The Howden Way Rider Talent Academy is dedicated to identifying, nurturing, and developing the next generation of eventing talent within the British Eventing framework. Supporting riders aged 14 to 28, the Academy provides access to world-class coaching, education, and performance support as riders transition through youth pathways into senior competition.
We aim to foster a high-performance culture that prioritizes both rider and equine welfare, offering young athletes the tools, knowledge, and expertise they need to reach their full potential—regardless of background.
The programme incentivises promising young riders to stay engaged with the sport, enabling them to become independent, well-educated riders. At all times, equine and rider welfare are at the forefront of the Academy’s activities and everything The Howden Way represents.
The Academy aims to support riders across all age groups, from 14 – 28, by providing tailored coaching and performance development, ensuring their long-term progression in the sport of eventing. It offers unparalleled access to leading professionals across key disciplines, including specialist coaches, strength and conditioning experts, nutritionists, veterinary professionals, equine physiotherapists, and sports psychologists. Central to its mission is the cultivation of an educational and performance-driven culture that empowers riders to become not only elite athletes, but also responsible, knowledgeable ambassadors of the sport.
Selection onto the 2025 Academy is based on riders meeting the required performance level at the relevant age group standard.
Tier 1 is open to athletes aged U28 who are not on any other programme. It is aimed to support those who are transitioning out of Young Riders and capable of achieving a Nations Cup selection. Eligible combinations will be competing at 4* and perhaps aiming for their first 5* and/or looking to compete in the U25 Championship at Bramham International. Combinations must have been placed in the top 10% at a British 4* or completed a 5* or represented GB at the Young Rider European Championships for 2024.
The Pony, Junior and Young Rider Academy is designed to support those riders who are aiming for European Championships in either the current or forthcoming years. It is also there to support those combinations from the previous year’s Championship squads who are transitioning out of Juniors into Young Riders.
Young Riders - Eligible young riders who placed 1st or 2nd in a 3* competition are eligible for tier two whilst those placed 3rd – 5th are eligible for tier three. Those riders selected to represent GB at the Young Rider European Championships 2024 along with those who represented the Junior team but are now out of age group are also eligible.
Juniors - Eligible junior riders who placed 1st or 2nd in 2* competition are eligible for tier two whilst those placed 3rd – 5th are eligible for tier three. Those riders selected to represent GB at the Junior Rider European Championships 2024 are also eligible.
Ponies - Eligible pony riders who placed 1st or 2nd in a Pony 2* competition are eligible for tier two whilst those placed 3rd – 5th are eligible for tier three. Those riders selected to represent GB at the Pony Rider European Championships 2024 are also eligible.
