World games a target for Warwick rider David Goodwin
DAVID Goodwin has made the initial squad of 28 for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro but has more pressing ambitions on his mind.
He wants to be one of the four riders in the Australian team for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, next year.
"Showjumpers rate the World Equestrian Games alongside the Olympics," Goodwin said.
He is not in the squad for the 2014 games but still has plenty of time to strive for selection.
Goodwin is in the Olympic squad with his horse Warrego Jericho.
The combination was selected after recording many second to fourth placings last year in the 1.4m class.
"I will be in the top class with Jericho this year and will be hoping for a strong performance in the World Cup qualifier at the Sydney Royal Easter Show," he said.
Last year, he won the Australian Speed Championship in Werribee with Jetsen, a title he won't win with Jericho.
"Jericho is not the fastest horse but what he lacks in speed, he makes up in scope, the power to clear wide and tall fences," he said.
To make it to Normandy, Goodwin said he would need to compete on Jericho in qualifying events in Germany, Belgium and France early next year. Next month, he will spend some time training with Australian coach Rod Brown at Gosford.
