Family trio named in GB squad

Doug Allen, Francesca Sternberg and Jessica Sternberg form three-quarters of the Equestrian Team GBR to contest the 2014 Alltech World Equestrian Games (WEG).

Jessica Sternberg, 24, is set to line-up alongside her auntie and uncle, GBR team stalwarts Francesca Sternberg and Doug Allen, at the prestigious competition in Caen, France, from August 25-30.

Allen, 55, said: “It’s really exciting to be selected. This will be my fourth WEG and I’m just as excited about this one as I was for my first. I think we have a good team and good horses; we have a team of experienced riders with three of us having ridden at previous WEGs and I think we have a good chance of getting things done out there.”

Francesca Sternberg, 51, said: “It’s going to be extremely special competing alongside my niece; the young riders are our future and it will be a very special feeling in Normandy.”

“I think it’s going to be a very cohesive team; Josh (Collins, the other team member from Tunbridge Wells) has ridden with us since he was 11, and Josh and Jessica have been on Young Rider teams together in the past.”

Jessica Sternberg added: “I’m so excited; it will be so much fun. As well as being on a team with other great riders, they’re friends and family as well and to be on a team with Josh, who I’ve known for years, as well as my auntie and uncle will be extra special.”

The four named team riders who contest the team event (where the best three scores count towards the team result) will also compete as individuals at the championships.

See Friday’s Rye & Battle Observer for the full article.