Winning a place on the British pony eventing team for the European championships was the goal Oundle School pupil, Diana Bevan (15) set herself for the 2012 season.
Help from internationally renowned event coach Judy Bradwell, advanced event rider Jane Riley and the support of Oundle School allowed regular training and strategic time away from school for key competitions.
Diana commented, “‘A Touch of Spice’ and I came within a whisker, making reserve for Great British team in our first year of high level competition. The bar was set high and the result achieved was unusual for a first season partnership at Pony Trials. The campaign began in February 2011 when my little superstar arrived and training began in earnest. 2011 produced a solid set of results allowing progression into the pony programme.”
Within the first three events of 2012, Sarah Hancox, chairman of selectors, commented on Spice's dramatic improvement in dressage, shifting the pony, with an enviable cross country record, into serious contention. Diana and Spice were named part of the nine strong squad travelling to Barbury International.
Diana added, “We performed well, despite tack failure in the jumping phase; completing three quarters of the XC course with only one stirrup.
Diana has been selected as part of the A squad 2012/13, containing 9 riders who have performed consistently well this season, to train over the winter and maximize their chances of selection this coming season.