Great Britain’s Jumping Squad Named for the World Equestrian Games

The British Equestrian Federation confirmed the showjumping team selected to represent Great Britain at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina, USA (11–23 September 2018).

The Selected Team

The team was announced, in alphabetical order, as:

• Amanda Derbyshire, from Lancashire, with Gochman Sport Horse LLC’s Luibanta BH
• William Funnell, from Kent, with The Billy Stud’s Billy Buckingham
• Holly Smith, from Leicestershire, with Graham Smith, T J Hall Limited and her own Hearts Destiny
• William Whitaker, from West Yorkshire, with Ludwig and Yasmine Criel’s Utamaro d’Ecaussines

The travelling reserve was confirmed as Alexandra Thornton, from London, with Dunwalke Limited’s Cornetto K.

Reaction From the Performance Manager

Showjumping Performance Manager Di Lampard MBE said the team blended proven championship horses with emerging talent. “We are heading out to Tryon with an exciting team of horses and riders, all of whom have played their part in ensuring our Nations Cup top-level status for next year,” she commented. “The team includes a mix of horses, from Utamaro d’Ecaussines who has already proven himself at championship level, along with a younger group of exceptionally talented horses who have also proven themselves on the world stage. We have had fantastic support from all of the owners as well, and now we can’t wait to get out there and get on with the job in hand.”

Comments From the Riders

Amanda Derbyshire said: “It was fantastic to get the call and we’re really looking forward to getting out there. This has been the aim at the back of our minds and she [Luibanta BH] has been really special. At every team event she has been consistent and she has never let me down, so hopefully we can carry that on. I think there’s a good mixture of personalities and there’s a great spirit within the team.”

William Funnell said: “Having done a championship on Congo [Billy Congo], it’s special to be doing another one with his son. It’s nerve-racking because it’s an important year and the main thing we want to do is do a good job. I think we’ve got a good team and we have every chance of doing well.”

Holly Smith said: “Ted [Hearts Destiny] has been in really good form this year but now we’re anxious to do well; we know we’ve got a job to do. I’ve had him just over a year and this is already a massive achievement. This will be the first time that we’re heading out there, but I really trust in his ability and I think he has the scope to do well.”

William Whitaker said: “This was the main goal at the start of the year for me, my team and my owners, and so to now be on our way is fantastic. Utamaro [Utamaro d’Ecaussines] has had a really good summer so far and he’s put in strong performances at the big competitions, which is what you need when there is a major championship on the horizon. I’ve competed at a few shows out there and they’ve always been to a really high standard; I think they will put on a really good championship.”