Equestrianism: World Games Guide
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30 September - 4 October, Flaminio Stadium, Rome.
DEFENDING TEAM: Germany.
INDIVIDUALS: Grand Prix Special: I Werth (Ger); Freestyle to Music: A van Grunsven (Neth)
Germany have dominated for more than two decades, but The Netherlands gave them a good run for their money four years ago and should do so again. Individuals compete in both the Grand Prix Special and the Freestyle to Music for one overall title, which should go to either Werth or Van Grunsven, who had a gold medal each in 1994. Britain will be happy to finish in the top eight teams, who qualify for the Olympics.
BRITAIN: R Davison (Hiscox Askari); F Eilberg (Arun Tor); E Faurie (Legrini); S Phillips (Fun).
THREE-DAY EVENT
1-4 October, Pratoni del Vivaro.
DEFENDING TEAM: Great Britain
INDIVIDUAL: V Jefferis (NZ).
The New Zealand team (including the Olympic victor, Blyth Tait, and the European Open champion, Mark Todd) are undisputed favourites. Britain, who defend the team title won four years ago, have had so many setbacks through injury to key horses that they will need a lot of luck to retain the championship. The US team, trained by Capt Mark Phillips, could be the main threat to the Kiwis.
BRITAIN: G Parsonage (Magic Rogue); P Phillipps (Coral Cove); N Taylor (The Frenchman II); K Dixon ( Too Smart).
INDIVIDUALS: J Brakewell (Over to You); P Beckett (Watermark II).
VAULTING
3-6 October, Tenuta Santa Barbara, Bracciano.
DEFENDING TEAM: Germany.
INDIVIDUALS: Men: C Lensing (Ger). Women: T Benedetto (Ger).
Sometimes sniffily referred to as "the circus bit", this event features youngsters performing spectacular gymnastics atop cantering horses. Germany and Switzerland are the best exponents. The British squad do not expect to win a team medal - but Daniel Bentley has a chance in the men's individual.
BRITAIN Men: D Bentley; P Beasley. Women: R Townsend; J Croft; F Jones. Team (8 of 10 to be chosen): P Beasley; J Eccles; K Hunt; L McElnay; H MacGillvray; D Mackay; P Murray; M Rawlinson; A Rogerson; G Russell.
DRIVING
7-10 October,
Pratoni del Vivaro.
DEFENDING TEAM: Belgium.
INDIVIDUAL: F Brasseur (Bel).
The great George Bowman, a former scrap metal processor and rodeo rider, has twice been runner-up in the world championships in this event, and he still has every chance of driving his team of four horses to victory at the age of 63. This time the Cumbrian driver will be able to compete with his son, George Bowman Jnr, as a team-mate. Pippa Thomas completes the line-up for the British team and her sister, Karen Bassett, is also competing as an individual.
BRITAIN: G Bowman; G Bowman Jnr; P Thomas. Individual: K Bassett.
SHOW JUMPING
7-11 October, Flaminio Stadium, Rome.
DEFENDING TEAM: Germany.
INDIVIDUAL: F Sloothaak (Ger).
Germany holds the Olympic, World and European titles in both team and individual categories - and nobody will discount their chance of an extended reign. Both France and Brazil are tipped for team placings, with Austria's Hugo Simon favourite for the individual. Britain's chances looked forlorn until Nick Skelton won three grands prix in a row. Now nothing seems impossible.
BRITAIN: G Billington (Virtual Village It's Otto); D Lampard (Abbervail Dream); N Skelton (Virtual Village Hopes are High); J Whitaker (Virtual Village Heyman). Reserve: J Fisher (Traxdata Renville).
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