Photo by Rose Lewis.
Young riders are the future of our sport, quite literally, and nurturing their futures is key. The Wesko Equestrian Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in memory of Christina Knudsen, aims to bring education and training to talented young event riders, with the welfare of the horse and rider at the heart of the program.
As part of its continued expansion, the Foundation launched The Young Eventers Pathway in March to rave reviews from attending riders. Forty young event riders (between 21 and 28 years of age) were invited to two funded training days at the British Showjumping National Training Centre. Riders benefitted from expert coaching from Philip Surl, Richard Waygood MBE, Matt Lanni and Nikki Herbert, along with gaining access to the Foundation’s wider support team including expert business coach Sarah Armstrong, and Pilates coach Julie Driver.
“The whole day was really useful,” confirmed Norwegian international rider Yasmin Olsson-Sanderson, “being able to run through a test and practice a course of fences really sets you up for the season, as well as having access to business help at the same time. The day had a laid-back feel and made everyone feel welcome.”
Photo by Rose Lewis.
The recent two-day event welcomed riders from Novice level to those already successfully competing at CCI5* level.
“The opportunity to attend and watch training at that level is so valuable. It was not just the training though; it was the opportunity to sit and talk with riders of a similar level and age. Comparing the ups and downs of the sport and realising you’re not alone and others are going through the same experiences as you” commented 5* rider Imogen Murray.
The Pathway isn’t just aimed at professional young riders, with the second day targeted at those either just starting their career at Novice level or those younger riders looking to progress up the levels of eventing as amateurs.
Photo by Rose Lewis.
Nottinghamshire based rider Lucy Scholl commented, “I found the dressage session with Nikki Herbert extremely useful. She really helped iron out some small problems I’d been having. The jumping session was also very insightful, and I really enjoyed doing the cavaletti exercises before jumping a course of fences. I also found the Pilates session after I had ridden was good fun and informative.”
The Foundation now continues to plan for an increased number of Pathway Days throughout the year, working towards their goal of supporting an increased number of young event riders.
The Wesko Equestrian Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in memory of Christina Knudsen and her passion for the sport of Eventing. The aim of the foundation is to bring education and training to talented young event riders to support their futures, with the welfare of the horse and rider at the heart of the programme.
The Foundation’s riders receive mentoring and in-depth training from one of the world’s most decorated eventing riders, Pippa Funnell, along with former Team GBR World Class Performance Manager, Yogi Breisner. The programme also includes a 360-degree education programme in partnership with A Young Riders Academy.
The Wesko Equestrian Foundation has played a key role in supporting the careers of several young riders over the past three years, including the recent successes of Blenheim Palace International CCI4*L winner Yasmin Ingham (GBR), and 3rd placed Susie Berry (IRL).
Learn more here.
