Malvern St James Girl’s School’s heads for the European Championships

Imogen Gloag, a Sixth Form Riding Scholar at Malvern St James Girls’ School, has been selected for the Hows Racesafe British Junior Eventing team to compete in the European Championships this September.
Following expert performances at the final team selection trial at Aston Le Walls Horse Trials at the beginning of August, Imogen and her horse Brendonhill Doublet, from Oxfordshire, were chosen to join the Hows Racesafe sponsored British Junior team together with five other riders and horses.
The selected six riders will head to the 2013 FEI Junior European Championships at Haras de Jardy, France on12-15 September where they will defend team and individual Gold titles as well as individual Silver.
Of the six riders, four will represent Great Britain with the two additional riders competing for individual medals. Several riders have been selected on multiple horses, the selectors and riders will decide later in August which horse they will be taking to Jardy.
Chairman of Junior Selectors, Ginnie Keen said of the new squad: “As ever selection wasn’t easy, this year we were especially spoilt for choice from an incredible line-up of young contenders on the 2013 long list. I think we have an incredible strength in depth of both new faces as well as more experienced riders on this year’s squad.”
Commenting on Imogen’s selection Ginnie added: “Imogen and her ride, Brendonhill Doublet, are another pair of fresh new faces to add to the team having had multiple top ten results this season including fifth place at Houghton international in the three day Junior (CCIJ*) trial.”
Riding from the age of four, Imogen Gloag has always enjoyed competing in School, Pony Club and team competitions.   Previous successes have included twice representing the Central Region at Weston Park International Horse Trials in the U18 National Team Championship.
Imogen commented: “I am excited and honoured to have the opportunity to compete in the European Championships,” said Imogen. “I am extremely grateful to ‘Horses in Sport’ for their continued sponsorship and to my School, for all support that they give me. I am really looking forward to going on to my first choice of University in September next year.”
Patricia Woodhouse, Headmistress, Malvern St James Girls’ School added: “What a fantastic achievement for Imogen, a very talented girl!  All the staff and girls at MSJ wish her all the very best for the Championships in September.  I am delighted that at MSJ we are able to work with talented sportswomen like Imogen to create a flexible timetable which enables her to meet essential training and preparation requirements as well as academic commitments.