British Pony Team triumph with double European silver

The Charles Owen British Pony team triumphed at the 2012 FEI Pony Europeans over the weekend bringing home both team and individual silver, beating their 2011 haul of individual silver and team bronze. Ireland took top honours in what was their first ever Pony European gold medal.

Following the unfortunate withdrawal of Charlotte Bacon's Three Wells Breeze, Maddie Taylor's 76.0 point score with Bandalera had to be taken into account. In the final analysis, the Irish completed with a margin of 25.9 over Britain while The Netherlands took bronze.

Eventing Team Championship:
GOLD - Ireland 152.9: Master Murrose (Cathal Daniels) 45.2, Ice Cool Bailey (Ana O'Brien) 49.9, Nono (Lucy Latta) 57.8, Mr Hale Bob (Gavin Smiddy) 123.7

SILVER 178.8: Carrowmore Gemstone (Louisa Nesbitt) 49.0, Cregann Scenic (Janou Bleekman) 53.8, Bandalera (Madeleine Taylor) 76.0, Three Wells Breeze (Charlotte Bacon)

BRONZE - Netherlands 215.8: Anydale For Pleasure (Nina Knape) 59.3, Regent Des Mauvis (Joyce Van de Kuilen) 72.7, Veenstra's VIP (Milou de Hoon) 83.8, Knock Out (Levi Driessen) Elim.

Sarah Hancox said of the British team: "I am absolutely delighted with the girls; the Irish ponies were very experienced indeed, so for us to clinch double silver with so many new riders and ponies was outstanding. They really pulled together to support each other, more than I think I have ever seen any squad before, they truly were a delight."

Silver individual medallist Louisa Nesbitt who is sixteen and a Ludlow Pony Club member said: "It was an amazing experience; I still can't quite believe it! I was so nervous going into the show jumping phase on the final day of competition; it was such a relief to jump clear and climb from 4th to Silver place, there were a lot of tears after that!

"It wouldn't have been possible without the whole support network of family, team trainers, grooms and vets. We were so close knit as a team by the end of the week, it was great to get to know such a lovely group of people. I also have to thank my trainers who helped me prepare for the Championships; Kate Cowell on the flat and also Rosie Thomas and Jonquil Hemming."

British Eventing would like to thank Charles Owen for their continued support and generosity in their sponsorship of the British Eventing Pony Squad.

The Charles Owen British Pony three day event takes place at the KBIS Festival of Youth at Weston Park, 4-7 October 2012.