DUBLIN-based driver Emma Golding, along with her Irish Sports Pony Barnlough Lilly, and groom Jasmine Doyle are flying the tricolour for Ireland as the smallest team at Kronenberg 2018 this weekend.

Having been declared “fit to compete” at the trot-up on Wednesday morning, the Irish team began their World Championships on Wednesday afternoon by scoring a 66.19 in the dressage phase.

Emma (36) said she was “really pleased with the test, and how well Lilly (18) performed in the atmosphere of the arena”. Although hoping for a lower score, Emma’s dressage puts her in 13th place going into the marathon phase of the competition, only 28 penalty points off the leader (Jacques Poppen, NED).

With dressage over, Emma and her team have been able to focus on learning the obstacles that form the second half of the marathon phase.

“Having two clear days to focus on the obstacles has been a real luxury, and now we have some good routes learnt ready for tomorrow’s marathon”.

As part of her preparation for the obstacle phase, Emma and Jasmine (20) have been out on course with Irish Para Team trainer, Wilf Bowman-Ripley. Wilf and his team have been analysing obstacle routes for the last three days to find the best options for Emma, taking into account the ground conditions and working to Emma and Lilly’s strengths as a driver-pony combination.

As groom and navigator, Jasmine is able to support and direct Emma in the obstacles, making sure that the correct course is driven.

BIG SUPPORT GROUP

The ever-growing Irish (and adopted Irish) contingent of supporters will be out on course on Saturday cheering Emma on.

Emma explained she is excited for the marathon phase: “It’s a really tough course here at the world championships, with lots of technical turns, but we have found good routes and we are looking forward to giving it our all in front of the crowds.”

For the first time at Kronenberg 2018. the World Championships for Para-Driving will be held in conjunction with the World Championships for Single Horses. To recognise this exceptional event, the FEI will once again be awarding the prestigious Princess Haya Hand-in-Hand Trophy to the team (of one Para-Equestrian athlete and one able-bodied athlete), with the lowest combined score at the end of the competition.

Usually the teammates are from the same country, but as Emma is the only Irish representative at Kronenberg 2018, she has teamed up with Australian single horse driver Gail Bain (also the only Aussie competing) for this element of the competition.

Over the years, this trophy has become a symbol representing the integration of Para-Equestrian in the global equestrian family. Currently it is held by another international team, consisting of para-driver Lindsey Tyas-Paice (GBR) and Barry Capstick (IRL). Here’s hoping that Ireland can retain the trophy again.

Emma would like to thank all of her sponsors and supporters, without whom she would not be able to represent her country, in particular:

Irish Ferries – Logistics support

Horse Sport Ireland – Entries and subsidised training

Horseware Ireland – Rugs and tack for Lilly.

Equiline - Team clothing

Charles Owen – Marathon helmets

University College Dublin – Support with time for time for training and competition away from Emma’s day job as Section Administrator for Equine Clinical Studies, Diagnostic Imaging and Anaesthesia at the UCD Vet School.