SAFFRON Bishop, from Launceston, has been chosen as a member of the England squad for the forthcoming Home International Championships.

Set to take place at the prestigious British Horse Feeds & Golden Paste Company Red Dragon Festival of Endurance, hosted at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells from September 29 to October 1, the 2023 Home International Endurance Championship will feature teams from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. 

Anticipation is running high, with over 600 horses and riders expected to participate in the event across the four-day span.

The Home International Championship, an annual event that rotates its host country among the four nations, was initiated by the Scottish Endurance Riding Club (SERC) in 1989. This competition serves as a platform to nurture riders at all levels and foster a sense of camaraderie through exposure to international team competitions. 

Each country is represented by a 12-rider team, accompanied by two reserve riders.

Saffron, together with her equine partner Barry (HIA Zimbabwe), is gearing up for the challenging 80km CER course. Barry’s remarkable progress over the past two years, including participating in 100km races this year, highlights his dedication and potential. 

Noteworthy achievements include securing victory in the Denbeigh Slate at Cirencester and successfully completing the 100km race at Kings Forest alongside his accomplished endurance horse son. 

Despite Barry’s distinct personality, characterized by his charm and spirited enthusiasm, he consistently delivers exceptional performances.

The announcement of the final team was the culmination of an extensive application and selection process undertaken by the International Committee earlier this month. 

Expressing her contentment with the chosen squad, Bella Fricker, Chef d’Equipe of the England team, said: “We are delighted with our final team. With such a vast pool of talent to consider, the selection process was undoubtedly challenging. We possess full confidence in the squad’s capabilities to conquer the Welsh terrain, especially with these seasoned partnerships representing us.”

In response to her selection, Saffron remarked: “I am extremely thrilled to have been chosen to compete for the England team at the Home Internationals. 

“Red Dragon is undeniably one of my favourite rides on the EGB calendar, and I am optimistic that it will be an outstanding weekend for the England squad. 

“My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the sponsors of the England team for their invaluable contributions, which significantly impact us riders and our support teams.”

England team: Saffron Bishop – Hia Zimbabwe – 80km; Scarlett Chapple – Durboro Tansy – Jnr Reserve; Linda Cowperthwaite – Newberrys Ditto – 160km; Bronny Fulford – Vicarshill Bell – 40km Jnr; Amie Grainger – Sheraani – 160km; Jess Lethbridge – Mountedgcumbe Velveteen – 65km; Sally Mcilwaine – Mahbubti – 80km; Katie Merritt – El Mucci – 55km YR; Livvy Miller – Electra Star – 2-day 80km Jnr; Sammy Mowatt – Terminators Dream - Reserve; Emily Nott – Allaskar’s Scout – 120km; Linda Reeves – Toptime Bentley – 2-day 80km; Charlotte Scott – Broomstone Red Adare – 55km; Justine Smiley-Jones – Sharky – 40km Nov.