Equestrian Australia has announced the final teams to compete against New Zealand for the 2017 Oceania Championships being held in conjunction with the Melbourne International Three-Day Event from June 8 -12.
Several new faces have been selected this year, giving younger riders an opportunity to gain competition experience within a representative team.
Two chefs d’equipe/coaches will manage the senior and young rider teams: Sam Lyle (seniors) and Will Enzinger (young riders). Both are very experienced riders and coaches.
2017 Oceania Championships Senior Team
Andrew Cooper – Evergem Perfection
Robert Palm – Koko Story
Hazel Shannon – Clifford
Stuart Tinney – War Hawk
Reserves
Emma Bishop – CP Issey Miyake
Rohan Luxmore – Bells ‘N’ Whistles
2017 Oceania Championships Young Rider Team
Olivia Barton – APH Bertie Bad
Hannah Lewindon – Veretti
Shenae Lowings – Venture Sky High
Gemma Tinney – Annapurna
Reserves
Richard Knight – APH Lion Red
Madeline O Callaghan – Fernloch Allemande
Tayah Andrew – Silverforce
Gemma, who recently won the CIC3* and Australian Eventing Championship at Equestriad said she was rapt about making the team. “It is a massive honour to be named. I am excited to be on an Australian team for the first time and have the chance to test myself and see what I’m like under pressure.”
Gemma is looking forward to being part of a team with her father, who is a major influence in her riding career.
“Dad is always there, every step of the way. He helps me warm up for each phase and it’s so good having the support there,” she said. “I had no idea Dad was going to be on the team so when we found out we were all very excited.”
Gemma competed with success at last year’s Melbourne International Three-Day Event, winning the CC1*, so she is positively familiar with the stage for the Oceania Championships. She will compete in the CIC3* on her mare Annapurna at the Sydney International Horse Trials next week.
The Oceania Championships teams will gather for a training session at Werribee Park on Sunday June 4. All riders are looking forward to revisiting the great rivalry with New Zealand, and this should make for exciting action at the 2017 Oceania Championships.
