Young Eventers Pathway

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 2025 we are building on the success of 2024 and welcoming a new cohort of riders to the Pathway. The new Pathway will accommodate up to 16 riders, between the ages of 21 and 28-years-old.

The Pathway will not only offer three separate training events with our coaching team of Philip Surl, Nicola Wilson and Nikki Herbert, 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 £170 for the 2-day sessions
cross-country training day will be £70 per rider
fees include training, venue hire, ability to bring up to 2 horses per session, stabling, evening meals, dismounted activities and refreshments

The value of each training day is approx £300 per rider, per day. The Foundation are pleased to be able to subsidise access to this training and education programme, thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, including Pathway partner Agria Equine Lifetime.

How to apply?

Riders can apply from 20th December via the above link. Applicants must be able to commit to all of the relevant Pathway dates (TBC in January).

Applications close on the 10th January.

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 thanks to the support of Agria Equine Lifetime. It is planned that there will be a 2-day session in early February, March/April and mid-season. Riders will benefit from expert training, advice and mentorship from European Champion Nicola Wilson, 5* dressage judge Nikki Herbert, and British Equestrian Assistant Performance Manager Philip Surl.

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

JANUARY

Induction day to outline the programme.
Introduction to insurance from Agria Equine Lifetime
Kitting out session
Discussion around aims and goals for the 2025 season
Discussion of individual support plans

FEBRUARY

Dressage training with Nikki Herbert (1 lesson per rider)
Showjumping training (2 sessions per rider)
Cross-country training (2 sessions per rider)
Dismounted activities and education sessions TBC
All to stable on-site, unless local to commute for evening meal and education session

MARCH/APRIL

Dressage training with Nikki Herbert (1 lesson per rider)
Showjumping training (2 sessions per rider)
Cross-country training (2 sessions per rider)
Dismounted activities and education sessions TBC
All to stable on-site, unless local to commute for evening meal and education session

MID SEASON