PONY TEAM ANIMO BRING HOME GOLD FOR GREAT BRITAIN

 

The British Pony Team contesting their FEI Pony European Championship title in Fontainebleau, France proved their worth once again by securing a Team Gold earlier this afternoon.

 

Finishing on a total of 8 penalties after two rounds of jumping the team of four riders all aged 16 years and under finished two jumps head of France and Switzerland both of whom were relegated to Silver and Bronze position respectively on a finish score of 16 penalties each.

 

Taking the lead from the start all four team riders jumped a superb clear in the first round leaving Great Britain with a zero penalty score over France who were just behind them on 4 penalties.

 

The second round saw 15 year-old team pathfinder Amy Inglis from Haywards Heath  with her mother’s (Claire) and Mandy Hall’s 11 year-old bay gelding Nils D’Hurl Vent have an unfortunate 4 penalties. Amy was a member of last year’s Team Gold medal winners at the Pony European Championships in Poland making this the second consecutive year that she has achieved Team Gold.

 

Stockton-on-Tee’s based 14 year-old Millie Allen with her fathers (Peter) 9 year-old bay mare Song Girl produced one of the only two double clears of the competition. The other came from Denmark who finished in 4^th place at the end of the competition.

 

Alex Chitty aged 15 from Gravesend with his mothers (Amy) 10 year old grey mare  Amilie JR Z who were making their debut at Championship level incurred 8 penalties in the second round having jumped a faultless round previously. 

 

Jessica Mendoza,  a member of last year’s Team Gold medal winners in addition to winning the Individual Bronze medal took the role of anchor. However, an unfortunate fence down meant 4 faults being incurred following their faultless first round.   Jessica, aged 16 from Chippenham, Wiltshire was partnering her mother's (Sarah) 14 year-old chestnut mare Tixylix with whom she has had considerable success. 
 

They will all now be looking ahead to Sunday’s competition when the Individual Medals will be decided. Full results and information on the days competition can be found by visiting www.etrier-arbonne.com
 

The British Youth Teams are sponsored by Animo UK.  Animo recognise the need to move with the times and the brand has fast become a ‘must have’ for riders throughout the world. 

Leading the way with their use of technical, breathable and machine washable fabrics, Animo clothing gives freedom of movement, comfort and durability combined with ultimate style. Their website can be found at www.animouk.com
 

The Pony Teams are also supported by the World Class Development Programme who are Lottery funded through UK Sport.