With the cancellation of the Central District event which was going to be the last opportunity for a good run by those on the long list, it has been a difficult time for the ESNZ Eventing selectors getting the final team sorted out for the Oceania competition at the Melbourne Horse Trials in June.
They have therefore taken the step of shortening the senior long list, and naming the full young rider team.
Senior Oceania Squad
- Andrew Daines – Spring Panorama owned by Andrew Daines, Leanne & David Jensen
- Samantha Felton – Ricker Ridge Escada owned by Samantha Felton, Ricker Ridge Pico Boo owned by Dale & Nanette Felton
- Clarke Johnstone – Balmoral Sensation owned by the Johnstone Family
- Jonathan Paget – Angus Blue owned by Joe Gianamore
- Virginia Thompson – Star Nouveau owned by Virginia Thompson
Missing out on selection included Donna Edwards-Smith with her two horses and South Island’s Emily Cammock with Shaw Lee. These two will be ready to battle it out for the National 3DE honours now for sure. Also not included was ESNZ’s High Performance Manager Sarah Dalziell-Clout, whose horse Benrose Super Star is now out with injury and won’t be at Taupo. At Kihikihi Clarke Johnstone said that his preference is to save Ritchie for the Adelaide 4* class rather than do Melbourne so it will be interesting to see what is finally decided.
The Young Rider team is a good one, it is so good to see the strength and talent at this level.
Young Rider Oceania Team
- Jackson Bovill – Visionnaire owned by Russell Bovill
- Vicky Browne-Cole – Eli owned by Vicky Browne-Cole
- Renee Faulkner – Rubinstar HH owned by Renee Faulkner
- Abigail Long – Enzo owned by Clive Long & Pamela Douglas
- Kimberley Rear – Delta Legacy owned by Cynthia Rear (1st Reserve)
- Greer Caddigan – Gymnastik Showdown owned by Greer Caddigan (2nd Reserve)
Most will now head to the NRM National Three Day Event Championships next week in Taupo with the exception of Ginny Thompson who is already campaigning in Australia. Following Taupo 3 day, there will be a Team training camp in Taupo on 29/30 May.
The selected Team horses will depart for Melbourne on Sunday 4 June with the event starting on 9th June.
