Show jumper Peter Charles has been given clearance by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to compete on British teams.
Liverpool-born Peter, who has an Irish mother, switched from British to Irish nationality in 1992. Peter competed in two Olympics and three World Games under the Irish banner before breaking his back in October 2006.
During his convalescence, Peter set into motion a switch back to compete for Britain (news, 15 February 2007), telling H&H: “I was born and live in Britain and have British owners, I pay British taxes: it makes sense.”
Initially, a three-year period before being allowed to compete on British teams was implemented by the FEI, but Peter has successfully had this reduced and was given the go-ahead on 15 December.
“Now my horses will be available for British teams. I’ve got a lot of good horses now and I think it will give Derek [Ricketts] more options,” said Peter.
British show jumping team manager Derek Ricketts added: “Peter is a top-class rider with a good backer and good horses, it will give us more choice.”
www.bsja.co.uk
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (3 January, ’07)
