BRITISH ENDURANCE WORLD CLASS START & POTENTIAL SQUAD 2011

Following a meeting at Hartpury International Team assessment day in November, the new British Endurance World Class Start and Potential Squad has been formed.

Horse and Rider combinations with an eye on FEI and International Team Competitions, can now enter the squad having completed a minimum of 2 x 80k rides (at speeds under 16kph within the last 24 month). Following on from this the management team will assess and prepare combinations to complete FEI 1*. FEI 2* and FEI 3* rides. During this time a team of 6-7 combinations will be selected to compete at an International ride, and once combinations are ready - a fully managed trip to complete an FEI 3* ride will be arranged. Combinations will now be assessed and targeted to qualify for the Elite Squad directly from this squad, with the aim of preparing horse and rider combinations for specific Championships.

The squad will continue to be sponsored in 2011 by Performance Equestrian.

28^th March 2011

After a very successful day at Kings Forest, I would like to announce, on behalf of the Selectors that the following combinations have been selected from the World Class Start Squad to travel to Mont Le Soie on 30th April 2011 to compete as a Team representing Great Britain.  They will all ride in the 120km FEI 2*.

Fiona Griffiths and Dear Kate 
Lindsey Comben and Radhwan 
Andrea Champ and Driumghiga Luxor 
Sue Higgins and Aberllywds Another Rose 
Annie Ings and Alpha 
Alex Freaks and Maresha 

In addition members of the World Class Potential Squad will also travel with the Team and compete under the guidance of the Management Team, whilst supporting those not so experienced combinations, to obtain further FEI qualifications to progress their elevation to the Elite Squad. These combinations are as follows:-

Rachael Atkinson and Vanash
Claire Bruce and Ah Diba
Sue Rich and Czako
Lesley-Ann Parker and Velvet Echo

In addition Young Rider Squad Member Louise Rich will take Cziko to complete in the YR120 2*.

This trip will encompass members of the World Class Start, Potential and Young Rider Squads all travelling and competing together which is a huge step in the right direction to get all the Squads working together.

Di Latham

We are fortunate to have two Team Vets - Anna Maria Nagy and Charlie Briggs - both very experienced endurance vets, working alongside Chris Pell - team farrier.

Ex-Elite riders who have horses aiming to re-qualify or new horses qualifying for the Elite Squad have been offered the opportunity to join this squad which now also replaces the old British Team Squad. Thereby giving all that need it - the opportunity for continuous assessment and monitoring by Selectors and Squad Management Teams.

The next assessment and training weekend will be at Bury Farm, Leighton Buzzard on the 19/20 Feb and for those under consideration for a place on the Team trip to Mont le Soie in Belgium at the end of April, the selection ride for this will take place at the Kings Forest FEI ride in March.

For those combinations who qualify for entry to a 3* 160k ride - for 2011 there will be an opportunity for a Team managed Trip to one of the Euston Park rides.

For more information on the Squad please contact either Stevie Martin - (Team Manager) or Andrea Baker - (Chef d'Equipe)

The following horse and rider combinations are listed as being members of the BEWCSPS for 2011.

BRITISH ENDURANCE WORLD CLASS START AND POTENTIAL SQUADS 2011

(updated March 2011)

** Potential Squad