British pony European championships

Five of Britain’s most talented pony show jumpers have been chosen to represent their country at the Pony European Championships being held in Freudenberg, Germany from 18-22 July.

The squad will comprise Zoe Adams and V.I.P Tixylix, Pippa Allen on Spot The Lady, James Smith and My Nice Guy, Emma Stoker riding Trefilan Talisman and Jordan Whittaker with Edsilia. The non-travelling reserve is Rebecca Roe with Aroldo, who were members of the 2006 Pony European Gold Medal winning team.

Britain’s pony show jumping team have an outstanding medal tally at the Pony European Championships having won nine team gold medals and one team silver medal in the last 10 years. The riders chosen to represent Britain in Germany have recently demonstrated their talent and form to claim their places on the squad.

Zoe Adams and V.I.P Tixylix won the John Whitaker International Winter Classic at the Royal Show, the grand prix at Norton Heath and were members of the winning Nations Cup Team in Aach.

Pippa’s ride Spot The Lady won European Gold Medal with Jodie Ward in 2004. This will be Pippa’s first European Championships, but the pair have already proved their worth on the Pony Nations Cup Team who were second in Wierden, as well as finishing second in the winter classic at the Royal Show.

James will also be contesting his first pony European Championships, but he has had many wins with Mr Nice Guy including the grand prix at Dabbs Arena and the 148cm Final at Rowallan, along with Home Pony International appearances in 2006.

Emma and Trefilan Talisman were on the Nations Cup Team who were second in Wierden and were second in the John Whitaker International Grand Prix at the Royal Show.

Jordan and Edsilia have had a successful start to the year with wins in the Junior Show Jumper of the Year qualifiers and a win at Pony of the Year Show, as well as appearing on the Nations Cup Team who were second in Wierden.

The squad will be accompanied to the European Championships by pony chairman Clare Whitaker, chef d’equipe Katrina Moore, team trainer Alan Fazakerley and team vet Mark Sinnott.

Carol Phillips

H&H website editor

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.