British Dressage Announces Youth National Academy Riders
British Dressage (BD) have announced the 12 riders selected to attended the Sport England- funded BD Youth National Academy.
The Academy, supported by Avansce and taking place over 9th-10th February and 2nd-3rd March 2019, is made up of riders selected for their “talent, determination, and trainability”. 2019’s BD Youth National Academy cohort has been selected from last year’s inaugural Foundation Academy members, including;
Danielle Balsdon (South West region), Caitlin Clancy (South West), Mollie Clough (Eastern), Emily Coller (Eastern), Manon Evans (Southern), Jersey Garrett (Southern), Florence Human (South West), Sofia Jankiewicz (Central), Libby Johnson (Wales), Izzy Lane (Eastern), Olivia Rose Robertson (South West) and Susie White (Northern).
The riders are set to receive training from British Olympic Dressage Rider, Spencer Wilton, as well as other various industry professionals. Industry professionals include, international groom Liz Geldard-Walsh, athlete mentor Charlie Hutton, and practitioners such as physiotherapist Andy Thomas and TheraPlate, manufacturer of equine rehabilitation and sports conditioning platforms. The support from Avansce will see the riders benefit from an introduction to their Synchronicity System and rein contact analysis sessions.
With the announcement, BD Youth Director Claire Moir, took the opportunity to congratulate to new cohort;
I’d like to congratulate all the riders on their selection. The Foundation Academies have proven to be a great success in their first year and it’s exciting to have so many committed and talented young people keen to develop their skills and carve out a future in the sport.
“The purpose of the upcoming National Academy which is the ultimate stage of the series is to provide the selected riders with a 360 degree, comprehensive approach to both their own and their horses’ development, and we look forward to working with them over the two weekends.”
Applications for the 2019 Foundation Academy Camps are set to take place later this year, allowing progression onto the Youth National Academy. Camps include activities such as test riding, performance profiling, goal setting, rider fitness and sport psychology. Riders will also receive BD branded Academy clothing.
