Great Britain: Best result the Young Riders have had in a Major Championship for some years

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29th September 2008

Maggie Maguire reports on the Young Riders' success after her return from Oviedo

I have just had the pleasure of supporting the Young Riders Team who achieved 4th in the European Team Endurance Championship. 5 riders represented their country and four completed successfully.

This was a definitive team effort – Chefs d’Equipe from other European Nations were heard to say that 'this course should be a 6* not a 4* Championship'!!

Our horses had a very good start with Phillip Hirst’s careful transportation of the Team in his superb box.

The course was a true test of fitness, concentration and good horse-management, all three of which had to be achieved to complete this very tough mountainous course which was also pretty rough underfoot in many parts. Chris Pell [Team Farrier] has a bag of shredded pads to show why 'padding up 'for these competitions is so important and how essential a farrier is to success. It was very impressive watching our riders out on course riding carefully and sensibly, following their ride plan and extremely heart-warming to see the dedication, support and cheerfulness of their crews throughout.

Derek Grantham's input to this competition was extremely generous and contributed hugely to the horses’ well-being and ability to compete . Derek's practice facilitated at least two of his Team to be in Oviedo throughout their stay.

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