BEF launch talent programme

Supported by Sport England, the British Equestrian Federation’s England Excel Talent Programme has launched its selection process by releasing the policy for the 2015-2017 cycle.The Programme seeks to identify, support and develop riders and horses which demonstrate talent and potential in the Olympic (dressage, eventing and showjumping) and Paralympic (para-equestrian dressage) disciplines, sustain participation and support the development of talented athletes.The minimum criteria for each age group within each discipline must be achieved by the closing date for applications, Monday 31 August 2015 with applications opening on Saturday 1 August 2015.The 2015 Policy sees the introduction of a ‘Young Horse criteria’ for all disciplines, for riders between the ages of 16-24 years, who can be considered on younger horses (up to seven years) who demonstrate the talent to compete successfully at International level.Lead Co-ordinator for the Excel Programme, David Hamer commented; “Currently supporting over fifty athletes across the disciplines, the Programme was developed to extend the rider talent pathway below the UK Sport funded World Class Programme and we saw eleven riders selected to this in December 2014. The Programme is open to all riders who meet the criteria, and I would urge those who are aiming for selection to review the document and understand the benchmarks set to enable them to gain the best possible chances when applications open in August”.source: www.britishshowjumping.co.uk© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED