on the current success of British riders internationally,” said Nick, a four-star rider, member of BE’s coaching development team and fellow of the British Horse Society.
Under-21 committees
The young rider, junior and pony committees have also been reviewed. Frances Hay-Smith has been appointed to act as selector for all three levels in northern England and Scotland.
Alex Colquhoun steps up to the position of chairman of the young rider selectors, taking over from David Merrett, who retired last year. Sarah Bullen remains on the committee and Caroline Moore is a new addition to the panel.
Robin Balfour remains as junior selection chairman. He is joined by Rosemary Jennings and Alice Miller, while the junior selectors also work closely with Lady Sue Clark, who is chairman of the junior regional novice (JRN) programme.
At pony level, Ginnie Keen retains the chairmanship, with Jancis Tulloch and Colonel Peter Hervey also on the committee. As well as Frances Hay-Smith, Sarah Hancox is also new to the pony selection committee, having first become involved with the level through her daughter Emma, who was on the gold medal-winning pony team in 2005.
“It is with great pride that I join such a team as the ponies,” said Sarah. “It’s a pleasure to be able to give something back to BE at a level where many of our young hopefuls will start.”
