Laurens gets Euro selection call

Simon Laurens and Ocean Diamond, the horse he won team gold and individual silver on in Beijing

Paralympic gold medal winner Simon Laurens has been selected for the European Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships in Norway in August.

The 41-year-old who is based at Birdlip in Gloucestershire is part of a team of six, plus two non-travelling reserves.

"I'm over the moon to be selected I've had a lot of bad luck since Beijing so this is a real boost" said Laurens.

"Ocean Diamond [his horse] is absolutely flying and it's great to get some good news and get back on track."

The Championships are being held in Kristiansand, Norway from 20 - 24 August 2009.

Laurens is joined in the defending champions' squad by Sophie Christiansen, Lee Pearson, Jo Pitt, Emma Sheardown, and Sophie Wells.