Fritz Grupe, of Lodi, Calif., and Mike McLennan of Brenham, Texas, will make up two-thirds of the U.S. team for the World Pairs Championships for Horses on Sept. 8-11. It\’s the first time ever that two pairs team members have lived west of the Mississippi River.
World Championship veteran Lisa Singer, of Chadds Ford, Pa., will join them in Wals-Siezenheim, Austria. Alan Aulson of Georgetown, Mass., is the alternate.
The pairs team was announced late on June 2, following the spring\’s final selection trial at the Bromont CDE (Que.) on May 20-22 and confirmation by the U.S. Equestrian Federation\’s Executive Committee.
Also named were the team for the World Combined Pony Driving Championships at Catton Hall, England, on July 14-17.
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Five of the seven drivers picked drove in the first World Pony Championships two years ago—single Sara Schmitt of Glen Gardner, N.J.; pairs drivers Tracey Morgan of Beallsville, Md., and Katie Whaley of Southern Pines, N.C.; and four-in-hand drivers Lisa Stroud of Unionville, Pa., and Boots Wright of Southern Pines, N.C.
The rookies will be single Suzy Stafford of Bear, Del., and four-in-hand driver Elizabeth Keathley of Woodbury, Tenn.
The alternates are: single—Muffy Seaton of Bluemont, Va.; pair—Paul Martin of New Holland, Pa.
Chester Weber will coach the pairs team and be the assistant coach of the pony team. Georgina Frith will coach the pony team.
