Following several weeks of preparation and a testing 40-mile event in Sherwood Forest, the Under-21 endurance squad travelled to France in an attempt to qualify for the Young Riders World Championships in Spain in September.
In order to be eligible to contest the event, riders and horses must have completed a FEI ride in the previous year.
In a normal endurance season this would not have been a problem, but this year with FMD there have been no major events in Britain.
“The squad have been brilliant,” said chef d’equipe Sue Broughton. “They have worked really hard to get their horses fit, and are making great efforts to ensure that they, their horses and crews are ready for the challenge, despite the lack of a normal competition season.”
After assessing the combinations over two intensive training weekends, the first at Hartpury College, followed by a trial at Sherwood Forest, the management team have decided to send nine horses to compete at Moulins Engilbert in France over the weekend of 28/29 July.
If the riders complete this course successfully, they will then be eligible for selection to the final team of six who will be going to Spain in September.
The combinations travelling to France are:
- Brianna Egan, Midnight Countess
- Sarah Tyson, Diamond Dynasty
- Laura Davies Holloway, Malutki
- Vicky Brown, Chloe
- Anna Williams, Khairho
- Catriona Moon, Wotan Caili
- Lucy Taylor, Electric Blue
- Sam Oakes, Yamavah
- Anna Welch, Blue Zirocco
Funding trips such as this is not easy, as the competitors receive no financial support from any agencies or funding.
“Everyone has to pay for themselves,the crews and the horses to travel and compete” said Sue. “It is a major expense, so we need to raise as much money to help as we can.”
Supporters of the squad include the Carolwood Corporation, who are providing members with Alavis MSM, and matching funding pound for pound, Dengie, who have supplied feed for the horses who are travelling, Aerborn Equestrian, who are supplying a range of items for the horses and riders, and The Arab Horse Society.
If you would like to help support the Under-21 Endurance Squad, please contact chef d’equipe, Sue Broughton,(tel: 01623 408137)
