A team put together by the Central Otago Pony Club, comprising Anna Nesbit (18) and Grace Mannerswood (20), both of Queenstown, Kendra McRae (17), of Invercargill, Janelle Gibson (17), of Gore, Alex Clarke (18), of Dunedin, and Callum Geddes (17), of Alexandra, will leave New Zealand on July 5 and spend six weeks preparing for the British national championships by competing at minor events, team manager Dave Forsyth, of Omakau, said.
"They'll do a few low-key events first, then area competitions, before they get to the nationals," he said.
The national championships are a four-day competition in mid August that attracts teams from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Ten riders applied for the six places on the team, which was picked by experienced riders Clarke Johnston and Amanda Taylor, Mr Forsyth said.
To be eligible, riders had to compete at open level or above at eventing, which comprises dressage, cross-country and showjumping.
"They had to be good at competing."
It would be a big challenge for the New Zealand riders, he said, as they would have to compete on borrowed horses.
While in Britain, they will stay with host families in Warwickshire and travel to events from there.
They will also visit horse studs, racing stables and cultural attractions, as well as spending three days in London.
Team members are doing their own fundraising but Mr Forsyth was hopeful grant applications made to Central Otago Lions and Freemasons groups would be successful.
He also thanked the schools attended by some team members for allowing their pupils go on the trip, as five weeks of school will be missed.
Originally from Britain, Mr Forsyth said it had been a dream of his for many years to take a team of pony club riders from New Zealand to his homeland to compete.
A long-serving member and district commissioner of the Warwickshire Pony Club, he has kept in close contact with many of his British equestrian colleagues, who have arranged accommodation, entry to the events, and horses on which the riders can compete.
