Equestrian Australia Names 2018 National Eventing Squads

Ryan Wood and Woodstock Bennett. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Equestrian Australia (EA) has named its 2018 national eventing squads in three categories — the Gold Squad, Green Squad and Generation Next Squad — with U.S.-based Aussie Ryan Wood named to the Green Squad.

Rio Olympic team bronze medalists Shane Rose, Sam Griffiths and Chris Burton are all listed on the 2018 Gold Squad.

The Gold Squad is for riders with medal performances at the most recent World Equestrian Games (WEG) or Olympics and considered capable of a medal performance at the upcoming WEG or Olympics.

Ryan Wood, Sammi Birch, Emma McNab, Katja Weimann and Megan Jones are listed on the 2018 Green Squad.

The Green Squad is for riders with current results at the CCI3* and/or CCI4* level and demonstrate a capability of medal performances at the upcoming WEG or Olympics.

Andrew Barnett, Olivia Barton, Emma Bishop, Andrew Cooper, Isabel English, Shenae Lowings, Robert Palm, Amanda Ross, Katie Taliana, Gemma Tinney, Hazel Shannon and Emma Mason are listed on the 2018 Generation Next Squad.

The Generation Next Squad is for riders who have not recently represented Australia at the WEG or Olympics, including individuals with proven emerging talent and proven performances and results at CCI2* level and above.

EA Eventing Selector Georgia Widdup commented, “We currently have a very strong group of senior horse and rider combinations headed for WEG, which is a major milestone in the journey towards Tokyo 2020.”

“Beyond our more experienced and high profile athletes, the depth of talent in Australia’s eventing ranks is immense, and we are focussed on ensuring that we help them to realize their full potential.”

EA High Performance Director Chris Webb added, “The pool of riders and horses that we have to draw on for potential medal outcomes at WEG and in Tokyo is very encouraging. We have robust programs in place to give them every opportunity to deliver to the very best of their ability.”

Equestrian Australia is expected to announce the WEG eventing coaching team next week.

[Equestrian Australia Names National Eventing Squads]