World Class Start And Potential Programme Seeks More Young Talent For 2003

Riders who see themselves as having the exceptional talent and dedication to win at Olympic level in Dressage, Paralympic Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping in future years will soon have the opportunity to apply to join the current Start and Potential riders, in Selections for the 2003 programme.

Vikki Kind, World Class Start and Potential Manager, said: "We have worked very hard to ensure the selections will be open, transparent and objective, focusing solely on World Class talent. We are seeking the best of the best; those riders with World Class ambition, the highest standards of riding ability and management, and the determination to succeed. "

Candidates will apply using a generic "Curriculum Vitae" application form, plus a riding reference that must be obtained from an accredited trainer from a list approved by the Selection Committee.

Selection will be made by a panel and based on riding assessments, interviews and the candidate's competition record. During a selection day riders will be assessed as a group and individually, mounted in a training session with the World Class coaches, and dismounted in a discussion with the panel.

The panel will consist of a cross section of the world's best trainers, judges, riders and psychologists.

The selectors' sheets and comments shall be available for the riders once selection is completed. The whole process will also be open for anyone to view, though no-one will be able to have contact with the selectors.

The panel will not be given the candidates names during the selection process. Each candidate will be given a number which will be used throughout, so that the process remains anonymous, just like in an examination.

Each rider will be asked to bring a horse / pony to ride, and the Potential riders must bring their top horse and be prepared to discuss short, mid and long term plans. The younger disabled riders will not be required to bring a horse / pony.

The selections will be publicised through the equestrian press, and by mailings to all international trainers, Pony Club DCs, Riding Clubs and Sporting Members of the BEF. Affiliated riders who are already on development programmes such as BYRDS, U21, Talent Spotters, Gold Level Training will be invited to apply.

Applications will be accepted between 18 November and 16 December 2002. The application form will be available from the BEF, BE, BD and BSJA web sites,
or from BEF by phoning 02476 698874 or emailing nicola.bramley@bef.co.uk.

Applications will be reviewed by the panel during December and early January 2003. A long list of suitable candidates will be presented at a selection meeting where riders will be picked to go forward to final assessments and selection.

The World Class Start and Potential Programmes pilot commenced in April 2002. 2003 is the first year that the full scale programmes will be run. The programmes are Lottery funded through Sport England and target riders aged 12-30.

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