News
British Equestrian announces squad of four for FEI Para Dressage European Championship 2025
- Written By: British Equestrian | British Dressage
- Published: Mon, 21 Jul 2025 13:52
British Equestrian and the British Dressage Para Dressage Selectors can today confirm the four athlete and horse combinations that will be submitted to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) as our definite entries for the FEI Para Dressage European Championship 2025, set to take place in Ermelo, The Netherlands from 3–7 September.
Definite entries for the British Equestrian para dressage squad, in partnership with Agria, are listed below by classification grade and then in alphabetical order by athlete surname:
Grade 1
Gabriella Blake (32) from Wolverhampton, West Midlands, with Gavin and Estelle Blake and her own Strong Beau (grey, gelding, 16yrs, 15hh, Spinway Blackthorn x Balda Beau, Breeder: Ms S. Amos GBR)
Mari Durward-Akhurst (31) from Amersham, Buckinghamshire, with Diane Redfern, Nick Durward-Akhurst and Romilly Hart’s Athene Lindebjerg (black, mare, 18yrs, 17hh, Gribaldi x Diamant, Breeders: Ulla and Kristian Bech DEN)
Grade 2
Jemima Green (36) from Alresford, Hampshire, with her own Fantabulous (chestnut, gelding, 7yrs, 16.1hh, Foundation 2 x Furst Romancier, Breeder: Rainer and Angelika Ahlers GER)
Grade 4
Nicola Naylor (64) from Ashford, Kent, with Rosalind Emery Kay and her own Humberto L (bay, gelding, 13yrs, 16.2hh, Cachet L x Haarlem, Breeder: J. Lamers NED)
The names of the grooms who will travel with Ermelo with the horses have not been confirmed at this stage and will be announced separately nearer the time.
Performance Manager Georgina Sharples commented: “This is an exciting group of athletes with a real blend of experience. We have Mari and Gabby, who have both previously won championship medals for their country with Athene Lindebjerg and Strong Beau, and are eager to do so again. Nicola has been on superb form and delivered a consistently impressive campaign with Humberto L for her long-awaited championship debut, while newcomer Jemima has forged a strong partnership with her quality young horse, Fantabulous, and is on an upward trajectory to peak at the Europeans. I feel confident that all four combinations have the talent to deliver on the world stage.
“It’s been an exciting start to a Paralympic cycle and one we hope will continue in Ermelo. While our goals are as competitive as ever and we remain on the hunt for medals, this team line-up also gives us the opportunity to develop some exciting potential for the future as we build towards next year’s FEI World Championship at Aachen and the LA 28 Paralympic Games.”
Tracy Ormrod, Chief Selector, commented: “This year’s squad reflects both the solid foundations and exciting future of British para dressage. We’re thrilled to see new combinations stepping onto the international championship stage — this is their moment to shine, and they’ve truly earned it with outstanding performances and progression throughout the season.
“What stands out this year is the strength and depth of both athletes and horses coming through our para pathways. The level of talent we’re seeing across the grades gives us confidence and hope for the future, not just for this championship, but for the continued success of our teams in the build up to LA 2028. It’s a fantastic position to be in, and we look forward to seeing how the team performs on the European stage."
Selection decisions are subject to the athletes and horses maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any point up to midnight on 20 August.
The funding that the British Equestrian World Class Programme receives from the National Lottery and UK Sport is pivotal in preparing our teams for senior championships and supporting them on the ground.
British Equestrian is also extremely grateful for the support we enjoy from our partners – Agria, Bates Saddles, Dodson & Horrell, NAF, SEIB and Toggi – and team suppliers – Equi-Trek and Lotus Romeo. We’re indebted for the year-round support they provide to the World Class Programme and British teams, which helps us to best prepare for senior championships.
