Irish Pony Eventing squad named for European Championship

The Irish squad has been selected for the FEI Eventing European Championship for Ponies, taking place in Le Mans later this month.

Sue Shortt has named her squad of six for the championship in France, and will be hoping for a similar showing to last year’s championship in Westerstede, Germany when the team won a silver medal.

Shortt said: “I am delighted to announce the Pony squad for the upcoming European Championships in Le Mans, France July 30th – August 3rd.

“There is huge strength and depth in the Pony squad this year and it has been an extremely difficult decision. I believe that we have selected a strong squad which are most suited to the conditions that we will face in Le Mans.

“It would not be possible to field a competitive European team without the dedication of the parents, so I would like to thank them for all of their time, hard work and support.

“I would also like to thank my coaches Sue Smallman, Cormac Rafferty, our team vet Tim O Hagan and our Horse Sport Ireland administrator Aileen Cartwright for their expertise and commitment to the High Performance Program. Also, a huge thanks to all our sponsors, your support is greatly appreciated.”

Sophie Swain and Here Comes Trouble competed in last year’s European Championship and have been selected again for 2025

The squad, in alphabetical order, travelling to the FEI Eventing European Championship for Ponies, is as follows:

Suzie Cosgrove with Kilcoltrim Swift, owned by Siobhan Cosgrove
Kitty Cullen with Coppenagh Spring Sparrow (ISH), owned by Jane Hancock, or Greenaun Russel (CP), owned by Lisa Donnan
Hugh Kelly with Fairyhouse In A Pickle (ISH), owned by Bronagh Kennedy
Tadgh O Haire with Ballinagore Hero, owned by Ciara O’Haire
Anna Radford with Essenar Double Dutch (ISH), owned by Maria Radford
Sophie Swain with Here Comes Trouble (ISH), owned by Catherine Swain

The Irish High Performance Eventing Programme is exclusively funded by Sport Ireland