New Zealand eventers announced for WEG

The New Zealand eventing team for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) has just been announced.

Most capped

The team comprises the nations most capped eventers Andrew Nicholson and Sir Mark Todd, who are joined by Tim Price – fresh from his win at Luhmuhlen – and Jock Paget.

Jock has just returned to competition, after being suspended due to his horse Clifton Promise testing positive for a banned substance. This has been provisionally lifted, but his selection for WEG depends on the final ruling from the FEI Tribunal.

Andrew has ridden in all six WEGs, winning individual and team bronze in Kentucky in 2010. Mark has competed at the Games four times, and won team gold in 1990 in Stockholm and again in 1998in Rome.

The team

Andrew Nicholson on Nereo or Avebury

Sir Mark Todd on Leonidas

Tim Price on Wesko

Jock Paget on Clifton Promise

Individuals

Caroline Powell on Onwards and Upwards

Lucy Jackson on Willy Do

Jonelle Price (Classic Moet), Tim Price (Ringwood Sky Boy) and Megan Heath (St Daniel) are the reserves.

Riding to win

The ESNZ high performance eventing coach Erik Duvander has given each rider their own, tailored programme to ensure they “peak” in time for the games.

“We have an incredible amount of energyin this team and we havesuper-talented horses,” he said. “We are going out to win. If you are riding to win, you have to stick your neck out and that increases the risk, sowe are looking forward to very exciting days in Normandy.”