Mark Todd Makes World Games Squad

World class equestrian Mark Todd topped a stellar weekend performance at the Highclere Castle Horse Trials with the announcement of his place in the New Zealand eventing team for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky at the end of September.

In what was his final outing before the Blenheim International Horse Trials on 9 - 12 September, NZB Land Vision won one of the very competitive advanced sections at Highclere. This win comes hot on the heels of Mark's victory on NZB Campino at the Hartpury Horse Trials in Gloucestershire in mid August.

Meanwhile, NZB Grass Valley performed superbly to claim fourth place against tough competition in another of Highclere's advanced sections. Named as Mark's horse for the World Equestrian Games, NZB Grass Valley was having his last outing in the United Kingdom before departing for Kentucky.

The World Equestrian Games is the culmination of 18 months build up for the five members of the team, which is spear-headed by the experienced combination of Mark and Andrew Nicholson. They are joined by fellow Olympian Caroline Powell and the up-and-coming Jonathan Paget and Clarke Johnstone.

While none of the horses in the team have competed at Olympic Games or World Equestrian Games level, Chef d'Equipe Erik Duvander is quite sure they'll be there for the 2012 Olympics in London.

"These are all young horses, and have hardly hit their prime, so they are looking good for WEG and the London Olympics."

New Zealand Bloodstock Ltd, who sponsored Mark's campaign to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, continues to support him in his next Olympic quest for the Games in London 2012.

The New Zealand World Equestrian Games eventing team is:
Andrew Nicholson & Nereo (with reserve horses Mr Cruise Control, Avebury and Armada)
Mark Todd & NZB Grass Valley
Caroline Powell & Mac Macdonald
Jonathan Paget & Clifton Promise
Clarke Johnstone & Orient Express