Equestrian: NZ to field strong lineup at Nations Cup

Sir Mark Todd. Photo / Duncan Brown

New Zealand will field a strong lineup chasing quality performances at the Nations Cup eventing competition in Aachen, Germany this week.

Although New Zealand's eventers have not qualified for next year's Rio Olympics - that is expected to happen at the Boekelo three-day event in the Netherlands in October - Aachen presents an opportunity to test themselves in a team environment.

Four of the London Olympic bronze medallists - minus the injured Andrew Nicholson - are taking part.

Mark Todd is aboard NZB Campino; Jock Paget will ride Clifton Lush, Jonelle Price is riding Faerie Dianimo and the non-Olympic medallist Tim Price on Wesko form the New Zealand team, while Olympian Caroline Powell is riding Onwards and Upwards as an individual.

Jonelle Price, who was second at the British Open at Gatcombe last weekend acknowledged there is some pressure on the New Zealand riders to perform.

"Things didn't really go our way at WEG (last year's World Games in France) so hopefully we can deliver the goods this time. It's a very good lineup," she said.

Husband Tim Price is having his first full outing with Wesko since finishing second at the Kentucky three-day event in April.

"It is a team event that we take very seriously and it's fun to contribute to a good result. Wesko is a horse that seems to get better and better with age.

"The team looks good and you'd be brave to bet against it, however there will be some very strong teams.."

It will be Campino's first start at Aachen, but the horse Todd rode at the last Olympics has been incredibly consistent.

Clifton Lush also has some good results to his credit, including a third at the four star Badminton trials this year.

Equestrian Sports New Zealand high performance director Sarah Dalziell says she is keen to see the riders compete as a team.

"Each of the combinations selected have had significant individual placings this year, so it will be exciting to see them performing together in the first team competition of the year," she said.

"Aachen is considered a significant milestone in our preparation for Rio (Olympics) in terms of the team environment, as well as performance, given the high level of both atmosphere and competition there."