As one of the last countries to announce their teams for the 2015 European Junior/Young Riders Championships in Vidauban, France, on 1 - 5 July 2015, Italy has finally made its official team selection after some internal debate about qualification criteria. Italy will be sending a complete Children, Junior and Young Riders team to Vidauban.
Whereas in the past riders had to score 66% three times at an international show, last year FISE (Italian federation) had changed its rules allowing itself some leniency on the selection of the fourth team member to complete a team in case only three qualify.
"The rules for the fourth (are) chosen by FISE," chef d'equipe Laura Conz told Eurodressage. "The qualifications scores are good. Hopefully they will confirm at the European Championships."
Conz, who is the chief of the FISE dressage department, said that the rules for this year are: "At least three riders have to achive (66%) in 2 CDI abroad, just one (66%) in Italy is allowed and one (score) from 1 september to 31 december 2014, at least a 66% score in team or individaul test in a CDI. If there are two or less riders qualified, than FISE can decide to send or not to send a team."
This year's selection process concluded on 9 June 2015. All selected horses underwent a vet inspection by the team vet during the week of 15 - 21 June.
The Italian teams are supported by chef d'equipe Laura Conz, assistant chef d'equipe Laura Berruto and team veterinarian Danuele Dall'Ora.
The Italian teams include:
Children
- Beatrice Arturi - Sandro Minka Est
- Andrea Neri - Leo Pascal Santo Stefano
- Leonardo Protti - Bailando Cobra
Junior Riders
- Lucia Berni - Ebony
- Alice Campanella - Varisto
- Ginevra Coperchio - Don Rodrigo
- Valentina Remold - Broadway
Young Riders
- Anna Chiara Menin - Donatello Van de Helle
- Chiara Prijs Vitale - Dior
- Francesca Rapazzoli - Classiker
- Xenia Herta Schumann - Remidemi
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2015 European Junior/Young Riders Championships