DEBORA Pijpers has named a team of first-timers for the FEI Para Dressage European Championships, except for double 2022 World bronze medallist Michael Murphy who will once again be aiming to be on the podium with the brilliant black gelding Cleverboy. The competition kicks off at Riesenbeck next Tuesday, September 5th.

Ireland are chasing team qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. A total of 15 slots are available. France, as the host country, directly qualified for first slot while seven countries – Netherlands, Denmark, USA, Great Britain, Belgium, Germany, and Italy – secured their ticket at the World Championships 2022 in Herning. Riesenbeck will provide another opportunity for the top ranked team from the competition (not otherwise qualified) to secure a place in Paris.

Speaking about the announcement, Debora Pijpers, High Performance para dressage director with HSI, said: “It has been exciting for me to see this year that several new promising CPEDI3* combinations have entered the Irish para dressage stage. The selected combinations for the European Championships are a mix of seasoned experience in Michael Murphy, and upcoming pathway athletes in Jessica McKenna, Sarah Slattery and Katie Reilly.

“Our official goal is a top 11 finish with the team, but our high-performance heart drives us to go after the challenging task of wanting to acquire a team qualification slot for the Paralympic Games.”

Irish para dressage squad

Rider: Jessica McKenna (22), Grade III

Horse: Davidoff 188

Owner: Emma McKenna

Form: A championship debut for Co Cork’s Jessica with the 13-year-old gelding who finished seventh at the Tokyo Olympic Games with Denmark’s Caroline Cecilie Nielsen. Jessica took over the ride in the new year and their record has been remarkable, with six FEI wins from 14 starts in good company.

Rider: Michael Murphy (26), Grade I

Horse: Cleverboy

Owner: Michael Murphy, Bronte Watson, Elder Klatzko, Sue and John Murphy

Form: The most experienced athlete on the team, Michael made his Paralympic debut in Tokyo and last summer he won two bronze medals at the FEI World Championships in Herning riding the brilliant 16-year-old gelding Cleverboy. From 11 FEI outings in 2023, they have won four times, including on their last start at Hartpury, and never finished below fourth. Big contenders for more individual medals at this championship.

Rider: Katie Reilly (15), Grade III

Horse: Impulz W

Owner: Karen Reilly

Form: At the age of only 15, Katie Reilly from Co Kildare makes her championship debut with the 10-year-old gelding Impulz W who competed internationally for only the first time at Hartpury in July. On that occasion, they finish third in all three classes and have since gone on to compete at Deurne in The Netherlands. A big step up for this ambitious youngster who is excited for the challenge.

Rider: Sarah Slattery (33), Grade V

Horse: Savona

Owner: Luise and Michael Bonacker

Form: The third member of the team making her championship debut, Co Galway’s Sarah Slattery is the daughter of show jumper Tom Slattery. The pair began their partnership in June at Grote-Brogel where they finished third in a competitive Grand Prix and they have since competed at Deurne in The Netherlands.