HORSE Sport Ireland today (Saturday) confirmed the Gain Equine Nutrition Pony Eventing Squad for the 2021 European Championships in Strzegom, Poland from August 11th – 15th.

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 and 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 a d 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.

Challenging time

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 [Hancock] proud at the Championships.”