British young riders eye 8th eventing champs gold
British Eventing has named a six-strong Young Rider squad to defend its team gold medal title at the European Championships in Sweden next month.
The announcement follows a successful final trial at Aston Le Walls (July 10 to 13).
Britain has held the team gold title for seven consecutive years. In addition to team gold, Willa Newton was crowned individual silver at last year’s Europeans at Blair Castle, Perthshire.
The annual FEI European Championship for eventers aged between 19 and 21 years old takes place in Malmö (Sweden) from August 9 to 12. The event runs at CCI2* level and will see future stars of the British Eventing stage battle it out to defend their Team gold medal title.
This year’s British Olympic team includes three former Young Rider medalists: Zara Phillips (2002), Tina Cook (1989 and 1991) and William Fox-Pitt (1988-1990).
Chairman of the KBIS Young Rider selectors, Alex Colquhoun said: “We are extremely grateful to the organisers of Aston Le Walls for again hosting the final Young Rider trial which allowed for a much needed final run prior to selection.”
The squad consists of three members of the 2011 British Young Riders, Dani Evans, Tom McEwen and Gina Ruck. Welcomed to the squad is David Doel and Evie Paterson up from the Junior ranks, and Isobel Djivanovic will be making her European Championship debut following her impressive win at Tattersalls in the Young Rider CCI2*.
Eliza Stoddart is named as first reserve with her mother Mrs Georgina Stoddart’s Strike a Pose.
The Young Rider Selection committee reserves the right to add or amend the long list at any time.
| Rider details | Horse | Owner | Horse age/height/colour |
| David Doel, 19 from Wiltshire | Kings Cross | Mr David & Mrs Maggie Doel & Rider | 16/16.1/chestnut |
| Isobel Djivanovic, 21 from Wiltshire | Billy Buzz | Mrs Celia Djivanovic & Rider | 8/16.1/bay |
| Dani Evans, 20 from Bristol | Raphael II | Mrs Vanessa Watson | 9/17.1/bay |
| Tom McEwen, 21 from Wiltshire | DHI Lupison | Mr Ian Woodhead | 8/16.1/chestnut |
| Evie Paterson, 20 from Shropshire | Direct Supreme | Rider | 10/16.1/bay |
| Gina Ruck, 19 from Lincolnshire | Viper Priba | Rider | 10/16.1/dark bay |