Windrush Equestrian Foundation Announce Extension for 2020 Scholarship Programme

The Windrush Equestrian Foundation has announced an extension to those riders currently on the 2020 Young Eventers Programme due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Offering current scholars the chance to have a full season next year will mean that all will enjoy another year training with their mentor, Pippa Funnell, alongside benefiting from another year of support from Yogi Breisner.

As a result of the second year extension, there will be no new intake this year. The Foundation has confirmed the next round of selections will now take place in July 2021.

We are very excited to be able to offer this opportunity to our class of 2020 and are very much looking forward to having them for another year (and actually getting to see them compete!)”

said Mariachiara Apruzzese – CEO The Windrush Equestrian Foundation.

The riders who will enjoy the second year of education are:

Connie Copestake, FR

20-year-old International event rider Connie is based in South Lincolnshire and was 2014 British National Junior Champion as well as a member of the 2015 French Young Rider European Squad. Connie has 7 horses, her top horse El Kolibri is competing at Blenheim International this week.

Will Furlong, UK

Will is based at the family farm and was 2015 Individual and Team Young Rider Europeans Gold medallist and U25 British National Champion 2017. Will convincingly stepped up to CCI5* level last year posting an impressive clear cross-country round at Badminton in the Spring.

Alicia Hawker, UK

Having successfully moved through the British Eventing Pony, Junior, Young Rider and CCI3*-S programmes, Alicia is now competing internationally at CCI5*. She rode for the first time at Burghley two weeks ago finishing 16^th with her top horse Charles RR.

Max Warburton, UK

Based at the family farm, near Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, International event rider Max has an impressive string of 12 horses. He hopes to make his Team GB debut at the 2020 CCI3* European Cup with further aims of competing for this country at Senior Team Level.

On the part-time programme for their second year are:

Yasmin Ingham, UK

Current 2019 U25 British Champion Yasmin has enjoyed a number of high-profile top results since her first National Title in 2013. Claiming Individual and Team Pony European Gold medals as well as National Junior U18 and Young Rider U21 Champion titles, Yasmin stepped up to CCI5* in 2018 in style finishing in 16^th.

Lorenzo Monachesi, Italy

Based with FEI World Number One Tim Price and wife Jonelle, Lorenzo moved to the UK from Italy to pursue his Eventing career. With his sights firmly set on an Italian Senior Team place he is currently competing at Intermediate and CCI2* level.

India Wishart, UK

Oxfordshire based 21-year-old event rider, India represented Great Britain at the Young Rider European Championships in 2016 and posted an amazing top 10 finish. Alongside her Eventing career, India is also a 1^st Class Honours Graduate from the University of Birmingham.

The Windrush Equestrian Foundation is very much looking forward to a continued focus on the riders, and are looking forward to seeing the progress the talented team of riders will make over the next 12 months.

About the Windrush Equestrian Foundation

The Windrush Equestrian Foundation was founded in memory of Christina Knudsen and her passion for the sport of Eventing. With the aim to bring education, training and welfare to talented young event riders and their horses, in doing so we shall support their futures.

The Windrush Young Eventers Programme looks to seek out natural talent, support young riders in their training and education, develop their skills and increase their confidence by offering them a pathway to support themselves not only in the sport, but also in business.

For more information on The Windrush Equestrian Foundation: www.windrushfoundation.org.uk