ONE of three Olympic rookies in the squad of five, Clare Abbott is from Hillsborough in Co Down and represented Ireland at the World Equestrian Games in 2014. A part-time maths teacher, 29-year-old Clare events seven horses from her home base and has competed Euro Prince (Sparky) throughout his career.

She receives strong support from her family and also her partner Neil Dickson, who is a farrier by trade. Neil is a valuable asset to the team and his shoeing of Euro Prince has twice been rewarded by the coveted ‘Best Shod’ award at Badminton Horse Trials.