Following the successful Charles Owen British National Pony Championships at Brand Hall in Shropshire over the weekend, Chairman of the Selectors of the Pony Team, Sarah Hancox has announced the squad of riders who will represent Britain in eventing at the FEI Pony Europeans in Fontainebleau (FRA) in mid-July.
Sarah comments on this year’s squad: "This year's Charles Owen Pony Squad is a great mix of established and also up-and-coming riders at this exciting young level. Not only are there are few riders from recent year's teams but also some of the four-legged stars are making a re-appearance with new riders. As always, we establish a fantastic team relationship alongside a serious competitive attitude to get the best possible results out at Fontainebleau."
One of the combinations making a return appearance to the squad following a successful season is Janou Bleekman and Cregaan Scenic who took the National Pony title at Brand Hall. Janou said of her winning ride: “Scenic was amazing in all 3 phases, she really deserves the win after 6 years of Pony Trials with me and my sister Katie!” Sarah Hancox commented on this young competitor’s success: “Janou capitalised on her experience and ability to produce two accurate tests, which set her up for the rest of the competition. Janou is now a very competent, able and confident rider, which reflects in her results.”
Maddie Taylor and Bandalera also represented Britain in 2011, whilst the individual silver medal winning ride of Sam Ecroyd, Three Wells Breeze, returns with new rider Charlotte Bacon. Hotshots was formerly campaigned as part of the 2010 British Pony squad with Sophie Howe.
The 2012 British Pony Squad (in alphabetical order) are:
|
Rider
|
Pony
|
Owner
|
Pony age/height/colour
|
|
Charlotte Bacon
|
Three Wells Breeze
|
Rider
|
12yrs
14h2
Grey Mare
|
|
Janou Bleekman
|
Cregaan Scenic
|
Team Bleekman
|
12yrs
14h1
Piebald Mare
|
|
Yasmine Ingham
|
Craig Mor Tom
|
Rider
|
11yrs
14h2
Chestnut Gelding
|
|
Annie Keir
|
Hotshots or Castleview Rakish Milly
|
Belinda Keir
|
12yrs
14h0
Chestnut Gelding/
16yrs
14h2
Chestnut Mare
|
|
Louisa Nesbitt
|
Carrowmore Gemstone
|
Rider
|
15yrs
14h2
Bay Gelding
|
|
Maddie Taylor
|
Bandalera
|
Rider
|
17yrs
14h2
Chestnut Mare
|
The proposed squad and non-travelling reserves will now head to Barbury Castle International Horse Trials in Wiltshire 28th June – 1st July for a final trial over a fortnight before the FEI European Pony Championships at Fontainebleau to defend their team bronze and individual silver titles from the 2011 European Championships held at Jaskowo (POL).