BD announces junior and young rider squads for Europeans

British Dressage’s junior and young rider selection committees have announced their squads for the European Championships in Broholm, Denmark (20–24 July).

The all-girl junior team is headed by Samantha Thurman and Spring Pascal.

Emma Corbett makes her team debut with Somerford Premier League winner Furst Diamantino while Pippa Hutton, daughter of international trainer and rider Pammy, also earns her first British flag with Duela.

Olivia Oakeley and Donna Summer, who were part of last year’s team, make up the quartet.

The young rider selectors have elected to send two individuals to represent Great Britain — Melissa Beer and Sophie Wells.

Chief Selector Judy Firmston-Williams said: “While we have seen some promising young rider combinations we feel they are not yet ready or on form at the right time for this year’s championships.

“For this reason, we are sending two individual combinations.”

Melissa will travel to Denmark with her own Celestial King — this will be their first young rider appearance, and Sophie will ride Para Equestrian Dressage double gold winner Pinnochio.

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