The Irish Dressage Team make history today, to be the First Irish Dressage Team to Qualify for the Olympics. Not only that, the team is made up of All Ladies, they are known as our Girls in Green, and what a statement they have made for Irish Women in Sport as we head toward Olympics 2020!
The Tokyo Olympic Qualification was sealed for Ireland, when Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K completed a superb test this morning, breaking their own Irish Grand Prix Record and confirming the Irish Dressage Team Olympic qualification in the Process.
The Team is made up of:
Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K; They have been in fantastic form over the past few years, with some amazing Podium Finishes. Vancouver K is the most experienced of the horses on the team at the moment, and he certainly rose to the occasion today with that incredible performance earlier, after the test when asked Judy said “He was amazing in the ring!”
Check out our Interview with Irish Olympic Dressage Rider Judy Reynolds>>
Heike Holstein and Sambuca; Heike Holstein has a lot of experience at this level; however her super horse Sambuca, is relatively young. She is the first foal that Heike bred and Heike said that she has always been a performer, having won a National Championship at each Dressage level since she began competition. This year this young mare has gone from strength to strength and Heike was absolutely thrilled with how she performed and accepted the Atmosphere in Rotterdam.
Anna Merveldt and Esporim; Anna Merveldt is also a very experienced rider at this level. Her lovely young horse Esporim, is again relatively young but has had a wonderful season this year, and has really achieved some amazing scores at the level. Anna felt that he was little overwhelmed today, however, although he was a little tense, he still behaved very well for a young horse at such a big event.
Kate Dwyer and Snowdon Faberge; Kate Dwyer, has competed for Ireland as a Young Rider, however, both her and Snowdon Faberge, would be not be as experienced at this level. Despite that both Kate and her horse, recorded a super performance for the Team Yesterday. After the performance Kate said of her horse “I am very proud of him, he is a quarter Welsh Cob, so not your typical Dressage Horse.”
A Massive well done to the team, and all their families and supporters, we are looking forward to a fantastic Tokyo Olympics 2020.