Great Britain: World Class Start and Potential Squad Update

Endurancegb.co.uk

7th March 2011

Squad Chefs Andrea Baker (WCSPS) and Helen Boston (YRs ) were very impressed with the facilities at Bury Farm, which allowed nearly all of the activities to be indoors.

The WCSPS met recently at Bury Farm, Bucks for the Spring Squad assessment and training weekend. Following on from the Joint squads training day last November, this was a joint weekend with the Young Riders Squad.

Squad Chefs Andrea Baker (WCSPS) and Helen Boston (YRs ) were very impressed with the facilities at Bury Farm, which allowed nearly all of the activities to be indoors. We had two adjacent indoor arenas where EGB Level 3 coaches - Sally Hall for the World class squad and Rachel Atkinson for the Young Riders - put the riders through a set of exercises and routines designed to improve the balance and rhythm of both Horses and Riders. During the Saturday afternoon - the World Class Squad riders took part in a dressage test - which had been much practised judging by the improvements and comments from Sally Hall - who kindly marked the test for us.

A series of lectures and workshops took place during the weekend - and thanks go to Sally Hall, Rachael Claridge and Claire Bruce for their individual talks. Squad vets Anna Maria Nagy (orthopedic issues in the Endurance horse) Charlie Briggs ( metabolic problems, how to spot, deal with and avoid) and Georgina Hirst - Preparing and riding a 120k ride, along with Practical demonstrations by Squad Physio Lee Clark - Stretching your horse, and Jamie Goddard - Yrs’ Farrier on the Importance of foot balance, were all well attended and well received by all. We also welcomed Emma from Baileys Horse feeds who ran a series of lectures on Saturday to cover all aspects of feeding the Endurance Horse. Many thanks to all.

Following on from the weekend - riders all went away with a clearer idea of what is expected of them this season, projects to work on and how to get there!

The short listed riders for the World Class Start Squad will be in action at Kings Forest ride - which will be the selection ride for Mont le Soie. The selectors and Team management will select the team of 6 combinations immediately following the ride.

They are:-

Fiona Griffiths - Dear Kate
Lindsay Comben - Radhwan
Annie Ings - Alpha
Gill Brown - Nougat du Villard
Alex Freaks - Maresha
Lesley Dore - Firebird
Sue Higgins - Aberllwyds Another Rose
Penny Pearce - Oakthwaite Suddara
Andrea Champ - Druimghigha Luxor


Some of the Potential Squad riders are also considering joining the trip to Mont le Soie to use the ride as part of their qualification progression to the Elite Squad. Those also in attendance at Kings Forest will be

Sue Rich - Czako
Claire Bruce - Ah Diba
Rachael Claridge - Prince Melodias
Rachel Atkinson - Vanaash
Louise Rich - Cziko (Young riders squad )

We wish all of them well at Kings Forest.

Andrea Baker
Chef déquipe - World class Start and Potential Squad