The Young Riders Academy has announced its team for 2020. Seven riders among the 25 candidates made it to the YRA Full Program, while another three will take part in the Educational Program.

Full Program:

Jack Whitaker - GBR - 2001
Jodie Hall McAteer - GBR - 2000
My Relander - EST - 1998
Linda Potrychova - CZE - 2001
Jason Foley - IRL - 2001
Jack Ryan - IRL - 2001
Georgia Tame - GBR - 1997

Education Program:

Richard Vogel - GER - 97
Lars Kuster - NED - 98
Simon Morssinkhof - BEL - 00

The Full Program offers a long stay of boarding and training at a renowned professional stable and includes qualified education in anti-doping, business and economics, communication, legal practice and veterinary issues connected to showjumping. The riders in the Educational Program will gather during the year for five academic sessions on the above mentioned topics. This group will also benefit from YRA support which consists of clinics, sport training and show invitations.

This year’s selection took place at Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in The Netherlands, with competitions open exclusively to YRA candidates. Every rider jumped two horses, one young horse (5-7 years) and one experienced horse in the 1.45 classes.

“This year again we want to thank National Federations that presented a group of young talented athletes remarkably motivated,” commented Eleonora Ottaviani, President of the Board.

The Selection Panel, consisting of Jean Maurice Bonneau, Emile Hendrix and sports manager Sven Holmberg, evaluated the candidates’ attitude, capabilities and motivation as well as technical skills and competition results. Jean Maurice Bonneau made a clear statement: “Again, the level of applicants was very high, and we could see potential new stars rising up. We, as observers, are looking for qualities that will make the difference in the coming years. Talent is not enough, we are looking for ambition, determination, an open mind and innovation management, as they will be crucial for a successful career.”  

Founded in 2014 by Athenaeum, a non-profit association, with the aim of developing future champions and potential managers of this sport, The young Riders Academy is a program conceived for European talented young show jumpers, under the patronage of European Equestrian Federation (EEF), with the cooperation of the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) and the support of Rolex since its first edition.