Who’s on the pony eventing team?
The five British pony eventing team riders heading for the European Championships in Germany have been named
British Eventing has announced the five riders who will be carrying British hopes at the Pony European Championships at Hagen, Germany (30 July-4 August).
The team will comprise of 16-year-old Tamsyn Hutchins with the experienced former European Gold medal-winning pony Harry Hotshot; Holly Rayner (16) with her own 14.2hh Kaleburn; Lucy Eggington (15) with the eight-year-old mare Abbas Liberty Bell; and Angus Smales (15) with his nine-year-old 14hh gelding Cornsay Sam.
Sixteen-year-old Alice Whitehead from Devizes, Wilts is the British individual with the 14.2hh chestnut gelding Killusty Prince.
Team reserve is Tamsyn Hutchins with Hells Angel, while Tara Morrison (14) and Billy Joe Bob are reserve for the individual.
Theteam was confirmed following a final selection weekend at Stonar School in Melksham, Wilts, with team vet Hattie Lawrence and team trainer Jonquil Hemming on 29-30 June.
New sponsor announced
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The five riders heading to Germany can look forward to enjoy the support of the team’s new title sponsor, Derby House Saddlery.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Derby House Saddlery on board,” says chairman of the pony selectors Ginnie Keen. “We havea strong squad this year and hopes for a medal are extremely high. We learnt a lot about Hagen during our last visit two years ago and plan to put our experiences to good use.”
The riders will get together for team training on 24 July atBadminton House, Glos, before setting off for Germany on Sunday 28 July.
In addition to Derby House Saddlery’s title sponsorship, the team will receive additional support from NEW Equine Wear (leg protection), The Stable Door Saddlery (day rugs) and Charles Owen & Company (hats and body protectors).
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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.