The Young Riders Academy has announced their selection for 2024. Of the candidates that participated at the selection event at Peelbergen Equestrian Centre, seven were nominated for the full program: Jenny Krogsæter (NOR), Oliver Fletcher (GBR), Mathieu Bourdeaud'hui (BEL), Rhys Williams (IRL), Max Haunhorst (GER), Iris Michels (NED) and Jules Van Hoydonck (BEL). 

Additionally, two riders were selected for the educational program: Mel Thijssen (NED) and Seamus Hughes Kennedy (IRL).

The Selection Panel consisted of Otto Becker, Jeroen Dubbeldam, Emile Hendrix and the late Jean-Maurice Bonneau. "It's truly interesting to witness young riders from different nations, each with different ideas and different backgrounds, focusing on performing at their best in both riding and interviews. This unique opportunity to train with different professionals with different systems, and among the best in the world, will undoubtedly provide them with a significant competitive advantage,” said Jeroen Dubbeldam, who recently joined the Selection Panel for the first time.

Emile Hendrix explained that the YRA is always looking for riders who will make a difference in equestrian sports. “Being a good rider is not enough anymore. The Selection Panel is searching for qualities that set the candidates apart, including talent, determination, feeling, and organization,” he said.

Otto Becker, another member of the Selection Panel, stressed the importance of “having that x-factor that distinguishes a top rider from the rest as riding properly is no longer sufficient.”

"The standards are set high, but this year, our focus is streamlined to a select few. Our aim is to cultivate a new cohort of riders and individuals deeply committed to the equestrian industry, who prioritize excellence in sport and believe strongly in meritocracy. Talents that in the future may become part of committees and institutions with a fair vision and approach," said Eleonora Ottaviani, president of Athenaeum and YRA.

The training group for 2024 will involve Jos Lansink, Franke Sloothaak, Marco Kutscher, the Schröder- brothers, Rob Ehrens, Jens Fredricson and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson.

The program will officially kick off with a clinic with Franke Sloothaak scheduled for mid-April at Peelbergen Equestrian Centre.

*The Young Riders Academy is a program conceived for European talented young show jumpers with the cooperation of the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) and the support of Rolex since its first edition. Founded in 2014 by Athenaeum, a non-profit association, the program will offer talented riders between the ages of 18 and 23 the chance to train for several months at an international professional stable. On top, qualified education in communication, business & economics, veterinary and legal practice related to show jumping. The objective is to develop future champions and potential managers of this sport.