TIGGYS Trust was thrilled at the number of applications for their inaugural Rider Development trip to Blair International Horse Trials, and the teams, all of whom met the main criteria, have now been selected.

None of the event riders has travelled before, and there was much excitement at the first of three training days, which took place at Punchestown on Wednesday. Coaching was generously provided by Heather Coyle (show jumping), Sue Smallman (dressage), and Alan Hatton (mounted games), together with a highly educational sports psychology lecture presented by Poppy Blandford.

In the next two training sessions, the riders can look forward to further talks from Jane Davis of Connolly’s Red Mills, and Edwina Farrell MRCVS, on horse nutrition and welfare for travelling, and on human First Aid from paramedic Rob O’Brien.

In alphabetical order, the riders are:

Eventing - Philip Cole, Oleanna Cowan, Amy Crosbie, Lucy Kayes, Alex O’Hare, Jack O’Haire, Eva O’Neill, Georgina Pettit.

Mounted Games - Poppy Blake, Alice Everard, Alice Hatton, Eva O’Shaughnessy.

“Tiggys Trust is extremely grateful to sponsors PC Racewear, Foxy Equestrian, and TRI Equestrian. We also would like to extend thanks to George Mullins Transport and Customs Support Waterford for their huge help with travel arrangements and to Punchestown racecourse for facilitating the training days. The countdown is on, and the excitement is growing!” said a spokesperson.