‘Hugely exciting’ British team of Olympic medallists, debutant and returning riders named for European Championships

The final British European Showjumping Championships team has been confirmed for the event in A Coruña, Spain, from 16–20 July.

The definite entries for the squad, in partnership with Agria, have been announced ahead of Monday’s (30 June) definite entries deadline. Two riders from the gold medal-winning team at the Paris Olympics are included – Ben Maher and Scott Brash – one who returns to the squad for the first time since the Rio Olympics – Jessica Mendoza – one who returns having competed  at the 2023 Europeans – Donald Whitaker – and debutant Matt Sampson.

“This is a hugely exciting group with a mix of experience and huge potential,” said British Equestrian (BEF) jumping performance manager Di Lampard. “Both Ben and Scott have horses making their championship debut, Matt makes a long-awaited first senior championship appearance, Jess is back in the squad for the first time since being named as reserve for Rio 2016 and Donald will be looking to build on the experience he gained at the last European Championships in Milan, with a new horse.

“Collectively the combinations have shown consistently good form this year. We aim to build on this, peaking to be competitive at A Coruña, while using the valuable experience as we build towards next year’s World Championships.”

Final British European Showjumping Championships team

The full list of entries (in alphabetical order by rider surname) is:

Scott Brash with 10-year-old Hello Folie

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Claire Gouin

Breeding: by Luidam, out of a mare by Diamant De Semilly

Ben Maher with 11-year-old Point Break

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola

Breeding: by Action-Breaker, out of a mare by Baloubet Du Rouet

Jessica Mendoza with 12-year-old In The Air

Owner: rider

Breeder: C Den Boer

Breeding: by Air Jordan, out of a mare by Indoctro

Matthew Sampson with 13-year-old Medoc De Toxandria

Owners: Rachel Gredley, William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard

Breeder: Werner Dierckx

Breeding: by Der Senaat III, out of a mare by Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle

Donald Whitaker with 12-year-old Millfield Colette

Owners: Reitsportanlage Dagobertshausen GmbH and rider

Breeder: Sue Jaggar

Breeding: by Cornet Obolensky, out of a mare by Clearway

Direct reserve horses:

Ben Maher with 12-year-old Dallas Vegas Batilly

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Jean Claude Viollet

Breeding: by Cap Kennedy, out of a mare by L’Arc De Triomphe

Ben Maher with 11-year-old Enjeu de Grisien

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Elevage de Grisien

Breeding: by Toulon, out of a mare by Andiamo

First (non-travelling) reserve:

Robert Whitaker with 12-year-old Vermento

Owners: Caroline and Brian Stephen Blatchford

Breeders: John and Clare Whitaker

Breeding: by Argento, out of a mare by Skippy 12

Second (non-travelling) reserve

Joseph Stockdale with 11-year-old Ebanking

Owners: Barbara Hester and Joe’s mother Laura Stockdale

Breeder: V Vriend

Breeding: by Etoulon, out of a mare by VDL Sheraton

The grooms’ names have not yet been confirmed.

Selection decisions are subject to riders and horse fitness and performance, and may be amended until midnight on 30 June.

“The funding that the British Equestrian World Class programme receives from the National Lottery and UK Sport is pivotal in preparing our teams for senior championships and supporting them on the ground,” a BEF spokesperson said.

“British Equestrian is also extremely grateful for the support we enjoy from our partners – Agria, Bates Saddles, Dodson & Horrell, NAF, SEIB and Toggi – and team suppliers – Equi-Trek and Lotus Romeo. We’re indebted for the year-round support they provide to the World Class programme and British teams, which helps us to best prepare for senior championships.”

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