Horse Sport Ireland announce GAIN Equine Nutrition Pony Eventing European squad

Horse Sport Ireland has confirmed the GAIN Equine Nutrition Pony Eventing Squad for the 2021 European Championships in Strzegom, Poland from the 11th – 15th of August.

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

• Alex Connors & Millridge Buachaill Bui (ISH) – 2005 gelding by Templebready Fear Bui (CP) out of Anna’s Girl (ISH). Breeder: Gerard Leahy (Kildare). Owner: Kieran Connors & Michelle Nelson.
• Ben Connors & Cornafest Fred (CP) – 2013 stallion by Gwennic De Goariva (CP) out of Corrnafest Nora (CP) by Westside Mirah (CP). Breeder: Thomas Grimes. Owner: Kieran Connors & Michelle Nelson.
• Caoimhe Crozier & Kildromin Banjo (CP) – 2011 gelding by Gelndine Kestrel (CP) out of Newtown Heather (CP) by Ashfield Jovial Joker (CP). Breeder: Patrick Hayes. Owner: Christine Crozier.
• Sarah Keane & Lon Mac Líomhtha (CP) – 2009 gelding by Silver Shadow (CP) out of Ocean Bealtaine (CP) by Grange Merlin Surf (CP). Breeder & Owner: Avril Hobson.
• Grace Murtagh & Bruckless Elmar (CP) – 2005 gelding by Linsfort Boy (CP) out of Bruckless Emer (CP) by Drumclounish Davog (CP). Breeder: Clive Evans. Owner: Orla Murtagh.
• Ted O’Leary & Rockon Pedro (ISP) – 2011 gelding by Newtown Pedro (CP) out of Gasoline Alley (IPS) by Supreme Edge (TB). Breeder: Brenda Andrews (Down). Owner: Carol Swan.

After the trot up in Strzegom the Team Manager will select the team of four from the squad of six.

The non-travelling squad reserves are in alphabetical order as follows:
• Hazel Barden & Kilnaspic Lily (ISH) – 2013 mare by Woodfield Sammy (CP) out of Our Queen (unk). Breeder: Annaline O’Malley Neary (Galway). Owner: Jacqueline Barden.
• Ava Dowley & Cullion Kemira (ISH) – 2009 mare by Ganty Blazer (CP) out of Corran Jenny (ID) by Corran Ginger (ID). Breeder: David Finlay (Tyrone). Owner: Margaret Bowe.
• Niamh Kirwan & Ballyvary Padraig (CP) – 2010 gelding by Ashfield Jovial Joker (CP) out of Corbally Queen (CP) by Kingstown Boy (CP). Breeder: Thomas J Geraghty. Owner: Freda Fleming.
• Rachel Lucey & Woodfield Clover Joker (unk) – 2006 gelding. Owner: Richard Lucey.

High Performance Pony Eventing Team Manager Becky Cullen said:

“I am very happy with my squad selection for the upcoming Pony Eventing European Championships in Strzegom. I think we have a great squad of athletes selected to travel, they have all worked extremely hard in what has been a challenging year. It has been a very tough three weeks for everyone involved in the pony world and we hope to do Ireland and Tiggy proud at the Championships.”