Team GB’s equestrian athletes named for Rio

Team GB has announced which riders will compete in the equestrian events at next month’s Rio Olympics.

Eventing

The quartet chosen are William Fox-Pitt with Chilli Morning; Kitty King with Ceylor LAN, Gemma Tattersall with either Chico Bella P or Quicklook V and Izzy Taylor with Allercombe Ellie.

Aside from Team GB stalwart William, all three team members are making their Olympic debut.

Travelling reserve is Pippa Funnell and Billy The Biz.

Showjumping

Conversely, the showjumping team is all about a wealth of experience, with Nick Skelton (Big Star), John Whitaker (Ornellaia), Michael Whitaker (Cassionato) and Ben Maher (Tic Tac).

This will be Nick Skelton’s seventh Olympics; John Whitaker’s sixth and Michael Whitaker’s fifth – even youngest member Ben Maher will be competing in his third Olympics.

Jessica Mendoza is travelling reserve with Spirit T.

Dressage

No surprises to see Olympic, World and European champions Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro on the team, alongside fellow London 2012 team gold medallist Carl Hester, riding Nip Tuck. They’re joined by Fiona Bigwood on Atterupgaards Orthilia and Spencer Wilton on Super Nova II, with both riders making their Olympic debut.

Lara Griffith and Rubin Al Asad are the travelling reserves.

“No sport can boast Olympic experiences quite like our equestrian team and it’s of great credit to both the riders and the programme that we welcome athletes back for their fifth, sixth or even seventh Games as part of Team GB,” said Mark England, Team GB’s Chef de Mission. “This is vital in a multi-sport environment and our recent Olympic record is testament to this.

“There is strength across all three disciplines and I’m sure the country can look forward to seeing the team perform at the top of their game once again this August.”