NICOLA WILSON is delighted to be putting a difficult start to the year behind her as she prepares to compete in September’s European Eventing Championships in Scotland.

Wilson, who won an Olympic silver medal as part of Great Britain’s team eventing squad at London 2012, has been selected as part of a 12-strong squad for this autumn’s championships at Blair Castle, in Scotland.

Based at Morton-on-Swale, near Northallerton, she will partner One Two Many in the Europeans, which are the last major championships before next year’s Olympic Games in Rio. The British squad have already secured a guaranteed team spot for the Rio Games thanks to their performance at last year’s World Equestrian Games.

Wilson’s Annie Clover has been named as a reserve for the Europeans, with the 38-year-old’s selection a reward for her efforts during a difficult season that started with her recovering from a serious injury.

“It’s especially exciting after the delay to the beginning of our season due to me breaking my collar bone that subsequently needed plating,” said Wilson.

“It is credit to my home support team who worked so hard to keep the horses in tip-top shape, and to my fantastic owners who remained supportive and positive through this time.

“The support from the World Class team (at British Eventing), who funded my treatment at the beginning of the year aiding my speedy return to competition, has been enormously appreciated. Fingers crossed that we stay safe and sound in the meantime and perform to the best of our ability at Blair Castle.”

Wilson will be joined in the British squad for the European Championships, which will take place between September 10-13, by Laura Collett, Dani Evans, William Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell, Flora Harris, Kitty King, Gemma Tattersall, Izzy Taylor, Oliver Townend, Francis Whittington and Holly Woodhead.

All riders will compete as individuals, with four selected before the start of the event to participate in the team competition.

“Blair Castle is a really exciting event,” added Wilson. “Hopefully, the support there will be enormous for Team GB.

“It’s just the most beautiful setting – the hills and parkland really lend themselves to a great cross-country track. I’ve been very fortunate to go and compete there so often. It’s been a fantastic event for us over the years, but I’m certain Ian Stark (course designer) will have some hidden surprises up his sleeve.”