2021 Young Eventers Programme due to open applications

• Applications open 14^th June
• The programme has been extended into a 2-year programme to offer enhanced support to the selected riders
• Upper age limit has been raised to 28-years-old

The 2021 Young Eventers Programme will open for applications on the 14th June, the Windrush Equestrian Foundation have announced. The applications for the 2021 intake will then be open until the 14^th July 2021.

Taking inspiration from British Equestrian and owing to the programme not opening for new applications in 2020, the Young Eventers Programme will now be accepting applications from riders between the age of 21 and 28-years at the time of application. Riders within that age range and competing at CCI3* level, and above, can submit their application to become part of the 2-year programme.

The non-profit organisation founded in memory of Christina Knudsen and her passion for the sport of Eventing aims to bring education and training to talented young event riders to support their futures, with the welfare of the horse and rider at the heart of the programme.

The Foundation’s riders will receive mentoring and in-depth training from one of the world’s most decorated eventing riders, Pippa Funnell, along with former Team GBR World Class Performance Manager, Yogi Breisner. The programme also includes a 360-degree education programme, in partnership with A Young Riders Academy, covering topics such as: Veterinary & Rider Fitness, Business & Economics, Communication & Media Management, Nutrition & Mental Health. Riders will also have the opportunity to join the Young Riders Academy riders at the hugely prestigious Geneva International Horse Show and at Franklin University in Switzerland.

Windrush Equestrian Foundation CEO, Mariachiara Apruzzese said:

We are very excited to be able to give a new intake of riders this opportunity of a lifetime and build on the successes from the previous years. It has been a pleasure to work with these riders for the past two years and we’re looking forward to building bridges between the academy & new riders in the coming months.”

Foundation Ambassador, and former FEI World Number 1, Tim Price said:

I understand what it’s like for them as young riders.  To have someone like Pippa Funnell there, she’s not only an exceptional professional rider and athlete but the way in which she can pass on her knowledge is second to none.  So, they are very lucky to have her.  The opportunity that the Windrush Equestrian Foundation gives is just so valuable to young riders.”

2019/2020 Young Eventer’s Programme rider Alicia Hawker commented:

It has (the Young Eventers Programme) definitely surpassed expectations! When we couldn’t get face-to-face training with Pippa, we could call her, send her videos and they’ve put everything onto Zoom so we’ve not missed any of the training due to the pandemic.  We have weekly Pilates classes on Zoom, the business sessions have been kept up and we’ve had video sessions with Yogi Breisner about our cross-country rounds.  It been better than I thought. I’d been expecting more of the training side of things on the horse but actually we’ve had that and much more.”

2019/2020 Windrush and 5* event rider Will Furlong commented:

In this industry we’re chucked in the deep end as business owners from a young age which is why I think the Windrush Foundation has been so good in covering such a wide variety of topics, from how to do your accounts to promoting yourself to sponsors and owners.  It really looks after every nook and cranny that comes with running a business and help make us successful as professional athletes.”

Applications are open via www.windrushfoundation.org.uk and following a review of applications a shortlist of riders will be invited to a selection event in late Summer, ahead of being inducted into the programme, for a period of 2-years, from November 2021.

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Suzanne Ashton

Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.