This year YRA celebrates its 10th anniversary, kicking off with the selection of a new team in Peelbergen. The event witnessed the participation of a significant group of skilled riders from twelve countries, who took center stage under the attentive eyes of four outstanding champions and professionals in the sport: Otto Becker, Jeroen Dubbeldam, Emile Hendrix and YRA dearest Jean Maurice Bonneau.
To ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation process, all candidates were required to perform with both a young and an experienced horse during the two-day program, in classes reserved exclusively for YRA candidates.
After a careful evaluation of all applicants' attitude, motivation, and technical abilities, the Selection Panel, along with the YRA Board, announced the official a young Riders Academy Team 2024.
Out of these participants, seven riders have been nominated for the Full Program team, namely Jenny Krogsaeter from Norway, Oliver Fletcher from the UK, Mathieu Bourdeaud'hui from Belgium, Rhys Williams from Ireland, Max Haunhorst from Germany, Iris Michels from the Netherlands, and Jules Van Hoydonck from Belgium.
Additionally, two talented riders have been selected for the Educational Program team: Mel Thijssen from the Netherlands, and Seamus Hughes Kennedy from Ireland.
“ It's truly interesting to witness young riders from diverse nations, each with different ideas and different backgrounds, focusing on performing at their best in both riding and interviews. This unique opportunity to train with different professionals with different system, and among the best in the world, would undoubtedly provide them with a significant competitive advantage” Declared Jeroen Dubbeldam, who recently joined the Selection Panel for the first time.
Emile Hendrix, member of Selection Panel since its conception, explained that the YRA is always looking for riders who will make a difference in equestrian sport, as a top rider, top trainers, or professional horsemen “being a good rider is not enough anymore. The Selection Panel is searching for qualities that set the candidates apart, including talent, determination, feeling, and organization”.
source: Press Release