December 2008
**STOP PRESS**
Northern Ireland Dressage (NID) have agreed to run a Para Class at their next show on 27th December. Let's hope this becomes a regular feature on the NID calendar.
The test on the 27th will be FEI PE 40. Visit their website for further details of events.
Drug Test!
On the morning of Saturday 6th December I had just gone shopping with my Mum when we received a call saying we had to get home ASAP as a lady representing the Irish Sports Council had arrived to do a drug test! Luckily we had only gone as far as our village, otherwise I might have struggled to get home within the time limit.
This was the first time I have ever been drug tested so it was quite nerve-wracking but I managed to provide the required sample! I'm sure the result will be fine as I don't take any medication.
British Equestrian Federation announces Development Squads for 2009 - 2011
The GB Development Programme, comprising of Start & Potential squads, underpins the BEF's World Class Performance Plan funded by the National Lottery through UK Sport.
The Development Programme provides talented young riders, between the ages of 14 and 30 (approx) with the opportunity to maximise their competitive potential through individually tailored training and management programmes.
The GB Para Equestrian riders who have been re-selected or newly selected to join the squads are as follows:
Potential Squad
Sophie Wells
Natasha Baker
Edward Chanin
Erin Orford
Emma Kent
Alex McNamara
Denise Shawns
Emma Sheardown
Start Squad
Rosie Andrews
Natalie Povey
Anna Gill
Stephen Wagland
Pre-Start
Mari Durward-Akhurst
Kathryn Gallagher
Chief Selectors: Kathy Amos-Jacob and Alison Mastin-Moore
For more detailson the BEF World Class Programme click here