Junior And Young Riders International Squad Programme On Target

In a move to improve the team structure at Under 21 level with the ultimate goal of winning medals at European Championships, a Junior and Young Rider International Squad programme was launched in January 1998. This initiative, headed by Malcolm Pyrah, Chairman of International Affairs and Mike Florence, Young Rider Chef d'Equipe was launched at a riders and parents meeting in January 1998.

Squads of 10 Juniors and 10 Young Riders were selected in January and they have since received advanced training from Olympic rider Malcolm Pyrah and Ernest Dillon FBHS. They have also attended a conference where Suzanne Dando ex Olympic Gymnast and Team Captain explained the benefits of team spirit and positive thinking with their approach to competition, whilst John Williams MRCVS from Avonvale Veterinary Group presented a lecture on maintaining soundness in the competition horse.

The following programme of events for this young International Training Squad will cover squad training sessions, evening educational clinics and national and international shows allowing them to gain knowledge and experience prior to the European Championships in Lisbon this year.

The objectives of this International Training Squad is to win European medals, to create team spirit and provide strong support from experienced and knowledgeable professionals in our sport.

The current squads are subject to revision dependant on performance and behaviour, and selectors will be assessing Juniors and Young Riders at specific shows this year.

Both squads attended their first international show of the year when they competed in CSIJ / Y Moorsele, Belgium from 20 - 22 February. Mike Florence was the team Chef d'Equipe and reported a very successful show which culminated in Natalie Pym and Lotto finishing runner-up in the Young Rider Grand Prix. A strong course was built which reached heights of 1.50m. In the Junior Grand Prix, Nicky Boulter with Z of Pondhouse was best placed British rider finishing in 6th place. Louise Whitaker, Ben Dunning and Nicky Boulter all won other classes showing a strong British contingent.

1998 Programme

January 1998

Squad Training Course - British Equestrian Centre, Stoneleigh

February 1998

Squad to compete at CSIJY Moorsele (20 - 22 February 1998)

March 1998

19 March - Evening clinic for squad members at Towerlands Equestrian Centre

Squad and any other riders wanting to be viewed by the Selection Committee to compete at CSIYRJ Towerlands (19 - 22 March 1998)

April 1998

Selectors present at Wales & West Show (17 - 19 April 1998). International Trial in particular to be viewed by Selector’s

Selectors present at Church Farm Arena (24 - 26 April 1998). Young Rider classes to be viewed by Selector’s

May 1998

Selectors present at South View Equestrian Centre (8 - 10 May 1998). Young Rider classes to be viewed by Selector’s

5 Young Rider and 5 Junior squad members to compete at CSIOYRJ Reims (30 May - 1 June 1998)

June 1998

Final squads selected for Junior & Young Rider European Championships

Non-European Championship team members to compete at CSIJ Lacanau (5 - 7 June 1998)

Squad training session at Wales & West Showground (12 - 14 June 1998)

July 1998

European Championship teams to compete at CSIJY Lezirias, POR as a warm-up to the Championships (17 - 19 July 1998)

JUNIOR AND YOUNG RIDER EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS,

LISBON (23 - 26 JULY 1998)

20 squad members competed at the first official squad show, CSIJY Moorsele, Belgium last weekend and the results were as follows:-

Nicky Boulter with The Lawyer - 2nd - Junior A4

Louise Whitaker with Livingston - 3rd - Junior A4

Louise Whitaker with Ballerina - 1st - Junior A3

Grace Barton with Valhalla - 4th - Junior A3

Ben Dunning with Famous - 1st - Young Rider Power & Speed

Paul Barker with Kildalton Lad - 3rd - Young Rider Power & Speed

Nicky Boulter with The Lawyer - 1st - Junior Hunting Competition

Caroline Webley with Gracefull - 2nd - Young Rider Hunting Competition

Louise Whitaker with Livingston - 2nd - Junior Accumulator

Nicky Boulter with Z of Pondhouse was the highest placed British rider in the Junior Grand Prix, finishing in 6th place and Natalie Pym with Lotto was the highest placed British rider in the Young Rider Grand Prix, finishing in 2nd place.

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