Irish Pony Dressage athletes announced for 2020 FEI European Championships

Horse Sport Ireland today (Monday) announced the GAIN Irish U16 (Pony) Dressage team that will compete at this year’s FEI European Championships which will take place at Budapest Region – Pilisjászfalu in Hungary from August 26th to 30th 2020.

The GAIN Irish U16 (Pony) Dressage team in alphabetical order is:

Rachel Carr with Calelvador May Blossom
Cillian Curran with Blokland’s Hoeve’s Amor
Martha Jobling Purser with Validos Starlight
Oscar O’Connor with Top Hero 2

Non travelling Reserve:
Shauna Fitzgibbon with Damocles LL

Speaking after the announcement, Anne Marie Dunphy, Horse Sport Ireland Youth Dressage Team Manager said:

“This year preparing and selecting a team for the European Championships posed many challenges but it was undoubtedly the most competitive and intense selection process we have ever had. With seven strong combinations in contention we had an extremely tough decision and I would like to congratulate the athletes, parents and support teams for their commitment and exemplary team spirit.”

The Irish team’s participation at the Championships in Hungary is subject to the current Covid-19 travel restrictions remaining unchanged. At present, Hungary is included on the Green List of countries where the Department of Foreign Affairs have stated Irish people can travel to by taking ‘normal precautions.’  The Green List is reviewed by Government on a fortnightly basis based on advice from officials including public health experts. Horse Sport Ireland will continue to closely monitor and follow all Government travel advice up to the date of the Championships.