Applications Opening Soon for the Excel Talent Programme
Friday 31 May 2013
Applications open soon for the 2013-2015 cycle, of the Sport England funded England Excel Talent Programme, which exists to identify, support and develop both riders and horses who demonstrate talent and potential.
Now in its third year, the Programme has been developed to extend the rider talent pathway below the UK Sport funded World Class Programme, to identify and nurture a pool of up and coming riders who have the potential to go on and win medals in the future. It provides support to selected riders from the three Olympic and one Paralympic equestrian disciplines (dressage, eventing, showjumping and para-equestrian dressage).
Since its launch in 2011, the Excel Talent Programme has supported 48 riders, with 6 riders progressing to the World Class Development Programme during the 2012 intake.
Not only does the Excel Talent Pathway offer talented riders the opportunity to get first hand advice from top equestrian specialists including: coaches, physiotherapists and vets, it also offers expert training through a number of squad training sessions.
Pippa Allen, who was recently part of the team that won at the Young Riders Nations Cup in Deauville (24 May 2013), was a member of the 2011 Excel showjumping squad, before joining the World Class Development Programme last year.
Pippa commented; “The Excel Programme was really good preparation for stepping up the pathway [to World Class Development], in terms of the support we receive from the team, including nutritionists and vets. Being part of the squad enabled me to also learn from other riders, which I found really beneficial.”
The 2013 BEF England Excel Talent Programme Selection Policy is now available to view on the BEF website. Applications for the Programme open on Thursday 1st August 2013 and close on Saturday 31st August 2013, no applications received after this date will be considered.
Further information about the Programme can be found on the British Equestrian Federation website www.bef.co.uk
zl6m77knk8c5.jpg "Robert Jefferies Jumps to Victory in his Inaugural Equissage Pulse Senior British Novice Second Round at Dean Valley")
