Taylor selected to ride for Great Britain (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

Taylor selected to ride for Great Britain

3:34pm Thursday 12th July 2012 in Sport

MADELEINE Taylor has been selected to represent Britain at a European championships.

Fifteen-year-old Taylor, from Langford near Maldon, has been selected to represent Britain on the Charles Owen British Pony Squad for the 2012 FEI Pony Europeans in Fontainebleau, France, on July 17-22.

Following a successful final trial at Barbury Castle in the Open Novice section, the decision was made to include Taylor, who will be making her return to the British Pony Squad with her little mare, Bandalera, after making her debut at the 2011 European Championships.

The New Hall School, Chelmsford, pupil said: “I am very honoured to have been selected.

“They take six riders, four as part of the team and two who compete as individuals.

“Last year I was selected as an individual and competed in Poland. Being picked as individual means they are having a look at you to see how you perform.

“You are trying out for the team.

“I was disappointed at the time not to have been part of the team.

“The pressure of being on the team is quite big.

“So it has worked out better this way “And now I have competed as an individual I will know what to expect.

“I am honoured to have been given a second chance and I am very excited.”

Chairman of the Selectors of the Pony Team, Sarah Hancox comments on what is, for the first time in several years, an all-girl team: “We were delighted with the way the girls rode at Barbury with all of the ponies looking on great form.

“So, we head to Fontainebleau with a strong team of ponies and riders, all of who have had very good form this season and who all have definitely earned their place on the squad.”

The squad comprises six combinations where four will represent Britain as a team and the remaining two riders will represent Britain as Individuals; the team of four will be named following the initial veterinary inspection at Fontainebleau.