British team tackle horseball challenge
The British horseball team take on Europe’s best in Portugal this week
Britain’s horseball team is on course for a good result in the European Horseball Cup at Beja, Portugal, which begins today (8-12 October).
“Britain has a solid team of eight riders, who have plenty of international experience and are well prepared for this year’s event,” says the British Horseball Association’s spokesman, Kevan Smith.
“The team gave a strong performance in Germany earlier this year when they were only narrowly beaten by France and are feeling very positive for the Europeans.”
The team’s eight horses have travelled for three days to reach theirdestination at the cost of around £5,000. Gatesb2b.com, www.lowther-industries.com and David Wilson Trailers.com have helped the team find the necessary funds to travel to Portugal.
“We are extremely grateful for the support givenby Gatesb2b.com, www.lowther-industries.com and David Wilson Trailers.com because we receive no help from the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) at present,” explains Kevan, who is aiming to achieve BEF recognition for the sport.
The riders, who are aged between 18 and 26, are all amateurs who have taken time off work to represent their country.
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The team is:
- Kevin Burton (Captain)
- David Gardner
- David Worthington
- Donna Allen
- Carly Brewis
- Will Haynes
- Rachael Yarborough
- Stuart Copeland
Britain will be competing against some of Europe’s top horseball nations, including last year’s European champions and the sport’s founder, France. Also in the British draw are Austria and Spain. The other group includes Belgium, Portugal, Italy and Germany.
“While it would be amazing to win, I think third or fourth would be a more realistic aim and a good result for the team,” says Kevan. “We are hopeful for an even better result at next year’s event which will be held in the UK, probably at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.”
To find out more about the sport of horseball visit www.horseball.org.uk
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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.