Millstreet awaits the new generation

The up-and-coming stars of eventing will be competing for a new world title at  Millstreet Horse Trials presented by Connolly’s RED MILLS, in Co Cork, Ireland next month. Fifteen nations have nominated riders for the inaugural FEI Eventing U25 World Championship on July 23-26.

Seven out of the top 10 in the new FEI Eventing U25 World Rankings are named, headed by Germany’s Calvin Bockmann, the world number 1, and Great Britain’s Alice Casburn, who sits at number 3.

Also nominated are Britain’s Jasmin Underwood (5), Germany’s Lubussa Lubbeke (6), already a European team silver medallist at senior level last year, France’s Verane Nicaud (7), Australian La’moza Velisha (8), who is fund-raising for her first competitive trip to Europe, and Ireland’s Godfrey Gibbons (10), who is listed with two horses.

The Irish Squad

Ireland’s squad of six riders includes Ben Connors, Jennifer Kuennle (also with a choice of rides), Tom Nestor, Isny O’ Donnell and Maddison Peries.

France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden and the USA are planning to field teams, plus there will be individuals from Australia, Austria, Canada, Hungary, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland and Spain.

Several US riders have been competing in Europe in preparation and the squad includes the 5* rider Cassie Sanger plus Olivia Dutton, daughter of Olympic gold medallist Phillip, who is nominated with two horses including the Irish-produced Jewelent.

‘We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive such a strong entry and look forward to welcoming a new generation to Irish eventing and our beautiful Green Glens Arena,” said Millstreet director Thomas Duggan. “Preparations are going well and we are looking forward to the party.”

Millstreet will also be running 2*, 3* and 4* competitions at CCI-L and CCI-S. The venue, owned by the Duggan family, has hosted Young Rider, Pony and Junior European Championships plus a Nations Cup in previous years, with inviting and educational cross-country courses produced by Olympic designer Mike Etherington-Smith, and is a renowned showcase for the Irish-bred horse.