Youth incentive Masters Squad Program launched at Longines Masters New York

The United States are among the most active countries to support and develop the equestrian sport. The latest evidence comes from the Longines Masters of New York: the prestigious CSI5*, scheduled on April 26-29 at NYCB Live, will bring with it many of the top-ranked show jumpers in the world, but not only.
Thanks to the creation of the all-new Masters Squad program, young riders from throughout the Northeast region are able to participate in their own unique way, learning from incredible stars of the Team USA and meeting their heroes. They will actually have the chance to follow the CSI5* from a unique position and see the world’s best riders in action from close range. But they could also take part in a Master Class at the Old Salem Farm on May 5th, held by 2017 World Cup winner and Olympic Team Gold medallist, McLain Ward.
The Masters Squad riders range in age from elementary to college students, who have the opportunity to earn prizes based on participation in social media initiatives and on the number of Longines Masters of New York tickets that they are able to sell. If a rider sells 115 tickets, he receives the highest prize: a one-day group clinic with a 5* rider. 
Masters Squad Captains are the most passionate leaders in the equestrian sporting community.
Both the selling of tickets and participation in fun social media initiatives as part of the Masters Squad are aimed at helping young riders aspire to compete in the show ring, learn from incredible riders, and meet their heroes. Moreover, part of the tickets sold will be donated to charity to support the activity of some stables affiliated and selected by the organisation.McLain Ward is one of the best US show jumping rider: he has collected two Olympic gold medals, one in Athens in 2004 and the second in 2008 in Beijing, and has been top of the Longines FEI world ranking several times.
Ward told to the Longines Masters NY press officers that he was happy of being selected as a teacher for a group of young riders so enthusiastic to support this sport. When he was at the beginning of his career, he also learnt a lot from the teaching of top riders during such experiences and he added that he was honoured to have been included into the program.Among the Masters Squad Captains are also some students from the New York University, as Shelby Phillips, who shares university team leadership with Madison Charlton.
The energy and the enthusiasm aroused from this initiative have been inspirational for many young riders to work hard and help grow this sport. And it has already brought to tangible results: the number of the followers of the CSI5* New York has considerably increased.
Along with the partecipation to the Master Class, other additional prizes have been included: the in-ring recognition during the Longines Speed Challenge on the Friday night of the event, Longines Masters gadgets, Masters Squad saddle pads and an EquiFit gift pack.
At the moment the place allocation for this important educational project is still underway: the youngsters have time until April 13th to reach their goals. It is possible to follow their activities on the social net through the hashtag #masterssquad.
Press Release Longines Masters NY
Photo: McLainWard USA Sportfot credits