2016 Rio medallist Chris Burton is on the top squad
Equestrian Australia (EA) has today announced its National Eventing Squads.
2016 Rio Olympics bronze medallists Shane Rose, Sam Griffiths and Chris Burton have been named in the Gold Squad.
The Green Squad, includes Sammi Birch, Emma McNab, Katja Weimann, US based Ryan Wood and South Australian Eventing legend Megan Jones.
Riders listed in the Generation Next Squad; Andrew Barnett, Olivia Barton, Emma Bishop, Andrew Cooper, Isabel English, Shenae Lowings, Robert Palm, Amanda Ross, Katie Taliana, Gemma Tinney, Hazel Shannon and Emma Mason.
Georgia Widdup, an Equestrian Australia Eventing Selector commended all riders on their inclusion.
“This an important and exciting time in the sport of Eventing with just over six months until the FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon,” said Widdup.
“We currently have a very strong group of senior horse and rider combinations headed for WEG which is a major milestone in the journey towards Tokyo 2020.”
“Beyond our more experienced and high profile athletes the depth of talent in Australia’s Eventing ranks is immense and we are focussed on ensuring that we help them to realise their full potential,” said Widdup.
Equestrian Australia’s High Performance Director Chris Webb said; “The pool of riders and horses that we have to draw on for potential medal outcomes at WEG and in Tokyo is very encouraging. We have robust programmes in place to give them every opportunity to deliver to the very best of the ability.”
“Tokyo is a little over two years away and this is a vital time in their preparation and development.”
Megan Jones, a seasoned Australian Olympic Eventing rider who won team silver at Beijing in 2008, was listed on the Green Squad and said she has her sights firmly set on representing Australia at the highest level once again.
“I’m very excited to be named on the Green squad. This is one step closer to being selected on the WEG team,” said Jones.
“I’m so proud of my mare Kirby Park Impress and all of her owners are very excited to be on the Green Squad.”
Equestrian Australia will announce its WEG Eventing Coaching Team next week.
EA’s High Performance Director Chris Webb said some highly respected names will be joining the team and strive towards leading Australian Eventing riders to podium finishes at WEG and Tokyo 2020.
“We are looking forward to introducing a formidable coaching line up and I am confident they are the ideal people to bring the best out of our riders and their horses.”
**National Eventing Squad Definitions
Gold Squad for athlete and horse combinations that have achieved medal performances at the most recent World Equestrian Games/Olympics and are considered capable of a medal performance at the upcoming FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon and/or Olympic Games.
Green Squad for athletes that have achieved current results in the last six months (ie. CCI3*, CSI4*, CDI4* and above) demonstrating a capability of medal performances at the upcoming World Equestrian Games and/or Olympic Games,
Generation Next Squad for athletes that have not recently represented Australia at World Equestrian Games and/or Olympic Games, including individuals that are proven emerging talent with proven performances and results (ie. CCI2*, CSI3* and CDI3* and above). These athletes must be indicating potential and capability of medal performances at the World Equestrian Games and/or Olympic Games level.
