Young riders prepare for Sweden
The British Young Rider squad will be aiming to, go one better than last year’s silver medal-winning performance at the European Championships in Segersjo, Sweden next month (26–28 August 2005).
The six-strong squad has been chosen from 15 who took part in the final trial at Aston Le Walls. Sara Mayberry ensured her place on the team with a winning performance on her own Tommy Pink. Mayberry will be making her debut on the Hartpury College Squad after coming ninth at the under 25 championships at Bramham in June.
The sole surviving member of last year’s team, Olivia Haddow with her own Patris Filius, is included of the squad, alongside the newly crowned under 25’s champion Phoebe Buckley, riding Val Gingell’s The Busker.
Squad newcomers, Dominic Ruane and his own The Highwayman VII who took fourth place at Bramham, Melissa Shawcross and her own Swansong II and former junior squad member Gemma Tattersall with Clare Heron’s Jesters Quest, will fill the three remaining places.
The four riders who will form the team will be chosen after the initial trot-up at Segersjo, with the remaining two competing as individuals.
Reigning champions Germany are expected to present the biggest challenge to the British riders at the championships, where the dressage scores are crucial.
“We have got a good team and should certainly be in contention for a medal,” says BE’s Paul Graham. “Germany will undoubtedly be our biggest rivals, because they are so strong in the dressage. With the Young Rider cross-country being only two-star level, they can kick their dressage horses round, while we have to chase their dressage score.”
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The reserve riders are Francesca Ludlam, 19, with Horus De Ligniere; Chloe Newton, 20, with Drop Dead Gorgeous and Alexandra Postolowsky with First Noel.
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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.