Australia names Endurance Team for 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games

Equestrian Australia has today revealed its Endurance Team for the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG).

The five member team will be captained by Penny Toft (QLD), a three-time WEG representative who was part of the Australian team which won bronze at the 2002 Jerez Games. Penny’s list of achievements also includes gold and silver team World Championships medals (2000, 2005).

Penny will experience her fourth World Equestrian Games with daughter Alexandra after the 19 year old was also named in the team. 

“I am exceptionally excited and proud to be representing Australia at the 2014 World Equestrian Games,” said Penny.

"I am especially humbled to be nominated as the team captain of such a talented team of young Australian horses and riders. Also competing alongside my daughter, Alexandra, will be very exciting. Together we have worked very hard to optimize our performance, aiming to do Endurance and Australia proud,” she said.  

Joining the mother and daughter duo is Ben Hudson (NSW), an apprentice electrician from Mudgee in New South Wales.

21 year old Hudson was surprised by the news.

“This has been a dream of mine for a long time but I thought it would be at least another 10 years before I’d realise it.

“It’s been a big team effort to get to this point. The owners of my horse are very supportive and I have a lot of great people behind me,” he said.

The five member team also includes Jennifer Annetts (NSW) and Sasha Laws-King (QLD) who each represented Australia at the 2005 and 2007 World Endurance Championships for Young Riders.

Congratulations to the 2014 Endurance Team selected to represent Australia at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games:

Jennifer Annetts and Castlebar Contraband

Ben Hudson and Oso Edith

Sasha Laws-King and Qacima Du Sauveterre

Alexandra Toft and Dream Dancer te

Penny Toft and Centre Fold te/ Charlotte te (Reserve Horse)

Reserve

Sarah McLaughlin and Tonki Dee Boo Shania