CHLOE BELL, 16, from Thirsk has been selected as a member of the 2014 Charles Owen Pony squad to represent Great Britain at this summer’s Pony European Eventing Championships, to be held at Millstreet, (Ireland, July 30 - August 3) where Britain will be defending both team and individual gold.

Now in her third year of pony trials Chloe will ride Strawberry Box, who has been with the Bell family since he was four and was competed up until last summer by Chloe’s brother Toby.

Their 2014 season got off to a great start with a win at the Oasby Pony Trial, but after an uncharacteristic parting of the ways at the National Pony Championships, Chloe thought her chances of selection had disappeared.

“I really thought that was the end of it,” she said. “I went to Salperton with a point to prove, and am so glad I did.

Strawberry Box is amazing, he’s been such a servant to our family.

“I kept trying to prepare myself for the worst before the the phone call came through saying I’d been selected. I was so nervous, and cried my eyes out when I heard. I am so excited, I can’t wait.”

Chloe has great back-up at home. Her mother Helen is an Event Rider and Coach, and runs Breckenbrough Horse Trials whilst her father Tom builds the cross country courses there. Not surprisingly Chloe loves producing horses herself, and may do it professionally after completing her education.

For further information regarding the competition visit millstreethorseshow.ie/en/