Young British rider Tom McEwan is one of the riders on the BE 2013-2015 World Class Development Programme
British Eventing has announced a new training series for 2013, designed specifically for those who are aiming to move into 2* and those working towards a more established 3* level. The training series aims to 'Bridge the Gap' between riders under 21 and those at World Class level, providing coaching support to those who fall outside of these categories and help them to move forward and achieve their goals.
The two trainers looking after the BE Bridging the Gap programme are Gill Watson MBE FBHS and Lizzel Winter FBHS who will give riders advice and guidance tailored to each horse and rider. A number of training dates are already in place for 2013 at a variety of locations around the country.
The training series kicks off with a two day season preparation course in January aimed at returning both horse and rider to fitness for the coming season. The two day course will provide exercises and guidance to benefit individuals in all disciplines and will also include a video and discussion evening - ideal for discussing any new rules and making those all-important plans and goals for the season ahead.
Throughout the year riders can also take part in Dressage and Gymnastic Jumping Preparation days which are designed to simulate a competition situation with test riding and course jumping practice, but with added advice, guidance and video analysis with Gill and Lizzel. There will also be cross country training using the facilities at Lyneham Heath and Somerford then during the season riders can also look forward to receiving coaching support at a number of Advanced, 2* and 3* events with course walks and training dates in preparation.
The British Equestrian Federation has certainly proved that they have the programmes in place to bring on top riders across the Olympic disciplines. One of these is the World Class Development Programme, funded by UK Sport, which works with talented riders to maximise their potential and deliver success on the international stage.
Laura Collett
The riders selected for the 2013-2015 World Class Development Programme have recently been announced today by the British Equestrian Federation The Event riders are listed as follows:
Charlotte Agnew, Oxfordshire
Jodie Amos, Warwickshire
Laura Collett, Wiltshire
Georgie Davies, Hertfordshire
David Doel, Wiltshire
Millie Dumas, Somerset
Talia Laghzaoui, Oxfordshire
Emily Llewellyn, Surrey
Tom McEwen, Wiltshire
Harry Meade, Wiltshire
Willa Newton, Leicestershire
Alice Sandberg, Oxfordshire
We spoke to David Doel (above) at Haras le Pin in 2012 where he came third in the CIC 2* riding the Australian horse Koyuna Sun Magic. David spoke about the importance of the World Class Development Programme to him as a young rider in this video interview
For more details regarding the Bridge the Gap or World Class Development Programme, visit the British Eventing website