Following a successful final trial at Barbury Castle in the Open Novice section on Friday (29 June) the Charles Owen British Pony Squad has been announced for the 2012 FEI Pony Europeans in Fontainebleau (FRA) on 17-22 July.
*Maddie Taylor (Bandalera) and Janou Bleekman (Cregaan Scenic) also represented Britain in 2011, whilst the 2011 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.
Chairman of the Selectors of the Pony Team, Sarah Hancox comments on what is for the first time in several years, an all-girl team: “We were delighted with the way the girls rode at Barbury with all of the ponies looking on great form. The riders gelled well with each other, plus their families were all very supportive of them as a group which is so important for riders of this age.“I feel we are definitely at an advantage this year having two ‘old hands’ with us; Maddie and Janou* have been very supportive and welcoming to the new faces on the squad.“So, we head to Fontainebleau with a strong team of ponies and riders all of whom have had very good form this season and who all have definitely earned their place on the squad. We can safely say that they are all extremely excited to be heading to France!“We very much look forward to going to Fontainebleau; it is a great purpose-built Championship location with excellent facilities
The squad comprises six combinations where four will represent Britain as a team and the remaining two riders will represent Britain as Individuals; the team of four will be named following the initial veterinary inspection at Fontainebleau.
British Eventing would like to thank Charles Owen for their continued support and generosity in their sponsorship of the British Eventing Pony Squad, Pony Trials and Pony Championships.
The 2012 British Pony Squad (in alphabetical order) are:
|
Rider/age/location
|
Pony
|
Owner
|
Pony age/height/colour
|
|
Charlotte Bacon, 15, from Shipton Under Wychwood, Oxon
|
Three Wells Breeze
|
Rider
|
12yrs
14h2
Grey Mare
|
|
Janou Bleekman, 16, from Cullompton, Devon
|
Cregaan Scenic
|
Team Bleekman
|
12yrs
14h1
Piebald Mare
|
|
Yasmine Ingham, 15, from Greeba, Isle of Man
|
Craig Mor Tom
|
Rider
|
11yrs
14h2
Chestnut Gelding
|
|
Annie Keir, 14, from Maidwell, Northants
|
Hotshots
|
Belinda Keir
|
12yrs
14h0
Chestnut Gelding/
16yrs
14h2
Chestnut Mare
|
|
Louisa Nesbitt, 16, from Ludlow, Shrops
|
Carrowmore Gemstone
|
Rider
|
15yrs
14h2
Bay Gelding
|
|
Madeleine Taylor, 15, from Maldon, Essex
|
Bandalera
|
Rider
|
17yrs
14h2
Chestnut Mare
|
The non-traveling reserves (in order) are:
|
Rider
|
Pony
|
Owner
|
Pony age/height/colour
|
|
Laura Birley, from Pool In Wharfdale, W/Yorks
|
Ottava Rima
|
Rider
|
9yrs
14h2
Bay Gelding |
|
Tilly Williams from Chepstow, Monmouth
|
Wye Valley Fabristeard
|
Mrs Katie Williams
|
10yrs
14h2
Bay Gelding
|
|
Diana Bevan from Bourne, Lincs
|
A Touch of Spice
|
Rider
|
16yrs
14h1
Dun Gelding
|
|
Janou Bleekman, from Cullompton, Devon
|
Toberpatrick Larry
|
Team Bleekman
|
11yrs
14h1
Grey Gelding
|
*Maddie Taylor (Bandalera) and Janou Bleekman (Cregaan Scenic) also represented Britain in 2011, whilst the 2011 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.
