H&C is excited to learn that six of the country’s most talented youngsters have been chosen to represent Great Britain and British Eventing as part of the Derby House Pony Squad at the 2009 European Pony Championships in Moorsele, Belgium (29 July – 2 August).

The six riders and ponies selected to represent Great Britain are:

15 year-old Ella McEwen from Swindon, Wiltshire on Catherston Nutsafe, owned by Lizzie Murray and Jennie Loriston-Clarke
14 year-old Jessica Watts from Lutterworth, Leicestershire on her pony, Lord Of The Ring
16 year-old Lottie Kennedy from Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, riding her pony Darraks Tonto
15 year-old Sophie Martin from Ellesmere, Shropshire and her pony Trewithian Bracken
15 year-old Alfie Bradstock from Wantage in Oxfordshire on Montezuma II, owned by Louise Hamilton
16 year-old Katie Bleekman from Cullompton, Devon on Cregaan Scenic, owned by Team Bleekman

Four of the riders will be making their squad debut, but can rely on the experience of fellow squad member Ella McEwen and Catherston Nutsafe, a stalwart of the Silver Medal winning Team at the European Pony Championships in Avenches last year.

Lottie Kennedy is also making a return to the Derby House British Pony Squad with her pony Darrak Tonto; Lottie rode as an individual in the European Pony Championships in 2007.

The team of four and the two individuals will be announced after the ponies have been trotted up and been measured by the FEI officials.

Chairman of the Pony Selectors, Ginnie Keen, is looking forward to this year’s Europeans: “This group of riders is the most lovely lot of young people and I’m very much looking forward to taking them to Belgium on our quest for medals.

“This is the first year that we can take six riders instead of the usual five and it’s very exciting to have four riders that are new to the squad as they can take advice from Ella and Lottie, who will help them greatly.

“I’d like to thank all our sponsors, Derby House, Charles Owen, N.E.W Equine Wear and Parkgate Equestrian, for their continued support. I’d also like to make a special mention to UK Sport, the Worshipful Company of Saddlers and the Horse Trials Support Group for their generosity”

British Eventing Chief Executive Mike Etherington-Smith, said: “We are lucky as a sport to have so many talented young event riders. I know the selectors had a tough job picking the final squad as there are a lot of strong contenders waiting in the wings.

“Great Britain has triumphed with its Pony Eventing team over the last four years, with them bringing back seven Team and Individual Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals. We wish them all the best in Belgium.”