British vaulters take top spots at International Vaulting Masters
British vaulters graced two of the top three spots on the podium at the International Vaulting Masters last weekend (6-7 December).
European Champion Joanne Eccles retained her senior female title, winning the Masters for the second consecutive year. Joanne is unbeaten in international competition this year.
And fellow Brit Lucy Phillips (pictured) produced a top performance to finish third on her debut at the event, held in Paris.
“This rounds off a fantastic year for Joanne and Lucy, who have really made a name for themselves on the international circuit,” said chef d’equipe Lucy Bell.
“Work now begins towards the World Equestrian Games next October which both girls have already been selected for.”
Joanne from Tillicoultry, Scotland competed on her horse WH Bentley, lunged by her father, John Eccles.
Lucy from Solihull competed on her own Pitucelli, who was named best horse at the European Championships in Sweden in the summer. Lucy was lunged in Paris by Elka Schelp-Lensing.
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In second was Marion Graf from Switzerland.
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.