IZZY Taylor is determined to succeed at next month’s European Championships after the disappointment of missing last year’s World Equestrian Games.

The Banbury rider was forced to withdraw her horse Allercombe on the eve of the competition after suffering a minor set-back in training.

However, Taylor is looking to make up for lost time after being named in Great Britain’s 12-strong ream for the championships at Blair Castle, Scotland, from September 10-13.

She is keeping her fingers crossed for smooth sailing with Kbis Briarlands Matilda and knows a good performance could help her chances of competing at next year’s Rio Olympics.

“It’s very exciting,” she said.

“From last year, getting to the training for the World Equestrian Games and then withdrawing, now is the nervous time until you get to Blair, but it’s great to be selected.

“It’s important to put down a marker ahead of next year.

“Last year having to withdraw early from the Worlds, that was quite emotional and upsetting.”

Taylor’s preparations for the European Championships mean she will be absent from the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, which get under way at Blenheim Palace on September 3.

And while disappointed to miss out, she insists the main focus is on peaking for Scotland.

Taylor said: “It is a big disappointment as she loves Burghley.

“But you can’t have it all, I have to be grateful for what I’ve got.

“It is a busy time, there’s a lot going on.

“Everyone has got their personal aims for the Europeans.

“My horse is a very good cross-country horse.

“If it rains up there, it will definitely play into our hands.”

However, Olympic silver medallist Zara Phillips will be competing at Blenheim next month.

Phillips and Toytown will head the Parade of Champions as part of the event’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

She will also be competing in the CIC3 class for eight and nine-year-old horses, with thoroughbred gelding Watkins.

The multi-award winning Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (3rd-6th September) has been established as a major international equestrian and social event in the Autumn Sporting Calendar for over 50 years. For more information visit burghley-horse.co.uk.