The Young Riders Academy has announced the selection for their 2022-teams. 

Six riders out of 24 made it to YRA full program: Zoe Osterhoff and Philipp Schultze-Topphof from Germany, Joseph Stockdale from UK, Conor McMahon from Ireland, Sofia Manzetti from Italy, and Ignatio Astolfi from Spain.

Five riders will take part in the YRA educational program: Joanna Schildknecht and Gilles Müller from Switzerland, Egor Shchibrik from Russia, Alexander Housen from Belgium, and Gaj Riossa from Slovenia.

“The philosophy that inspired the creation of YRA was certainly to support emerging talents; although we must bear in mind that, in addition to technical skills, other aspects are essential for the good practice of our sport. Lack of support, psychological issues, region of origin - those based in decentralized areas have fewer opportunities to find adequate facilities and training - and, indeed, financial matters. These are the principles that have guided us in this year’s evaluation,” stated YRA President Eleonora Ottaviani.

Emile Hendrix, member of the selection panel, said: “The level of applicants is clearly growing year by year; the consequence is that being good is not enough. The new young riders have serious goals, and they are eager to work hard for them. We, as observers, are looking for those qualities that make differences; of course, talents and goals, but ambition, emotion and management are key nowadays.”

“Primarily, I want to thank those who have believed in the program and supported it. The fact that all National Federations, including the major ones, aspire to include their young talents in the YRA program, is indeed proof of the validity of the project,” said Otto Becker as member of the Sport Team.

The training group for 2022 will be coordinated by chef d’equipe Jean Maurice Bonneau and consists of Jos Lansink, Franke Sloothaak, Marco Kutcher, Ben, Wim, Gerco Schröder, and, from this year, Rob Ehrens.

Both teams will as usual meet in Lugano for the 2022 program kick-off, at the Franklin University of Switzerland.

*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.