SOUTHAMPTON endurance riders Shelagh Bunn and Natalie Drummond have reached the final eight on a short list to compete in an international event in France.

Six of the eight riders listed will go forward to represent Great Britain on July 15 and 16. But Bunn and Drummond face one more hurdle before their ride is secured.

The duo must impress judges at a training weekend in Urchin Wood, Bristol, where both horses and riders will face rigorous tests.

The Arab grey mare Princess Kassandra and Bunn's chestnut gelding Phylka will both tackle the 80-mile French course if they pass the training weekend.

Their most recent challenge was the Golden Horseshoe at Exmoor where fortunes were mixed. Natalie Drummond and Princess Kassandra were among just 22 out of 100 to complete the ride. But Phylka was wrestling with an over reach injury from a training session and had to be pulled out after the first 50 miles.

"It was very tough. By the second day, the rain and mist made conditions terrible. There were no golds. Although we had to pull Phylka out at least we were fully aware of the reasons," said Bunn. Bunn and Drummond will be riding the 60-mile test at Brema, near Fordingbridge on June 6. But their aim is to go safe and steady to keep the horses in optimum condition for the French challenge.

"We are keeping the horses fit with a lot of river walking through the Test and I've had to start cycling to work," said Bunn.

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