Winner. Donald Whitaker (GBR) riding Millfield Colette in The AGRIA King George V Gold Cup at The AGRIA Royal International Horse Show, The All England Showground, Hickstead, Sussex, United Kingdom. July 28th 2024
The definite entries for the squad, in partnership with Agria, have been announced ahead of Monday’s (30 June) definite entries deadline. Two riders from the gold medal-winning team at the Paris Olympics are included – Ben Maher and Scott Brash – one who returns to the squad for the first time since the Rio Olympics – Jessica Mendoza – one who returns having competed at the 2023 Europeans – Donald Whitaker – and debutant Matt Sampson.
“This is a hugely exciting group with a mix of experience and huge potential,” said British Equestrian (BEF) jumping performance manager Di Lampard. “Both Ben and Scott have horses making their championship debut, Matt makes a long-awaited first senior championship appearance, Jess is back in the squad for the first time since being named as reserve for Rio 2016 and Donald will be looking to build on the experience he gained at the last European Championships in Milan, with a new horse.
“Collectively the combinations have shown consistently good form this year. We aim to build on this, peaking to be competitive at A Coruña, while using the valuable experience as we build towards next year’s World Championships.”
Final British European Showjumping Championships team
The full list of entries (in alphabetical order by rider surname) is:
Scott Brash with 10-year-old Hello Folie
Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham
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Breeder: Claire Gouin
Breeding: by Luidam, out of a mare by Diamant De Semilly
Groom: David Honnet
Ben Maher with 11-year-old Point Break
Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright
Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola
Breeding: by Action-Breaker, out of a mare by Baloubet Du Rouet
Groom: Gwen Bellamy
Jessica Mendoza with 12-year-old In The Air
Owner: rider
Breeder: C Den Boer
Breeding: by Air Jordan, out of a mare by Indoctro
Groom: Lina Karlsson
Matthew Sampson with 13-year-old Medoc De Toxandria
Owners: Rachel Gredley, William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard
Breeder: Werner Dierckx
Breeding: by Der Senaat III, out of a mare by Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle
Groom: Paul Drew
Donald Whitaker with 12-year-old Millfield Colette
Owners: Reitsportanlage Dagobertshausen GmbH and rider
Breeder: Sue Jaggar
Breeding: by Cornet Obolensky, out of a mare by Clearway
Groom: Brigita Unciute
Direct reserve horses:
Ben Maher with 12-year-old Dallas Vegas Batilly
Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright
Breeder: Jean Claude Viollet
Breeding: by Cap Kennedy, out of a mare by L’Arc De Triomphe
Ben Maher with 11-year-old Enjeu de Grisien
Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright
Breeder: Elevage de Grisien
Breeding: by Toulon, out of a mare by Andiamo
First (non-travelling) reserve:
Robert Whitaker with 12-year-old Vermento
Owners: Caroline and Brian Stephen Blatchford
Breeders: John and Clare Whitaker
Breeding: by Argento, out of a mare by Skippy 12
Second (non-travelling) reserve
Joseph Stockdale with 11-year-old Ebanking
Owners: Barbara Hester and Joe’s mother Laura Stockdale
Breeder: V Vriend
Breeding: by Etoulon, out of a mare by VDL Sheraton
Selection decisions are subject to riders and horse fitness and performance, and may be amended until midnight on 30 June.
“The funding that the British Equestrian World Class programme receives from the National Lottery and UK Sport is pivotal in preparing our teams for senior championships and supporting them on the ground,” a BEF spokesperson said.
“British Equestrian is also extremely grateful for the support we enjoy from our partners – Agria, Bates Saddles, Dodson & Horrell, NAF, SEIB and Toggi – and team suppliers – Equi-Trek and Lotus Romeo. We’re indebted for the year-round support they provide to the World Class programme and British teams, which helps us to best prepare for senior championships.”
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
