Ripley Castle hosted the final team training and selection for the Para-Equestrian World Championship hopefuls from 30 April through to 4 May.

Despite news that there would not be a pairs class at the World Championships this year, Brenda and David Hodgson still joined the team and in their usual enthusiastic style demonstrated outstanding team camaraderie throughout.

The past months has seen every single driver and horse improve enormously in ability and confidence, making the final selection of these Grade 1 and Grade 2 single horse and pony drivers by no means straight forward.

The team has now been finalised and will comprise two drivers with excellent World Championship track records - Lindsey Tyas (Grade 1), driving her experienced Welsh Cob, London Flash Jack and Judi Ralls (Grade 2), driving Glenmead Flashman – plus newcomer to the World Championship scene, Margaret Lupton (Grade 1), driving her very impressive Welsh Cob Ilar Barry.

Terry Kirby will back them up as team reserve, driving Welsh mare Holgar Lady Megan, and Heather Clark driving her own coloured trotter cross, Barney will compete as an individual.

Huge thanks go to the North East Driving Trials Group and to Sir Thomas Ingleby for their generous provision of grounds and facilities at Ripley Castle.

The selected team and individuals will be training and competing at Escrick Park at the end of the month, with a final training clinic at Ashfields in mid June before heading over to Greven, Germany for the World Championships, 25 – 29 June.

Photos (from top):
Judi Ralls at Ashfields (photo: Mike Watts)
Lindsey Tyas at Ripley (photo: E. Tyas)
Margaret Lupton at Ashfields (photo: Mike Watts)