Press release from Young Riders Academy

The Young Riders Academy has graduated its 2019 team, which consisted of Wilma Marklund (SWE), Vaclav Stanek (CZE), Elin Ott (SUI), Justine Tebbel (GER), Susan Fitzpatrick (IRL), Amy Inglis (GBR), Michael Pender (IRL), Alexa Stais (RSA), Sophie Hinners (GER) and Felix Koller (AUT). All the riders were welcomed to the FEI headquarters in Lausanne for a ceremony. 

"I strongly believe this is a very motivating project where we, as young riders, receive a lot of support. We get training from the best professionals and we have the chance to participate in the biggest events in our sport. Next to the riding we are offered the educational sessions on key topics such as economics, communication, veterinary and doping issues; all key subjects to be aware of. I am very thankful to all the people that are standing behind YRA to make this happen!" Michael Pender said.

"Emile Hendrix, part of YRA-team since the first year, made a clear statement during a training sessions: He emphasized that the level of these riders was clearly growing year by year with the consequence that being good was not enough,” stated Eleonora Ottaviani, Athenaeum President. “These new young riders have indeed serious goals and they are eager to work hard for them. We, as observers, are looking for those qualities that make differences as, of course, talents and goals, but also ambition, emotion and routine management. We are extremely proud of this Team19 that have made the most of the strengths of the program to facilitate their professional growth," Ottavian concluded.

"It has been a wonderful year. It has been my dream to be a part of the Young Riders Academy since I moved to Germany and I can honestly say that it exceeded all expectations! I am very grateful for all four educational sessions and everything that I was able to take with from them and apply into my everyday life. I’m very lucky to have met all YRA team, as well as the other riders, and it means a lot to be a part of the YRA family forever,” Alexa Stais said.

At the end of its sixth edition this project is still meeting the endorsement of federations, top riders, organizers and sponsors. That makes the YRA-team proud and it gives the strength to constantly improve.

In a few weeks the selections days for the 2020 team will take place in Peelbergen. New riders will be selected, and the YRA seventh edition will be launched.

The Young Riders Academy is a program conceived for European talented young show jumpers with the coperation 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 give talented riders between the ages of 18 and 23 the chance to live and train for several months at a well-known professional stable. On top of it, professional education in communication, business and economics, veterinary and legal practice related to show jumping. The goal is to grow future champions as well as potential managers of this sport.

www.ridersacademy.eu