Running this weekend is the World Pairs driving Championships at Conty in France where Barry Capstick and Annika Rohrssen will be representing Ireland. Sixty-nine competitors from 24 nations will battle against each other for the individual and team medals, with 18 nations fielding teams and six countries sending individuals. Amongst the competitors is reigning World Champion Harrie Verstappen (NED), who will not only defend his individual gold medal, but also help defend the Dutch team title, won at the 2009 FEI World Pair Driving Championship in Kecskemét (HUN). The 2009 silver medallist Beat Schenk (SUI) is one of the many medal favourites, as well as Vilmos Lazar (HUN), who has just recovered from several broken ribs.

On Thursday the 25th the competition opens with Competition A Dressage, on Saturday the 27th Competition B, the Marathon begins and the final competitions on Sunday is competition C, the Obstacle Driving test. Barry will be competing with horses Jack Hackett, Malachy and Connor and Annika with Victor, Turbo and Enzo. Barry has been winning consistently in UK National events over the past two years and came close to a top 10 finish in the last Worlds. Annika has proven herself to be the best pairs driver on the Irish scene this year with consistently improving form. As can be seen from the List of Competitors, they are up against stiff competition from the worlds best drivers. Nevertheless we expect a good result come
 

Barry Capstick pictured below: