Team NAF pony foursome named for Bishop Burton

The British Dressage Pony Selectors have confirmed the four names who will make up Team NAF for the upcoming Pony European Championships held on home soil at Bishop Burton in East Yorkshire, from 8 – 12 August 2018.

Team (in alphabetical order):

Megan Barratt (16) from Banbury, Oxon riding Susan Barratt’s Valido’s Starlight (bay, gelding, 14.2hh, 14yrs, Valido x Capri Moon)

Isobel Lickley (14) from Albrighton, Staffordshire riding Rob and Nicola Lickley’s Valido’s Sunshine (bay, mare, 14.1hh, 15yrs, s. Valido)

Annabella Pidgley (13) from Windsor, Berkshire riding Sarah Pidgely’s Ine (chestnut, mare, 14.1hh, 11yrs, Constantin x Handryk) with a direct reserve of Sarah Pidgely’s Cognac(palomino, mare, 14.1hh, 10yrs, s. FS Champertin)

Sophie Taylor (15) from Preston, Lancashire riding her own George Clooney B.S. (grey, gelding, 14.1hh, 7yrs, s. Caesar 171)

Reserves:

First:
Holly Kerslake (14) from Lifton, Devon riding her own Valhallas Zorro (black, stallion, 14.1hh, 9yrs, s. Valhallas Lord Matrafal)

Second:
Olivia Wrennall (16) from Burnham, Buckinghamshire riding her own Donna Schuflo (bay, mare, 14.2hh, 10yrs, Don Schufro x Florett AS)

Jason Brautigam, Chief Executive for British Dressage, commented: “With so many strong pony combinations coming forward for selection this year and some great performances to match, it’s been a tough job for our Selectors this year, with very little separating the top six riders. In Megan, Isobel, Annabella and Sophie we have a strong mix of talent, experience and ability to fly the flag and hopefully challenge for a medal.”

“I’d encourage everyone to visit Bishop Burton to see the next generation in action and get behind the riders, as home support makes a huge difference. We are really looking forward to hosting the European Championships in the UK and wish all of the riders and their connections the best of luck next week.”

The squad of six will travel to Kilbees Farm in Berkshire for a final training camp this weekend (4 – 5 August) before making the journey north to Bishop Burton on Monday. Competition gets underway on Wednesday 8 August with two days of the team test, where the first medals will be decided, before the riders then battle for individual honours on Friday and Saturday, with the freestyle on Sunday bringing the championships to a close.

It’s a great opportunity to get behind our Team NAF quartet so please do try and make it to Bishop Burton to support them in action. The FEI Pony Eventing and Showjumping championships take place alongside the dressage so there’s plenty of action to see. Entry is free for spectators and you can find a timetable onwww.bishopburtonponyeuros2018.co.uk

British Dressage is grateful to team sponsors NAF for their generous support of our Under 21 International teams, our official suppliers LeMieux and Land Rover, as well as Tony and Sarah Pidgley for their kind hospitality at Kilbees Farm.