Development Opportunities for Young Riders

There are several funding and development opportunities for young riders in the UK.  Please see below for details.

BEF Excel Talent Programme

The England Excel Talent Programme aims to produce a pool of up and coming talented riders across the England Regions who are not currently on the BEF’s World Class Programme.

The Programme has been set up through funding from Sport England and is being co-ordinated by the BEF, in partnership with the three Olympic and one Paralympic disciplines of eventing, dressage, showjumping and para-equestrian dressage.

The Programme, will provide selected riders with the opportunity to have access to top equestrian specialists including: coaches, physiotherapists, psychologists, vets and nutritionists via a series of rider performance camps.

The programme runs on a 2 year cycle and details of the 2011-2013 applications can be found on the BEF website here.

Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE)

The Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) helps develop talented young athletes (16 -18 year olds) who have a real chance of excelling in their sport and competing on the international stage.

From September 2013, Hartpury equine will be offering selected talented riders the chance to progress their skills whilst learning how to manage all aspects of life in a professional sport, as well as a chance to continue their education.

The scheme is aimed at those riders who have aspirations, and the talent, to compete at international level and they will be guided throughout the course to make sure their potential is fulfilled.

Those who are selected will have the chance to complete the course either at Hartpury or from their home training base. At Hartpury riders will have the added benefits of a high-quality training environment, access to modern, well-equipped facilities and the benefits of conditioning experts, physiotherapists, nutritionists and mentors.

More information can be found here and here.