Nick Skelton and Big Star omitted from Team GB for European Championships 2013

Team GB have released their official line-up of riders for the European Championships 2013 in Denmark: Scott Brash on Hello SanctosBen Maher on CellaWilliam Funnell on Billy CongoRobert Smith on Voila IVMichael Whitaker on Viking V. Not included in the team is the triumphant pairing from the Aachen GP, Nick Skelton and Big Star. Following discussions with the horse’s owners Gary and Beverley Widdowson and coach Rob Hoeckstra, the rider agreed not to enter Big Star in order to keep the horse fresh for the 2016 Olympic Games. Team GB coach Rob Hoeckstra defined the team as ‘very exciting’ depite Skelton’s absence and they are expected to rival the Germans for the title.  There is no debut rider but not all of the horses have experience at such a high level of competition, like Robert Smith’s Voila, who the rider has admitted is honoured to compete on. Michael Whitaker shared Smith’s thoughts with his horse Viking, considered to be an exceptional talent. William Funnell has enjoyed twice the pleasure as not only is he delighted to compete on Billy Congo but his joy also comes from the fact that he is the horse’s trainer.  www.britishshowjumping.co.uk