CRICKLADE event rider Danielle (Danni) Dunn, 24 has been chosen to make her senior British team debut in the first leg of the FEI Nations Cup held in Strzegom, Poland, from May 17-21.

May is going to be a huge month in Danni's career as she also competes at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials – her first CCI**** event – from May3-7.

She rides Zocarla BLH at Badminton and Grandslam in Poland.

Grandslam, co-owned by Danni and Stuart Hodder, completed a first CIC3*** event over the Easter weekend at the Barefoot Estates Burnham Market International Horse Trials, in Norfolk.

The pair finished in 14th place and was one of only three combinations to finish on their dressage score after going clear cross country and in the showjumping arena.

“This is such an exciting time, I am absolutely delighted to have been selected for the Nations Cup team," said Danni.

"It is a huge honour. I can’t thank my co-owner Stuart Hodder and his family enough for their help and support.”

Prior to the trip to Poland she will tackle Eric Winter's new Badminton course on Zocarla BLH, co-owned by Jenny Lockyer.

She will be following in the footsteps of her mother Jacquie who completed Badminton in 1984 with Finisterre II.

Danni said: “To be going to Badminton is an absolute dream, any horsey girl's dream, but it’s been more than that. I have always believed I would ride at Badminton, and my whole life so far has been about training to get to this stage. "My mum evented and has ridden at Badminton and Burghley. I think I am incredibly lucky to have a mum who is so knowledgeable and understanding of the sport.

"Mum has always taught me that correct riding comes first, through my journey so far it’s always come down to that. I definitely do not feel any pressure from mum, she is a fundamental part of the process and to be honest I’d probably be lost without her.”

Danielle has recently gained further support from The Horse Trials Supporters Group, Equine Construction and Keyflow Feeds.