March 14 2026
Endurance GB has announced a series of appointments to its International team, strengthening the selection and operational structure that supports British riders competing at championship level.
The new team brings together decades of experience across endurance riding, international competition, horse management and event organisation, helping to ensure that Great Britain continues to develop strong horse and rider combinations capable of competing on the world stage.
The appointments include two Team Selectors, a combined Selector and Logistics Manager, and a new Administrative Squad Support role to assist with the organisation and coordination of international campaigns.
What is endurance riding?
Endurance riding is a long-distance equestrian discipline that tests the fitness, partnership and management of horse and rider.
Competitions range from introductory rides of around 16km through to international championship distances of up to 160km in a single day. Horses undergo regular veterinary inspections throughout the event to ensure their welfare and fitness to continue, making horse care and careful preparation central to the sport.
Endurance GB is the National Governing Body for endurance riding in Great Britain, supporting riders from grassroots participation through to international competition.
Strengthening the international programme
The newly appointed team will work alongside the wider squad management structure to monitor performances, support riders progressing through the levels and assist in the selection of horse and rider combinations to represent Great Britain at international championships.
Lauren Hirst – Team Selector and Logistics Manager
Lauren Hirst joins the International team as both a Team Selector and Logistics Manager, bringing with her extensive experience as a rider, organiser and equine transport professional.
Based in Suffolk, Lauren has been involved in endurance riding for nearly two decades and has competed internationally, including representing Great Britain at the Young Rider World Championships. Alongside riding, she has crewed at national and international level and is also a ride organiser of the Lavenham endurance event.
Professionally, Lauren works as UK Shipping Manager for Peden Bloodstock Ltd, coordinating the international transport of horses and grooms around the world.
Her role within Endurance GB will combine monitoring horse and rider combinations for selection with overseeing the complex logistics involved in transporting British teams to international competitions.
Jill Badcock – Team Selector
Joining the selection panel is Jill Badcock, one of Britain’s most experienced endurance riders, with more than forty years in the sport.
Based in Cornwall, Jill represented Great Britain internationally aboard the Arabian gelding Egyptian Khalifa, completing the renowned 160km Golden Horseshoe ride nine times and achieving both European individual and team championship success.
Her extensive experience as an international competitor gives her valuable insight into the preparation and partnership required for horses and riders aiming to compete at championship level.
Olwen Bryer – Team Selector
Also appointed as a Team Selector is Olwen Bryer, who brings broad experience across many aspects of endurance.
Olwen first became involved in the sport as a child growing up in South Africa and has since ridden, crewed and volunteered in endurance across three continents at both national and FEI level.
Her varied experience — including serving on the Endurance GB International Committee and working within the organisation’s office — provides a well-rounded perspective when assessing horse and rider partnerships progressing towards international competition.
Tanza Dryden – Administrative Squad Support
Supporting the team behind the scenes is Tanza Dryden, who joins the programme in a new Administrative Squad Support role.
Based in County Durham, Tanza has long been involved in the endurance community, first discovering the sport as a child through family connections and spending many years crewing at rides.
Her role will provide additional support to the International team across planning, communications and administration, helping ensure that riders and management teams are fully supported when preparing for training events and championships.
Supporting Britain’s endurance athletes
Endurance GB Development Director Esther Groen welcomed the appointments, highlighting the importance of experience and collaboration within the international programme.
“International endurance is built on strong partnerships — not only between horse and rider, but also between the many people working behind the scenes to support them. This team brings together enormous experience from across the sport, and I’m excited to see the positive impact they will have on developing and supporting our riders as they progress towards championship level.”
Together, the team will help guide the development of Britain’s international endurance programme, identifying promising horse and rider combinations and ensuring they are supported as they progress towards championship opportunities.
With riders across the country competing at national and FEI level, Endurance GB hopes the strengthened team will play an important role in building the next generation of international endurance athletes.
Amelia Best leads Tracey Eastaughffe and Mark Liesegang out of the forest in the 320km ride. Photo: Sarah Sullivan Photography.
Image by Jo Arblaster - Animal Focus.
