Photo courtesy of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation.
The Wesko Equestrian Foundation launched its first project in 2018, the Young Eventers Programme, where the Foundation aimed to support the transition from Young Rider to Senior and amateur to professional. Moving into 2023, the Foundation expanded its support of young event riders via the new Young Eventers Pathway. Our aim is to support young eventers from every background to become better and more viable athletes. The Foundation’s vision is to create an eventing community and peer learning environment that surrounds the riders who are participating in the programme.
Moving into 2024, Wesko has combined the three separate pathways from 2023 (Grassroots, 2/3* and 4/5* level), into one new Young Eventers Pathway. The new Pathway will accommodate up to 16 riders, between the ages of 21 and 28-years-old, and will not only offer three separate training events with our coaching team of European Champion Nicola Wilson, 5* dressage judge Nikki Herbert, and British Equestrian Assistant Performance Manager Philip Surl, but will also have access to a 12-month education programme, that will offer riders support in a variety of areas, from business to media training, fitness and nutrition, and to equine welfare.
The education programme will be free for all Pathway members, while ridden coaching sessions are £160 for two days and cross-country training will be £60 per rider. These fees are inclusivee of training (with one or two horses per session), venue hire, stabling, meals, refreshments, and unmounted activities.
The total value of training days is between £300-350 per rider, per day, but the Foundation is pleased to be able to subsidise access to this training and education programme, thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, including Pathway partner Agria Equine Lifetime. All ridden training taking place at Solihull Riding Club.
Riders can apply from 1st December to the 15th December here. Applicants must be based in the United Kingdom and able to commit to all of the relevant Pathway dates. These dates are as follows:
JANUARY – 11th
- Induction day to outline the programme
- Social Media & Sponsorship support from Sarah Skillin
- Introduction to insurance from Agria Equine Lifetime
- Kitting out session with team kit, supported by Toggi and Agria
- Discussion around aims and goals for the 2024 season
- Discussion of individual support plans
FEBRUARY – 3rd – 4th
- Dressage training with Nikki Herbert (1 lesson per rider)
- Showjumping training on day 1 (2 sessions per rider)
- Area Cross-country training on day 2 (2 sessions per rider)
- Jumping coach – Philip Surl
- Dismounted activities and education sessions TBC
- All to stable on-site, unless local to commute for evening meal and education session
APRIL – 25th – 26th
- Dressage training with Nikki Herbert (1 lesson per rider)
- Showjumping training on day 1 (2 sessions per rider)
- Cross-country training on day 2 (2 sessions per rider)
- Jumping coach – Nicola Wilson
- Dismounted activities and education sessions TBC
- All to stable on-site, unless local to commute for evening meal and education session
JUNE/JULY – TBC
- Cross-country training day to focus on Novice – Advanced level riding
- Coach – TBC
BADMINTON & BURGHLEY
- Course walking support and advice will be available for riders competing in the 5* and Grassroots events
- Media support for those competing at 5* level
BRAMHAM
- Course walks and support for riders competing in the 4*
