GAIN Junior and Young Rider Eventing European Squads named

HSI Team Managers have named the athletes set to represent Ireland at the upcoming Junior and Young Rider European Eventing Championships

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has confirmed the GAIN Equine Nutrition Junior (Under 18) and Young Rider (Under 21) Eventing Squad for the 2023 European Championships in Montelibretti, Italy, from 13^th – 17^th September 2023

The GAIN Equine Nutrition Junior Eventing Squad in alphabetical order is:

• Julia Adams (Co Kildare) – Milchem Ardeo (ISH)
• Aine Connolly (Co Tipperary) – Castlequarter Rambo
• Amelia McCarthy (Co Meath) – Finsceal Endeavour (ISH)
• Tom Nestor (Co Kildare) – Cooley Diamond Dancer (ISH)
• Ted O’Leary (Co Westmeath) – Master Swatch (ISH)
• Momo Sheehy (Co Cork) – TMX Herby

Non travelling reserves

• Gearoid Bolger – Into Mischief (ISH)
• Alex Connors – OLS King Aragon (ISH)
• Oleana Cowan – RCA Royal Mist
• Matthew Love – DSL Allegra (ISH)

The GAIN Equine Nutrition Young Rider Eventing Squad in alphabetical order is:

• Ava Banahan (Co Kildare)– Hanleen Crown Jewels
• Chloe Fagan (Co Westmeath) – Comte Ligniere Z
• Godfrey Gibbons (Co Galway) – Milchem Free Spirit (ISH)
• Alannah Kelly (Co Kildare) – Cooley Bounce (ISH) OR Stroke of Genius (ISH)
• Daniel Meagher (Co Tipperary) – A Classic Sportsfield (ISH)
• Heather O’Connor (Co Waterford) – HSH Has It All (ISH)

Non travelling reserves

• Tara Dixon (Co Down) – Master Smart (ISH)

Speaking about the announcement High Performance Junior Eventing Team Manager Dag Albert said:

“I am pleased to be able to announce the Junior squad to represent Ireland at the European Championships in Montelibretti.

“It was a tough decision with a lot of excellent combinations to choose from. We have a strong squad, some of whom were part of last year’s pony and junior championships which will help strengthen the team with their experience, and we also have some new exciting combinations making their Championship debut.

“I’d like to thank all the parents and support teams and also Horse Sport Ireland, Sport Ireland, Eventing Ireland and all the sponsors.”

Sue Shortt, High Performance Young Rider Eventing Team Manager, added: “I am delighted to announce the team for the Young Rider European Championship in Montelibretti.

“All six combinations are very experienced and competitive at this level and have consistently finished in the top 10 at senior international 3* competitions in the last 12 months.

“We have team medal winners from the last two Young Rider Europeans and a member of the Junior silver medal winning team from 2022, so I’m confident of a good performance from the squad.

“I would like to thank all our riders, their parents and owners for their commitment to the High Performance program. I would also like to thank our coaches, Heike Holstein and John Ledingham for all their hard work. Many thanks to Aileen Cartwright and all in HSI, and our sponsors GAIN, Dubarry, Bucas, TRM and Berneys.”

The HSI Irish Junior and Young Rider Eventing teams are kindly supported by GAIN Equine Nutrition, Dubarry of Ireland, Berney Brothers Saddlery, TRM, Bucas Ireland, and Eventing Ireland.

BREEDING

Milchem Ardeo (ISH) – 2011 mare by Contra A  (HOLST) out of Lady of the Tride (IRE) by Woodpas (USA). Breeder: Ralph Conroy. Owner: Michael Adams. Rider: Juilia Adams (IRL).

Finsceal Endeavour (ISH) – 2015 mare by Metropole (KWPN) out of Keelnacally Carnival Puiss (ISH) by Puissance (ISH). Breeder: Gerald Moylan. Owner: Zazel McCarthy. Rider: Amelia McCarthy (IRL)

Cooley Diamond Dancer (ISH) – 2012 gelding by Jack of Diamonds (SWE) out of Lucy Blue (ISH) by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Claire McDonnell. Owner: David Nestor. Rider: Tom Nestor (IRL)

Master Swatch (ISH) – 2009 gelding by Watermill Swtach (HOL) out of The Lady Gregory (ISH) by Actinium (FR). Breeder: Olga Scully. Owner: Paula Stammschroer. Rider: Ted O’Leary (IRL).

Milchem Free Spirit (ISH) – 2012 mare by Contra A (HOLST) out of Milchem Clover Lady (ISH) by Nautilus (KWPN). Breeder: Ralph Conroy. Owner: Marie Dunne. Rider: Godfrey Gibbons (IRL).

Cooley Bounce (ISH) – 2010 gelding by Grange Bouncer (ID) out of Smart Fair Lady (ISH) by Master Imp (TB). Breeder: Thomas Duffin. Owner: Caroline Kelly. Rider: Alannah Kelly (IRL).

Stroke of Genius (ISH) – 2010 gelding by Jacks Delight (ISH) out of Balrath Evening Edition (ISH) by Captain Clover (ISH). Breeder: Matthew Rogers. Owner: Luke Coen and Patricia Kneeshaw. Rider: Alannah Kelly (IRL).

A Classic Sportsfield (ISH) – 2014 gelding by Mermus R (KWPN) out of Cavalier Classic (ISH) by High Roller (ISH). Breeder: Siobhan McGuinness. Owner: James Meagher. Rider: Daniel Meagher (IRL).

HSH Has It All (ISH) – 2011 gelding by Puissance (ISH) out of Qeen Allo (ISH) by Aldatus Z (OLD). Breeder: Sean Barron. Owner: Heather O’Connor. Rider: Heather O’Connor (IRL).