YOUNG EVENTERS PATHWAY
Our aim is to support young eventers from every background, to become better and more viable athletes.
With the introduction of the new Young Eventers Pathway the Foundation is able to support riders from 1* to 5* level, with both ridden training and classroom based education.
The Wesko Equestrian Foundation launched its first project in 2018, the Young Eventers Programme, where we aimed to support the transition from Young Rider to Senior and amateur to professional. Moving into 2023 the Foundation expanded its support of young event riders via the new Young Eventers Pathway. Our aim is to support young Eventers from every background, to become better and more viable athletes. The Foundation’s vision is to create an eventing community and peer learning environment that surrounds these riders, who are participating in the programme.
Moving into 2026 we are building on the success of previous years and look to welcome a new cohort of riders to the Pathway. The new Pathway will accommodate up to 12 riders, between the ages of 21 and 28-years-old.
The Pathway will not only offer three separate training events with our coaching team, including the likes of European Champion & Olympic silver medallist Nicola Wilson, but will have access to a 12-month education programme, that will offer riders support in a variety of areas, from business to media training, fitness and nutrition, and to equine welfare.
Costs & Funding
- education programme is free for all pathway members.
- ridden coaching sessions are £180 for the 2-day sessions
- fees include training, venue hire, ability to bring up to 2 horses per session, stabling, dismounted activities and refreshments
How to apply?
Applications for the 2026 programme will open 24th November and close 5PM 1st December 2025.
WHAT DO THE RIDERS GET FROM THE YOUNG EVENTERS PROGRAMME?
The Young Eventers Pathway will work with riders from 1* to 5*, offering a structured training programme to support their journey to become a viable athlete.
Ridden sessions will take place at a variety of locations around the UK . It is planned that there will be a 2-day pre-season session, a further early season session and a late summer session. Riders will benefit from expert training, advice and mentorship from European Champion Nicola Wilson, British Equestrian Assistant Performance Manager Philip Surl, and a range of additional guest coaches.
Riders within the Pathway programme will gain additional support from Foundation coaches at events and throughout the season. In addition to the ridden coaching riders have access to a 12-month education programme, with additional opportunities to join with the Young Riders Academy at events such as CHI Geneva.
Photo: Jason Bax
THE YOUNG EVENTERS PATHWAY SCHEDULE
December 2025:
- New riders announced and introduced at London International Horse Show by the kind invitation of Agria.
January 2026 – Thursday 29th (Agria Office, Aylesbury)
- In-person induction day – hosted by Agria
- Kitting out and introduction to sponsors
- Social media, sponsorship & business introduction session
- Introduction to athlete nutrition
- Introduction to equine law
February – 25/26th @ Hickstead
- 2 days of training
- 2 jumping sessions per day
- 1 dressage session per rider across the 2-days
- EDUCATION: Equine nutrition with Dengie and Equine Products
March – 25th March @ Thoresby (by kind hospitality of BEDE Events)
- EDUCATION SESSION: Cross-country design and frangible fence technology
April:
- EDUCATION SESSION: Equine and athlete fitness
May – 7th May
- Badminton course-walk and social
- Media support at Badminton (for those competing)
- EDUCATION SESSION: Equine Law – ownership contracts and syndicates
June – 30th/1st July @ Little Downham
- 2 days of training
- 2 jumping (SJ or XC) sessions per day
- 1 dressage session per rider across the 2-days
- EDUCATION SESSION: How eventing fixtures are organised and funded
- Equine nutrition revisited with Dengie & Equine Products
June:
- Lugano trip with YRA (self-funded by riders – open to 3 or 4 riders)
- EDUCATION SESSION: Yard visit to professional rider
July:
- EDUCATION SESSION: Farriery with Ben Benson & Agria
August – Dates TBC
- 2 days of training divided between North & South
- Jumping & dressage
- 2 jumping sessions per day
- 1 dressage session per rider across the 2-days
- EDUCATION: 1-2-1 business & branding session with EquiConsulting
September:
- Media support at Burghley & Blenheim
- Course walk at Blenheim hosted by Agria
- EDUCATION SESSION: Showjumping design
October:
- EDUCATION SESSION: Mental performance – reviewing the season and looking to the future
November:
- EDUCATION SESSION: Veterinary support
December:
- CHI Geneve trip with YRA (self-funded by riders)
- LIHS Social
