Young show jumpers set sights on Athens

The Junior and Young Rider teams representing Britain at the European Championships in Athens (6 – 9 July) have been announced. The British Accenture International Squad comprises two teams of riders – five juniors and five young riders. Chef d’equipe Mike Florence announced the teams yesterday after following the riders’ form over the past months.

Young rider Gemma Paternoster will be making her British team debut at the Athens Championships with Osiris. All four of Paternoster’s young rider team mates have represented Britain on previous occasions. James Billington will be partnering Michael Whitaker’s Iqbal des Hayettes and Ryan Prater is to ride Ocombo de l’Eau. The boys will be joined by Portia Howard (Oscar IX), and Charlotte Platt (Lacanda).

The junior team features cousins Joe and William Whitaker. Joe, who will be riding Desdemona and William who is partnering Carnaval Path have both represented Britain on previous occasions. The Whitakers will be joined by Sarah Needham (Kingston II) and debut British team member Andrew Mizon with Special Diamond.

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