Eilberg and Two Sox were travelling reserve for the Beijing Olympics

Redditch-based dressage rider Maria Eilberg and her horse Two Sox have been selected for GB for the European Jumping and Dressage Championships.

The 25-year-old, who was a travelling reserve for Beijing 2008, told BBC Hereford and Worcester she is delighted to be part of the four-strong team.

"I've been reserve a few times but this is the first time we've officially been on the team, so it's great," she said.

Twenty nations will compete at Windsor Castle from 25-30 August.

Eilberg says the consistency of Two Sox this season probably earned them a place on the team, but she admits it was a difficult time waiting for the the final call-up.

We're not going to go out and get a 'wow' fantastic mark, but we can get a good decent mark Maria Eilberg

"I knew that he had been very consistent, he hasn't really had under 66 this season and then gone quite high above that too," she said.

"There was quite a bit of pressure, they'd named the three already and then it was just between me and another girl, but luckily I managed to have the edge. It was very close.

"That's the breakthrough really to get on the team and be known as a team member. Once you've managed to achieve that you're in earshot really.

"I don't think it's going to click properly until I get there and move in, it all feels a bit surreal at the moment."

Although the Netherlands and the Germans are favourites for the competition, the British team will have the advantage of home support at Windsor Castle and Eilberg says she is looking forward to getting into the ring.

"We're not going to go out and get a 'wow' fantastic mark, but we can get a good decent mark and hopefully play our part."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version