We’re sad to report that Bethany-Rose Horobin has been forced to withdraw her pony Gigolo from the British Pony Team for next week’s European Championships in Arezzo, Italy (23 – 28 July). Whilst at team training at the Unicorn Centre, Gigolo was found to have a minor injury and the veterinary advice is not to make the long journey to Italy.
This brings in Oxfordshire rider Rebecca Bell (13) with Caroline Bell’s Valido’s Sunshine (pictured) to join Rose Hugh-Smith (Holsteins Derwisch), Phoebe Peters (SL Lucci) and Erin Williams (Dynasty) . The combination has been together for three years and although this will be their team debut, they have plenty of International experience having travelled to compete on the continent a number of times including spring trips to Saumur and Compiegne in France.
Chief Pony Selector Jenny Ward commented; “It’s always a blow to have to make changes at such a late stage but the pony’s welfare is at the heart of our decision. While I’m certain Bethany-Rose is disappointed, she has a whole career ahead of her and potentially two more years of pony competition with Gigolo so we have to think of the future. Rebecca will bring much to the team and we’re all looking forward to heading to Italy to perform to our best.”
Along with Showjumping and Eventing, the competition gets underway at the 32-hectare Arezzo Equestrian Centre with the Team test on Wednesday, continuing Thursday when the team medals will be decided. It’s then down to individual honours with two days of the individual test to qualify for a coveted freestyle place when the individual European Champion will be crowned on Sunday. Follow the action on the event website, including live streaming, or British Dressage will be on Facebook and Twitter with updates.