Rider Talent Academy

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 25, 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.

Education and On-Hand Support

The Academy aims to support riders across all age groups, from 14 – 25, 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.

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Academy Selection

Selection onto the 2026 Academy is based on riders meeting the required performance level at the relevant age group standard.

The Under 25 Programme is open to athletes aged under 25 who are not currently part of any other funded programme. It is designed to support riders transitioning out of the Young Rider ranks and who are capable of achieving Nations Cup selection or aiming for the U25 World Championships.

Eligible combinations will be competing at CCI4* level with a Minimum Eligibility Requirement (MER) achieved at this level. Athletes are also eligible if they have completed a CCI5* event or have represented Great Britain at the Young Rider European Championships in 2025.

Pony, Junior and Young Rider Talent Academy

The Pony, Junior and Young Rider Academy is designed to support riders aiming for European Championship selection in the current or forthcoming year. It also provides continued support for combinations from the previous year’s Championship squads who are transitioning between age groups notably those moving from Juniors into Young Riders.

Eligibility Criteria

Young Riders
Riders who have placed 1st to 5th in a CCI3* competition are eligible.
Eligibility also includes riders selected to represent Great Britain at the Young Rider European Championships 2025, as well as those who represented the Junior team but are now out of that age group.
Juniors
Riders who have placed 1st to 6th in a CCI2* competition are eligible.
Riders selected to represent Great Britain at the Junior European Championships 2025 are also eligible.
Ponies
Riders who have placed 1st to 5th in a Pony CCI2* competition are eligible.
Riders selected to represent Great Britain at the Pony European Championships 2025 are also eligible.

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