British Eventing and The Howden Way are committed to nurturing talent for the future. Photo courtesy of British Eventing.
British Eventing is delighted to share The Howden Way Talent Pathway, an update to its current Youth Performance programme which will help nurture and develop the next generation of talent in our sport. With athlete and horse welfare at the forefront, the new Howden Way Talent Pathway will encourage riders to stay engaged with the sport and enable them to be independent, well-educated riders who take responsibility for their own performances. The programme will support riders as they transition through the age groups, including those moving into senior levels.
The Howden Way Talent Pathway comprises five tiers, each of which focuses on a different rider demographic:
Tier 1 – Supporting riders U28 transitioning out of Young Riders and competing at 4* and beyond.
Young Horse Academy – sitting alongside the Talent Pathway tiers, The Howden Way Young Horse Academy identifies young quality horses produced by young athletes who are not currently supported by any other talent programmes.
Tier 2 – Supporting athletes aged 12-21 aiming for success at the European Championships for Ponies, Juniors and Young Riders in the current year.
Tier 3 – Supporting the Youth riders transitioning out of age groups along with developing those Pony, Junior and Young Rider combinations who are aiming for European Championships either in the current or following year/s.
Tier 4 – Developing riders competing in their respective age groups but not eligible for Tiers 2 or 3.
There is a clear performance criterion for combinations to be eligible for each of the tiers of the pathway, with full details are available here. Eligible combinations have been invited onto the Talent Pathway, with another intake for those who reach these criteria during the year.
“We are absolutely delighted to be launching the Talent Pathway and to be able to expand and develop the support that we are able to offer our younger riders,” says Justine Parker, BE head of training and development. “By providing the right training and guidance during these formative years we can help shape riders into all-round athletes and provide them with the skills and toolkit required to enable riders to fulfil their potential and provide foundations for a lifelong engagement in the sport.”
Darrell Scaife, BE Youth Performance Manager, adds, “The Howden Way Talent Pathway offers a clear and objective performance-based recognition of ability, and will provide help and support in developing the key skills attached to potential. I am grateful to Talent Pathway and to British Eventing for providing this opportunity which will further enable our younger athletes to grow.”
