The Young Riders Academy (YRA) has announced its selection for 2025. Of the candidates that participated at the selection event at Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in March, the following have been selected: Johanna Beckmann (GER), Leon Brutsaert (BEL), Francis Derwin (IRL), Max Foley (IRL), Anni Hjerpe (FIN), Laura Baaring Kjaergaard (DEN), Giulia Mattioli (ITA), Claudia Moore (GBR), Jules Orsolini (FRA), Evelyne Putters (BEL) and Bart Jay Junior Vandecasteele (BEL).

The YRA Selection Panel, including Jens Fredricson, Thierry Pomel, and Jeroen Dubbeldam, assessed 22 candidates over a two-day period – evaluating their riding skills. Throughout the interviews, the Selection Panel – together with Sven Holmberg and Valentina Ottaviani – evaluated the riders' sports knowledge and their compatibility with the program.

"The expectations are elevated, however, this year, our attention is narrowed down to a specific group. We are dedicated to nurturing a fresh group of riders and individuals who are profoundly devoted to the equestrian field, valuing excellence in competition and advocating for fairness. These talents could potentially play significant roles in organizations and bodies with an equitable perspective and method," said Eleonora Ottaviani, President of Athenaeum and YRA, in a press release.

The 2025 YRA program will officially kick off with a clinic with Franke Sloothaak scheduled for mid-April at Peelbergen Equestrian Centre. The education program will be launched in June at Franklin University Switzerland in Lugano, followed by additional sessions at Uppsala University in Sweden, FEI in Lausanne and the Rolex Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.