British Dressage Youth European Championship Team Selection

The BD Selectors have announced the combinations selected to represent Great Britain at the 2025 FEI European Championships across four age categories. 

Following a successful spring international season, the British Dressage U21 Selectors are pleased to confirm the combinations selected to take part in this year’s FEI Children on Horses, Junior, Young Rider and Under 25 European Championships.

The FEI Young Rider and Under 25 European Championships are the first to take place in Kronberg, Germany, on 10 – 13 July, followed by the FEI Pony, Junior and Children on Horses European Championships hosted at Le Mans in France from 28 July – 3 August.   

BD International Director Judy Harvey commented: “The Selectors are delighted to put forward a talented group of riders and horses, comprising four competitive teams for this year’s FEI European Championships. We have several riders making their championship debut, which is really something to be proud of, alongside returning team medallists and defending individual Freestyle European Champion Annabella Pidgley.

“This year, we have decided not to select a Pony team. After a lot of discussion and consideration, the Selection Panel collectively agreed that our young riders in this age category were not quite ready to compete at championship level. Instead, we will be committed to providing extra development opportunities for our Pony riders and reallocating resources to fund an additional training camp in the autumn.

“While podium success is always our primary aim, the development and longevity of our young athletes is also at the forefront of our decision making.  These Selection decisions are based on what we believe is in the best interests of our youth riders, to support their future progression in the sport.  We wish those taking part in the championships the very best of luck – they’ve all earned their place to take on the best youth riders in Europe.”

Congratulations to all of our Under 21 and Under 25 riders who’ve worked hard to achieve their results throughout the spring season. We look forward to following the progress of all selected combinations on their respective visits to Germany and France.

Selected Combinations

Under 25

Harrison Ashton based in Dortmund, Germany, and originally from Preston, Lancashire with his own and Henri Rouste’s Million Dreams (black mare, 2015, Millenium x Sandro Hit, OLD).

Lilah Gibbs from London with her own Dude III (black gelding, 2011, Dancier x Rubinstein, HANN).

Charlotte Lutener from Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire with her own Full Fusion BS (bay mare, 2010, Blue Hors Zack, KWPN).

Annabella Pidgley based in Uggerhalne, Denmark, and originally from Windsor, Berkshire with Sarah Pidgley’s Vamos Amigos (bay gelding, 2012, Vitalis x Hotline, WESTF).

Young Rider

Teghan Cantrell-Bennett from Ascot, Berkshire with Christine Cantrell’s Woodlander Donna Summer (bay mare, 2005, Woodlander Del Amitri, BWBS).

Mette Dahl from Balcombe, West Sussex with Fiona Bigwood’s Fidelio Van Het Bloemenhof (chestnut gelding, 2009, Fidertanz x Jazz, BWP).

India Durman-Mills from Leicester, Leicestershire with Verity Saul’s Escade (bay gelding, 2009, Jazz, KWPN).

Isobel Lickley from Albrighton, Staffordshire with Rob and Nicola Lickley’s Katniss (liver chestnut mare, 2015, Galaxie x Charmeur, KWPN).

First Reserve

Sophie Wallace from Stroud, Gloucestershire with Laura Tomlinson and Ursula Bechtolsheimer’s Fallatijn Van Kairos (chestnut gelding, 2010, Vivaldi x Cabochon, KWPN).

Junior

Myles Graham from Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire with Josephine Eley’s Nibeley Black Pearl (black mare, 2012, Nibeley Union Jack x Conto, AES).

Abigail Gray from Banchory, Aberdeenshire with Fenella Quinn's Empire B (black gelding, 2009, Sting x OO Seven, KWPN).

Demi Howard-Cartwright from Sunningdale, Berkshire with Lorna Wilson's Newton Astro Nascente (chestnut gelding, 2016, Apache x Don Schufro, OLDBG).

Isla Sully from Glastonbury, Somerset with Cassandra Sully’s Vagabond de Massa (bay gelding, 2009, Reito x Xaquiro, LUSIT)

First Reserve

Madi Haerr from Conwy, Wales with Morgan Haerr's Floran (bay gelding, 2006, Florestan x Rosenkoenig).

Children on Horses

Melissa Hargreaves from Derbyshire with her own Lagerfeld W (bay gelding, 2016, Daily Diamond x Albaran, KWPN).

Oriana McNamara from London with Andrea McNamara’s Lafite (bay gelding, 2016, Bordeaux x Vivaldi, KWPN).

Rose Punchard from Matlock, Derbyshire with Samantha Bloor’s Elason (black gelding, 2009, Sorento).

Lily Waller McSweeney from Bolton, Greater Manchester with Jacquie Waller's Willinga Park Sky Diamond (bay gelding, 2010, Sir Donnerhall x Don Schufro, HANN).