By Anwen Francis

Four local riders will be riding high this August as they represent Wales at an international team event held at the David Broome Event Centre in Chepstow.

The riders Georgia James, Millie Davies, Soffia Cynwyl and Caleb Davies have been selected for the squad to take part in the British Show Pony Society two-day event that will see teams from Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland competing against each other.

Chair of BSPS Wales Jayne Brace says that this is the pinnacle of the equestrian diary for the riders.

“Wales hasn’t hosted this event for 20 years and it’s such an important event. We are so proud of everyone who has been selected to represent Wales. It’s an opportunity not to be missed and one that riders will remember forever,” said Jayne.

She added: “We are looking forward to meeting team members from other countries as well as taking them all on a day trip to St Fagans to show them what we as a country have to offer.”

Two of the riders, Georgia and Soffia, are members of the Tivyside Pony Club and both attend Cardigan Secondary School.

“I’m really pleased to have been selected. I had such a shock when I opened my letter which said I'd been selected to represent Wales for the international team. I am over the moon, and so excited and looking forward to the competition,” said Georgia who will rider her grandmother’s six-year-old section D gelding Iouar Caradog.

Georgia is well known in the equine fraternity having already ridden at Olympia, Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International.

Soffia, 13, from Ponthirwaun near Cardigan will ride her section B gelding Milford Fair Honeybear. The pair are having a great season so far qualifying for the mountain and moorland 133 working hunter pony class at the Royal International at the end of the month.

Soffia, who has competed at the Horse of the Year Show was the BSPS Wales Points Winner of 2018 and is this year sponsored by LBS Builders Merchants of Cardigan.

Millie Davies of Rhos near Llandysul will be riding Meadmoor Voodoo Lilly, a 10 year old 157cm mare, owned by Sue James and produced by Wyn Morris of Pembrokeshire. This is her second season doing open tracks, qualifying for the Royal International on her first attempt last year.

The youngest member of the squad is 11-year-old Bro Teifi pupil Caleb Davies of Bryngwyn. He will ride his new 133 section B gelding Janpete Mr Cool. Caleb has previously competed at the Royal International on his 122 Section A mare Copybush Angelina in the Pretty Polly First Ridden and is currently competing at HOYS qualifiers across the country.

The event will take place on Monday and Tuesday, August 5-6, and the final team selection will happen later this month.

BSPS Wales has thanked local companies in the Cardigan area for their support and contribution. BSPS Wales is also delighted to be receiving chocolate brownies donated by Cardigan Bay Brownies for its team members.