Several riders from Ceredigion and North Pembrokeshire will fly the flag for Wales in the International Team Event 2019 hosted by British Show Pony Society Wales (BSPS).
The event which will be held at the David Broome Event Centre in Chepstow this August, will see teams from Wales, Scotland, England and Ireland battle it out over two days of dressage, show jumping and working hunter competitions.
Chair of BSPS Wales Jayne Brace says that this is the pinnacle of the equestrian diary for the riders.
“Wales hasn’t hosted this event for 20 years and it’s such an important event. We are so proud of everyone who has been selected for the squad to represent Wales. It’s an opportunity not to be missed and one that riders will remember forever,” said Jayne.
She added: “We are looking forward to meeting team members from other countries as well as taking them all on a day trip to St Fagans to show them what Wales has to offer.”
Stephen Craddock, Chef d’équipe of the Wales Squad is eager to get his squad on form.
“It’s such an honour to have been selected for the squad. We’ve chosen the best, most consistent riders in the country and their hard work and dedication to the sport is second to none. Both the show jumping and working hunter tracks will be technical and big and will test both horse and rider,” explained Stephen.
The riders selected for the squad are Soffia Cynwyl, Millie Davies, Georgia James and Caleb Davies from south Ceredigion along with Pembrokeshire riders Emily Locke, Sophie Jamieson, Emily Carrington, Lucy Davies, Seren James, Jenna Davies and Cari James.
Soffia Cynwyl, 13 from Ponthirwaun near Cardigan will ride her Section B gelding Milford Fair Honeybear. She is having a great season so far qualifying for the Mountain and Moorland 133 Working Hunter Pony Class at the Royal International at the end of the month. Soffia, who has competed at the Horse of the Year Show was the BSPS Wales Points Winner of 2018 and is this year sponsored by LBS Builders Merchants of Cardigan.
Georgia James, 16 from Llechryd near Cardigan rides her grandmother’s six year old Section D gelding Iouar Caradog. Georgia is well known in the equine fraternity having already ridden at Olympia, Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International.
Millie Davies of Llandysul will be riding Meadmoor Voodoo Lilly, a 10 year old 157cm mare, owned by Sue James and produced by Wyn Morris of Pembrokeshire. This is her second season doing open tracks, qualifying for the Royal International on her first attempt last year.
Caleb Davies, 11 of Newcastle Emlyn is the youngest member of the squad and is a Bro Teifi pupil. He will ride his new 133 Section B gelding Janpete Mr Cool. Caleb has previously competed at the Royal International on his 122 Section A mare Copybush Angelina in the Pretty Polly First Ridden and is currently competing at HOYS qualifiers across the country.
Cari James, 15 is from Newport, Pembrokeshire. She rides ‘My Jacksons Dream’ a nine year old sports horse. They have kicked the season off to a great start qualifying for the open 153cm working hunter at the Royal International Horse Show in July.
Emily Locke, 12 from the Fishguard area and her pony Winton Rascal have had a very successful career so far. Having had Racal since a yearling they have grown up together. Rascal was 6th at HOYS in 2017 with Abii Voyce. The reins have been handed over to Emily fulltime since then and they have amassed a great number of Championships in WHP.
Sophie Jamieson, 13 from Clarbeston Road will be riding her 14hh Irish sports pony Hayestown Cheryl (Fern), Sophie and Fern are also representing Pembrokeshire Hunt Pony Club at regional finals as a team and as individuals this summer. Sian Jones from Login, Whitland and her intermediate ten year old Celtic Puzzle will also be taking part.
Emily Carrington, 22 from Llangwm near Haverfordwest will ride her chestnut gelding Noble Red Edition. After a year out of competing they have come back fighting, kick starting the year by taking Supreme Champion at BSPS Wales Winter WHP Show and continued their success throughout the season.
Lucy Davies, 18 from Ludchurch, Narberth in Pembrokeshire will ride Marie Turpin’s bay gelding, Polo’s Hangmans Legacy and Seren James, 14 from Wiston rides her homebred pony Zebedee, whilst Jenna Davies, 25 from Haverfordwest will ride her 158cm Irish sports horse. Ardancashel Cosmopolitian aka Spencer.
