A HOST of Wiltshire-based riders have been named in the squad to represent Great Britain at the Longines FEI European Eventing Championships.

Laura Collett, Flora Harris, Kitty King and Holly Woodhead have all been selected in the team of 12, who will head to Blair Castle, Scotland, for the four day event, which starts on Thursday, September 10.

This summer’s event is the last major championship before the Olympic Games in Rio next year, where GB will be represented, having already qualified a team spot after the World Equestrian Games last year.

All riders compete as individuals at the Championships, with four riders being announced before the start of the competition to contest the team event.

Lambourn-based Collett, who was the top British under 25 rider at the Barbury Horse Trials last weekend, said she was thrilled to be selected.

“I am over the moon,” She said.

“He was so brilliant at Barbury and it is great to have the partnership we have developed together rewarded by being selected.

“This is the first time I have been to a home championship so it’s really exciting to be going back to Blair.

“I went there for the first time last year (with Milo in the CIC) where I was blown away by the beauty.”

Harris, who is based in Membury, is one of five riders making their senior team debuts and is hoping that home advantage will tell.

“I’m really excited to get my first senior call up, just thrilled,” she said.

“Blair has been happy hunting ground for me, having been second in the CIC3* last year (on Amazing III), and of course to have the home support will be amazing.”

Meanwhile, King, based in Lower Stanton St Quintin, is hoping her experience will tell as she is four of those selected who have previously competed at a home Europeans, after riding at Blenheim in 2005.

“He [Persimmon] has had really consistent results at 3* so really hoped that we would get the call,” she said.

“My last home championships was at Blenheim [2005] and even though it didn’t go to plan it was brilliant riding in front of a home crowd and I know the atmosphere being at home this time will be amazing.”

Woodhead, who is based at Dayhouse Farm in Coate, Swindon, is a member of the World Class Programme Podium Potential squad and believes that support has helped her to this call-up.

“It’s crazy,” said the overwhelmed 21-year-old.

“I’m overwhelmed, it’s not sunk in yet and I don’t think it will until I’m there with all the seniors.

“I’ve heard so many great things about Blair and I love Ian Stark courses, I can’t wait to see what he’s built and I just want to get there and ride it now.

“It definitely helps to have home support; I can’t get my head around being a senior, as I’m still a young rider.”