FEI European Championships 25: Meet the Young Rider team

As we get set the first of the FEI Championships in 2025, meet the four riders heading to Kronberg in Germany to fly the flag at Young Rider level. 

India Durman-Mills 

Now in her final year of U21 team competition, India lines up with Verity Saul's beautiful Escade. The duo have had an amazing journey through Juniors and Young Riders, collecting multiple team medals along the way. 

How does it feel to be selected for this year’s Europeans? 

"It’s such an honour to be selected to represent GB in the youth classes once again, especially in my final year of U21. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m looking forward to dancing on the dressage European stage alongside the YR team."

Tell us about the relationship between you and your horse? 

"Eddie has been the best partner I could ask for over the last few years in U21. He’s taught me so much and now we’re learning together to get to GP. He’s food obsessed, knows he’s the king of the yard and loves a good scratch."

What’s been the highlight of your season or your current partnership? 

"My definite highlight of the season was winning the YR Team test at Wellington CDI. It’s not often we get to lead the way in a prize giving with so many talented riders this year and it was extra special to win at the final selection trail. I couldn’t stop smiling for days!"

Who is somebody you look up to and why? 

"There are so many inspirational people that have influenced my life both in the equine world and outside but I’d have to say that my aunt verity has had the biggest impact. She is always willing to take on new challenges, from having never wanting to travel a horse abroad to traveling across Europe to Hungary and Austria. She is still riding and competing having recently celebrated her 70th and has no wishes to stop along side running the riding school for over 30 years. She is always dedicated to ensuring the horses have the best welfare and puts their needs before anything wise. She’s done so much for me and I’ll be forever grateful."

Isobel Lickley 

Isobel 'Izzy' Lickley also competes at her final Europeans as an Under 21s rider, having had a wonderful journey on teams from Ponies to Young Riders. This will be Izzy's fifth European Championships on her fifth different ride, as well as earning a sixth spot as a reserve too. 

How does it feel to be selected for this year’s Europeans? 

"It feels really special to be a part of the European team this year. It’s my 10th season competing in Youth – and also my last. I’ve been part of six European Championships: five as a team member and once as a reserve, with six different horses. It feels incredibly rewarding to finish my youth journey on such a high!"

Tell us about the relationship between you and your horse? 

"Kitty came into our lives around four years ago when we bought her unseen from the EDS auction during Covid. My mum briefly stole her while I spent a year training in Holland—but I was very quick to steal her back! Since then, our partnership has truly flourished. Anyone who’s been part of my journey will agree that Kitty is the most loving horse. I love spending time with her outside the training arena—quite often, I’ll sit with her in her stable in the evenings for cuddles. She’s the queen of the stables, and we all just adore her."

What’s been the highlight of your season or your current partnership? 

"Kitty and I have had some pretty amazing moments. Winning the Winter PSG Nationals last year was definitely one of them, but I’d say the highlight has to be winning the individual test at Wellington CDI. Kitty spent a lot of last season coming second to Anton, so it was incredibly rewarding to finally get that first international win with her!"

Who is somebody you look up to and why? 

"Ooh, that’s a tough one! Honestly, I don’t look up to any one person in particular. It’s so difficult nowadays, with social media, to distinguish between “Instagram vs. reality.” I really admire any top rider who always puts their horse first and still manages to perform at the highest level—that’s exactly what I’m striving for in my own journey."

Mette Dahl 

Making her Championship debut at Young Rider level, Mette brings forward family favourite Fidelio van het Bloemenhof. This will be Mette's fifth Europeans, and Fidelio's third, having previously represented Great Britain at Junior level and also Denmark at Senior level with Mette's dad Anders Dahl in the saddle.

How does it feel to be selected for this year’s Europeans? 

"After spending the first three months of the year traveling the world, to of been selected for this year is completely surreal."

Tell us about the relationship between you and your horse? 

"Fidelio has been a part of our team for several years now. He has competed at the European Championships with my dad at GP level and has also competed at the Junior Europeans with me. He is by far the biggest character on the stable and is definitely a yard favourite."

What’s been the highlight of your season or your current partnership? 

"Gaining 73% at Addington CDI but also just being able to compete at this level after having three months off riding due to travelling."

Who is somebody you look up to and why? 

"My parents as I have seen the hard work and dedication they have both put into the sport."

Teghan Cantrell-Bennett

Teghan completes the Young Rider line up and makes her very first appearance at a European Championships. The Ascot-based rider trains with her mum Katrina Cantrell, Carl Hester and Peter Storr and sets her long term aim as representing Britain on a senior team. 

How does it feel to be selected for this year’s Europeans? 

"Being selected for the Europeans feels like a dream come true. After six years of dedication through the U21s levels, I’m truly honoured and thrilled to make the team in my final year of youth competition."

Tell us about the relationship between you and your horse? 

"My relationship with Donna began when I was just four years old, and my mum bought her as a three-year-old. We’ve grown up side by side, building a bond like no other, becoming more than teammates, to best friends. We hold each other’s hand through every ride, making each one all the more special."

What’s been the highlight of your season or your current partnership? 

"Our biggest highlight together has undoubtedly been being selected for a GB team. But just as special is the journey we’ve shared—representing Great Britain as a combination from Juniors all the way through to U25 Grand Prix."

Who is somebody you look up to and why? 

"My idol is my mum, Katrina Cantrell. Her dedication never goes unnoticed—she always finds the silver lining, even in difficult moments. She’s built a remarkable career through sheer hard work and determination, not wealth, in a sport often defined by financial privilege. In the wise words of her, “just smile and wave."

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Photo © Camille Peters / British Dressage (June 2025)