Editorial

WEG Medallists Spearhead Strong British Dressage Squad for Rotterdam Europeans

August 1, 2019

The British Equestrian Federation announced the UK Sport National Lottery funded dressage squad that would compete at the FEI Longines European Championships in Rotterdam, Holland (21–25 August 2019).

Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester were both looking to build on the team and individual bronze medals they earned in Tryon at the previous year’s World Equestrian Games, while Gareth Hughes and Charlotte (Lottie) Fry were capitalising on successful Nations Cup results during the season. Rotterdam marked Fry’s first senior championship, although she and Dark Legend had already taken individual silver and Freestyle gold at the European Under 25 Championships in 2018.

The Selected Squad

The squad was named by British Dressage selectors, in alphabetical order, as:

  • Charlotte Dujardin CBE with Emma and Jill Blundell’s Mount St John Freestyle (grooms – Alan Davies and Lucy Scudamore)
  • Charlotte Fry with van Olst Horses and her own Dark Legend (groom – Claire James)
  • Carl Hester MBE with Lady Anne Evans, Ann Cory and his own Hawtins Delicato (grooms – Alan Davies and Lucy Scudamore)
  • Gareth Hughes with Rebecca Hughes, Julia Hornig and his own Classic Briolinca (groom – Steph Sharples)

Charlotte Dujardin was also selected with a direct reserve horse, Sonnar Murray-Brown’s Erlentanz. Two further reserve combinations were named: first reserve Richard Davison with Gwendolyn Meyer and his own Bubblingh, and second reserve Lara Butler with Wilfred and Ursula Bechtolsheimer’s Rubin Al Asad.

Reaction From the Selectors

Performance Manager Caroline Griffith said the squad combined experience and youth. “I am absolutely thrilled to be working with such a fantastic team this year,” she commented. “All the combinations have had phenomenal results in preparation including several personal bests and scores which evidence they are amongst the best in the world. The selectors have included young horses, older horses, young riders and more experienced riders – combined it has all the ingredients of an amazing recipe for success.”

British Dressage Chief Executive Jason Brautigam pointed to the value of the Championships as preparation for Tokyo. “It’s great to have a new addition to the team in Lottie Fry and, with the experience of Carl, Charlotte and Gareth, it makes for a very strong squad,” he said. “All four riders can use Rotterdam as an important stepping stone towards the Olympics in 2020.”

Comments From the Athletes

Charlotte Dujardin CBE said: “It’s a real privilege to be riding on the team – and such an exciting team too. I’m really looking forward to returning to Rotterdam where I first rode for Britain at the European Championships in 2011 with Valegro; it’ll feel special to be back there.”

Charlotte Fry said: “I am super excited and so thankful for the whole team around me and my horses for making this possible. I’m honoured that in my first year of competing at seniors, I’ve been given this amazing opportunity.”

Carl Hester MBE said: “I’m delighted to be part of such an exciting team heading to Rotterdam for the European Championships. It’s wonderful that Olympic qualification is secured so that we can just enjoy it and ride to our best in search of a medal.”

Gareth Hughes said: “There is no greater honour than to represent your country. I’m very proud to be riding Classic Briolinca, because Rebecca and myself, along with our long-time friend and supporter Julia Hornig, have owned her since she was three or four years old. It’s great to be back on the team with Charlotte and Carl, and to have Lottie with us.”

Squad Details

  • Charlotte Dujardin (34) from Gloucestershire with Emma and Jill Blundell’s Mount St John Freestyle (bay mare, 10yo, 16.2hh, Fidermark x Donnerhall)
  • Charlotte Fry (23) from Yorkshire, based in Holland, with van Olst Horses and her own Dark Legend (bay gelding, 11yo, 17hh, Zucchero x Tango)
  • Carl Hester (52) from Gloucestershire with Lady Anne Evans, Ann Cory and his own Hawtins Delicato (bay gelding, 11yo, 16.2hh, Diamond Hit x Regazzoni)
  • Gareth Hughes (48) from Warwickshire with Rebecca Hughes, Julia Hornig and his own Classic Briolinca (bay mare, 13yo, 16.2hh, Trento B x Royal Dance)