The Irish squad of has been named for the FEI Para Dressage European Championships, with Simone Hession choosing a blend of youth and experience for the event in Ermelo in September.
Hession has chosen Paralympian Jessica McKenna (D.C.I Cerutti), who joins Angela Lyons (Woodcroft Santa Cruz), and teenagers Katie Reilly (Keystone Dawn Chorus) and Clodagh Walsh (Chantal) in the travelling squad, with Paris Paralympian Kate Kerr-Horan (Lykkebo’s Don Akino) selected as non-travelling reserve.
Emerging talents Reilly and Walsh have enjoyed some excellent results of late with the pair currently ranked number one and two in the FEI Under-18 World Rankings off the back of a string of fantastic performances, while McKenna has been showing consistent podium-finishing form with her new equine partner this year.
Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Manager Para Dressage Manager Hession said: “With excellent results so far this year from all the athletes up for selection, I’m delighted to nominate the team going forward to the Europeans in September.
“With the athletes selected it gives us the opportunity to field a team of rising young talent, with Clodagh at her first major championships, Katie and Jessica both on new horses for the Europeans and Angela brings forward a depth of experience of being involved in the sport for so long.
“I’d like to thank all the athletes teams, team vet Seamus Mc Sorley and Horse Sport Ireland for their continued support.”
The Irish Para Dressage team for the European Championships in Ermelo, The Netherlands, in alphabetical order, is:
- Co. Cork’s Angela Lyons (Grade IV) with Woodcroft Santa Cruz, owned by Angela Lyons
- Co.Cork’s Jessica McKenna (Grade III) with D.C.I Cerutti, owned by Emma McKenna
- Co. Kildare’s Katie Reilly (Grade III) with Keystone Dawn Chorus, owned by Karen Reilly
- Co. Waterford’s Clodagh Walsh (Grade I) with Chantal, owned by Alan Walsh
- Non-travelling reserve for Grade III combinations: Co. Wicklow’s Kate Kerr-Horan with Lykkebo’s Don Akino, owned by Pam Kerr, Ted Horan, Louie Porter and Kate Kerr-Horan