Double gold joy for British Youth riders

British riders Abigail Gray and Ella-Grace Dovey have become European Champions in their respective age categories on the final day of competition at the FEI European Championships, Sentower Park. 

Pony power

Following her silver medal success in yesterday's Individual competition, pony rider Abigail Gray went one better in the freestyle competition, riding to success with her own British-bred George Clooney B.S. Abigail rode a flowing, elegant freestyle in perfect harmony with her grey powerhouse to achieve 80.140% - becoming the first pony rider to earn the title of European Champion since Phoebe Peters achieved the feat in 2013 and 2015. 

“My pony was incredible today and I am so happy it all came together. We made some changes to the freestyle test in January, to make it a bit more difficult. Choosing the music took a bit longer than expected and then making the floorplan to match. I am so glad that all our efforts have led to this result.”

“I train with Sarah Higgins & Hannah Moody. I am very grateful they helped me to where I am today, along with everyone else that supports me and George. I also want to thank the organizing committee here at Sentower Park for hosting the championships. It was my last time competing with the ponies, so I am very proud we ended with a gold medal. We are currently looking for a horse so I can hopefully continue with the Juniors. It has been a little bit challenging to find a horse because I am quite a small rider, but I have good hopes we will succeed, and I can continue to compete.”

Children on Horses history 

Ella-Grace Dovey made British Dressage history at the start of super Sunday, becoming the first British rider to achieve an individual medal in the Children on Horses category, and not just any medal, gold. On board David Pincus' British-bred Sheepcote Jackson, Ella-Grace held her nerve after producing two solid performances earlier in the week to score 79.707% and become Children on Horses European Champion. Ella-Grace stands on the podium at her debut Championships, having only partnered with the beautiful Johnson-sired gelding earlier this year, an amazing achievement for all involved. 

Congratulations to Abigail, Ella-Grace, their support teams and of course their horse and pony. 

Full report to follow. 

Podium results

Pony Freestyle 
1. Abigail Gray & George Clooney B.S, 80.140% (GBR)
2. Hanna Sofie Clauberg & Dacapo B Nrw, 77.200% (GER)
3. Leni-Sophie Gosmann & Diamantini Ea WE, 76.440% (GER)

Children on Horses Individual 
1. Ella-Grace Dovey & Sheepcote Jackson, 79.707% (GBR)
2. Lynn Sophie Soddemann & Furst Schwarzenberg MT, 79.057% (GER)
3. Esmae Niessen & Dadona Diva, 78.533% (NED)