The challenges continue for New Zealand’s top eventers but there is still a lot to be excited about says ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget as he announces the new squads for 2022.
There aren’t a lot of changes to the squads, with world no.3 and no.5 Tim and Jonelle Price the only riders on the High Performance Squad. Jonelle has Grovine de Reve, while Tim has Xavier Faer and Falco.
The Olympians and World Equestrian Games representatives also feature on the High Performance Recognition Squad – Jonelle with Classic Moet and Faerie Dianimo, and Tim with Ringwood Sky Boy.
Jock says the High Performance Futures Squad is strong, with opportunity for some of those combinations to push for spots at the FEI World Championships Eventing later this year.
The squad features Amanda Pottinger with Just Kidding, Bundy Philpott and Tresca NZPH, Clarke Johnstone on Aces High, Dan Jocelyn aboard Blackthorn Cruise, James Avery with Mr Sneezy, Rio Olympian Jesse Campbell on Diachello, Jonelle with both McClaren and Grappa Nera, Maddy Crowe with Waitangi Pinterest, Matthew Grayling and Trudeau, Monica Oakley on Artist, Tim Price with Vitali, and Samantha Lissington with both Ricker Ridge Rui and Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ.
“Things have not been easy for riders over the last couple of years with a lack of opportunity to show form and gain momentum,” says Jock. “As we move through another cycle it is exciting to see Clarke, Bundy, Amanda and Maddy all relocating to the United Kingdom for their respective campaigns.”
The High Performance Potential Squad includes Abby Lawrence, Abigail Long, London Olympian Caroline Powell, Christen Lane, Ginny Thompson, Hollie Swain and Tayla Mason.
The Talent Development comprises Beth Wilson, Vicky Browne-Cole and Lucy Turner.
Making up the Talent ID Squad are Alena Dorotich, Brittany Fowler, Charlotte Penny, Jasmyne Speake, Kelli Frewin and Rosa Millar.
Front of mind for many equestrians will be the World Games, which this year has been split between Denmark and Italy – Denmark will host the dressage, para-dressage, vaulting and showjumping in August, with Italy hosting the eventing and driving in September.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL SQUADS
By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison