Finland, Russia name teams for Deauville 2015

London 2012 silver medallist Katja Karjalainen will lead Finland at the European Para-Equestrian Championships. 28 Aug 2015
Imagen
Katja Karjalainen of Finland celebrating her silver medal in the Mixed Dressage - Freestyle grade Ib at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Katja Karjalainen of Finland celebrating her silver medal in the Mixed Dressage - Freestyle grade Ib at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

ⒸLieven Coudenys
By Robert Howell| For the IPC

Russia and Finland have announced their team members for this year’s International Equestrian Federation (FEI) European Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships, which will be held 17-20 September in Deauville, France.

London 2012 silver medallist Katja Karjalainen will lead the charge for Finland, competing in the grade Ia category. Karjalainen will be joined by Jaana Kivimaki (grade Ib) and Teija Kurikka (grade II). Finland will also field two of the youngest competitors at in Deauville, with grade III rider Kaisla Osara taking to the arena just days before her 18th birthday, and grade IV’s Jessica Kerttunen just after she turns 18.

Russia has been making steady progress in the sport over the years. On paper at Deauville, they have a chance to win a medal with grade IV rider Natalia Martynova, who has picked up a number of first and second-place finishes at international competitions this season.

Natalya Zhavoronkova will join Martynova in grade IV category. Marina Vinogradova will take part in the grade Ia competition, and Nina Anufrieva will represent Russia in the grade Ib.

The Championships will decide the final European team allocations for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Finland:

Katja Karjalainen – grade Ia

Jaana Kivimaki – grade Ib

Teija Kurikka – grade II

Kaisla Osara – grade III

Jessica Kerttunen – grade IV

Russia:

Natalia Martynova – grade IV

Natalya Zhavoronkova – grade IV

Marina Vinogradova – grade Ia

Nina Anufrieva – grade Ib

For more information on the 2015 European Para-Equestrian Championships, visit the FEI’s website.