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 at Grassroots, 2/3* and 4/5* 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 2024 we have combined the three separate pathways from 2023 (Grassroots, 2/3* and 4/5* level), into one new Young Eventers 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 £160 for the 2-day sessions
cross-country training day will be £60 per rider
fees include training, venue hire, ability to bring up to 2 horses per session, stabling, event meals, dismounted activities and refreshments

The value of training days is between £300-350 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 1st December via the above link. Applicants must be able to commit to all of the relevant Pathway dates.

Applications close on the 15th December 2023.

WHAT DO THE RIDERS GET FROM THE YOUNG EVENTERS PROGRAMME?

The Young Eventers Pathway will work with riders from Grassroots to 5*, offering a structured training programme to support their journey to become a viable athlete.

All ridden training taking place at Solihull Riding Club, thanks to the support of Agria Equine Lifetime, throughout the 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 – 11th

Induction day to outline the programme.
Social Media & Sponsorship support from Sarah Skillin
Introduction to insurance from Agria Equine Lifetime
Kitting out session with team kit, supported by Toggi and Agria
Discussion around aims and goals for the 2024 season
Discussion of individual support plans

FEBRUARY – 3rd – 4th

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

APRIL – 25th – 26th

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

JUNE/JULY – TBC