HORSE Sport Ireland announced the Irish pony show jumping team ahead of the FEI Pony European Championships in Les Mans, France, from July 26th to 30th.

The combinations, listed in alphabetical order, are: James Derwin riding Rincoola Babog (ISH); Kian Dore riding Sparkling Lackamore Joey; Emily Moloney riding Lady Crown; Abbie Oakey riding Boutade Ste Hermelle and Paddy Reape riding Fernando. The non-travelling reserves are Annie Boland riding Jimtown and Senan Reape with Nora.

Last year Ireland not only claimed the team gold medal but also gold, silver and bronze individual medals.

Speaking about the announcement, High Performance manager Gary Marshall said: “This has been another difficult year for picking a team as there was enough athletes to make up two teams capable of going to Europeans. It wasn’t an easy decision. I am confident that I have picked the right team and hopefully doing their country, their parents, their trainers and everyone involved proud. They are all very mentally strong and I am confident that we will bring medals home.”

Pony dressage

Also announced was Anne Marie Dunphy’s pony dressage team for the Europeans, also taking place in Les Mans. They are Laragh Byrne with Steendieks Dali Gold; Lilly Larkin and Blokland’s Hoeve’s Amor; and Oscar O’Connor with Top Hero 2 or Veenstras Grapjas.

Speaking about the announcement Dunphy said: “I am very happy with the team I have selected for this year’s pony championships. All combinations have performed well throughout the selection period with some very impressive results at both national and international level.”