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Britain’s Showjumping 2015 European Squad Named

Aug 11, 2015

British Showjumping selectors have announced the UK Sport National Lottery funded showjumping squad for the upcoming FEI European Championships, which take place in Aachen, Germany (19-23 August 2015).

This summer’s event is the last major Championship before next year’s Olympic Games; Great Britain’s jumpers will be looking to cement their place for Rio 2016 at this final qualifying event.

The selected team has been named as (in alphabetical order):

Joe Clee (37) who is based in Belgium with Ludwig Criel’s Utamaro d'Ecaussines
Ben Maher MBE (32) from Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire with Tatiana Korsakova’s British bred Diva II
Jessica Mendoza (19) who is based in The Netherlands with Sarah Mendoza’s British bred Spirit T
Michael Whitaker (55) from Whatton, Nottinghamshire with Beverley Widdowson’s Cassionato
Travelling reserve:

Guy Williams (44) who is based in France, with Charlotte Baines’ and his own Titus II
Chef d’Equipe Di Lampard commented; “We are all entirely focused on the job we have ahead of us. Qualifying for Rio is at the forefront of our minds and we are absolutely committed to giving Great Britain the chance to defend the Team Gold title which was won at London 2012. We move forward to Aachen as a strong united team and are looking forward to the Championships and all it brings.”

Non-travelling reserves (in order of selection):

Robert Whitaker (32) from Sidcup, Kent with Mandy Hall and Clare Whitakers Catwalk IV
William Whitaker (26) from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire with Elisabeth Fredlund’s Fandango
All four selected athletes contest the team competition (with the three best scores counting); the top twenty-five horse/rider combinations will be invited to contest the Grand Prix from which the Individual medals are decided

Source British Showjumping