Irish Children on Horses, Junior and Young Rider European squads announced

Horse Sport Ireland has confirmed the Children on Horses/Juniors/Young Riders Show Jumping squad for the 2011 European Championships in Comporta, Portugal, which runs from 4-10 July.

Children on Horses squad
Cormac Hanley and Pageant Prince or Vigo
Tommy Harty and Young Limerick
Tim MacDonagh and Cor D’Alou
Hannah Smyth and Heman
Kerry Taggert and Miss Contradiction or X Factor

Junior squad
Jack Dodd and Master or Trebox Acorada
Edward Doyle Junior and Flexing
Michael Duffy and Killard Horizon
Hayley Dunne and T d’Arco
Sven Hadley and Adelgonde Z
Christian Kelly and Creata Van Ten Biesen (non-travelling reserve)

Young Rider squad
Gerard Clarke and Kellswater Crimson
Conor Drain and Fables

Coach's opinion
“I am delighted that we have Children on Horses and Junior teams as well two Young Rider individuals going to this year’s European Championships in Comporta, Portugal," said Team Ireland Equestrian’s Children on Horses/Juniors/Young Riders show jumping high performance coach John Ledingham.

"Last year, in Jardy, the Children on Horses team won a Bronze medal. Two members of this team, Tim McDonagh and Cormac Hanley, are back to see if they can improve on last year’s performance. The horses have a 2,800km five-day journey and will be leaving Ireland on Monday, 27 June. With temperatures expected to be in the mid to high 30s this will be a very challenging championships for our under age teams.”