Seven new combinations are being welcomed to eventing’s High Performance Futures Squad in the latest announcement as the countdown continues towards the 2022 FEI World Championships in Italy.

ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget says it is exciting to see the additions to the squad, which is where the bulk of the World Champs team will come from. Moving into the squad are London Olympian Caroline Powell with Greenacres Special Cavalier, 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games team bronze medallist Clarke Johnstone with both Leopard’s Action and Menlo Park, James Avery aboard One of a Kind, two-time Olympian Tim Price with his trio of Spartaco, Coup de Coeur Dudevin and Happy Boy.

They join world no.6 and three-time Olympian Jonelle Price with McClaren and Grappa Nera, Clarke with Aces High, world no. 10 Tim on Vitali, Tokyo Olympian Jesse Campbell with Diachello, Amanda Pottinger with Just Kidding, Tokyo Olympic reserve Bundy Philpott on Tresca NZPH, Athens Olympian Matthew Grayling with Trudeau, Maddy Crowe on Waitangi Pinterest, Monica Oakley on Artist, Dan Jocelyn with Blackthorn Cruise, and Samantha Lissington aboard Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ.

“Our focus now is all on the World Championships, which are less than 10 weeks away,” says Jock. “These combinations are piecing together the last part of their preparation, and an important part of that for some will be the Nations Cup at Haras, in France, in August.”

Jonelle with Grovine de Reve and Tim aboard Xavier Faer and Falco are the only ones on the High Performance Squad, which isn’t a bad thing says Jock. “While it is nice to see combinations get there, it is a very elite club and only for those who are capable of a top five individual performance at championships, which is rarely achieved,” he said.  Jonelle with Classic Moet and Faerie Dianimo, and Tim with Ringwood Sky Boy are the only combinations on the High Performance Recognition Squad.

There are a couple of changes in the High Performance Potential Squad while Charlotte Penny (Taupo) is the sole rider on the Talent Development Squad but Jock says it is something that goes in swings and roundabouts. “We know the population of squads tends to happens in waves and although the Talent Development is short on numbers, there is a strong base in the Talent Identification Squad which is very exciting,” he says. “These two squads are very important phases of the pathway, with the Talent Development being our confirmation phase and one we really take our time in.”

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By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison