Are you a 3* rider with aspirations to compete with a Union Jack flag on your saddle pad and jacket? Well, now is your chance!
For those wanting to be on the CCI3* European Cup squad – a squad with its own unique identity – and in for a chance of selection, there is still time to register your interest. Eligible riders are welcome to express their interest by clicking here.
Designed to bridge the gap to top international level, the CCI3* European Cup Championship is an international championship specifically aimed at CCI3*-S level riders. It has been a stepping stone for many 5* riders including European and World Champion Ros Canter.
Ros commented: “The CCI3* European Cup championship provided me with huge opportunities to gain experience at a key time in my riding career. I was able to experience what it was like to represent your country on a team, as well as access fantastic training, and work with people that are still influential in my career today. To top it off, I met some wonderful people who have become lifelong friends.”
Taking place every two years at rotating venues across Europe, the championship gives members the unique chance to be a part of a selected CCI3* European Cup squad. The squad will be offered bespoke training and guidance from BE certified coaches throughout this season and next in the hope of being one of the six combinations selected to represent Great Britain at the Championships in September 2025.
The Championship is run under a unique format which differs from other eventing Championships by having the entire team representing each country perform their dressage test at the same time under the command of the Chef d’Equipe. There is also an opportunity for the selection of two additional combinations to represent Great Britain at the championships as individuals, making it a total of eight places available for selection.
For riders on the squad, there will also be the opportunity to perform the team dressage test in front of crowds at international events to help prepare horse and rider combinations for the bigger atmospheres of a championship event.
The squad, which is anticipated to be twenty-strong, will be headed up by David Sheerin in his role of Chef de Mission and Kylie Roddy in the position of Chef d’Equipe. Both David and Kylie have come through the CCI3* European Cup route themselves before going on to enjoy success as international riders and top-level coaches in their own right.
David Sheerin commented: “Squad inclusion with a target of team selection was always something that I aspired towards. Although a passionate and dedicated rider in the sport, I identified that this may be my only realistic opportunity to represent my country at Championship level and receive a union flag! I had several chances and it helped me by giving a focus and end goal to aim for. Although I never made it on to the Team, it was a great journey for myself and my horses and one that I really benefitted from.”
British Eventing CEO Rosie Williams said: “As Ros and David have experienced, the FEI 3* European Cup is a pivotal pathway in an international rider’s personal development, and we trust that it will continue to serve the many riders who have aspirations to develop their career on the international stage.”
More information about the CCI3* European Cup, including eligibility requirements, can be found here
