World number one Scott Brash is one of three Olympians selected by British Showjumping for the forthcoming World Equestrian Games as they look to secure qualification for Rio 2016.
London 2012 team jumping gold medallists Brash and Ben Maher lead the team heading to Normandy for the Games from August 23 to September 7, with the jumping competition taking place in Caen between September 1-7.
Brash will ride Hello Sanctos with Maher on Cella while they have also been selected as reserves with their second string horses Ursula and Wings Sublieme.
Fellow European gold medallist Michael Whitaker, who won team silver at Los Angeles 1984, has also been picked while Joe Clee and Spencer Roe make up the five-strong squad.
Four selected riders will compete as individuals at the Championships, as well as representing Great Britain in the team competition, with the remaining rider taking the place of travelling reserve.
And with fifth place or higher in the team competition booking Great Britain’s place in Rio, British Chef d’Equipe Rob Hoekstra was confident they had the right blend of riders for the task ahead.
“This is a really exciting team with plenty of youth and experience. We have guys with medal experience at the highest levels and a couple here for the first time,” he said.
“What they all have is lots of clear rounds in them which is what you need to win at Championship level; I think it sends out a message that for those who are jumping well there are always opportunities to make it.
“I’m looking forward to the World Games. We’re aiming for a top five team placing to secure our qualification for Rio but when we get there it would be nice to add a world title to the ones we’ve already got.”
© Sportsbeat 2014