Eventing Pony Squad Selected for Pony European Championships
Following a very competitive Charles Owen British Pony Championships in its new location at Chepstow in Monmouthshire last weekend, the Pony Selectors are delighted to announce the Derby House Pony Squad of five for this year's European Championships at Avenches, Switzerland 24 - 27 July 2008.
Newly crowned British Champions Gina Ruck and Ice Cool Bailey head the list. The combination had a good start to the season, only being out of the top three on one occasion. Lying second after the dressage at Chepstow, they put in a superb double clear, inside the time, to lift the title and secure a place on the squad. Gina and Bailey were members of the team that took Gold in Freudenberg in 2007.
The remaining four places are occupied by squad debutantes. Chepstow runners-up, Althea Bleekman and Nightgirl 002 capitalised on their Necarne win last year and fill one of the slots. Ella McEwen, sister of last year's Gold medal winner Tom, takes the third spot with her own Catherston Nutsafe. The squad is completed by the 2007 reserve combination Helen Dunning riding Glenayre Bay Surf and Eliza Stoddart riding Killacorran Blue.
Riding as reserve will be Lottie Kennedy with Darraks Tonto, the individual combination from the 2007 Championships.
Squad Details
Althea Bleekman (16) and Nightgirl 002
Helen Dunning (15) and Bay Surf
Ella McEwen (14) and Catherston Nutsafe
Gina Ruck (15) and Ice Cool Bailey
Eliza Stoddart (15) and Killacorran Blue
Reserve Rider
Lottie Kennedy (15) and Darraks Tonto
