last updated on July 24, 2009 15:38

Applications for the four remaining Regional Foundation Squads are now open, following the success of the first Squad pilot in the North.

The Squads, which aim to produce a pool of up and coming talented riders, have been set up through funding from Sport England and are being co-ordinated by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).

They include the four Olympic disciplines – dressage, eventing, show jumping and para-equestrian dressage. The aim is that the Squads will identify talented riders who are not currently on the BEF’s World Class Programme.

Eight riders from each of the disciplines, will be selected for each of the remaining four regions; East Midlands, West Midlands, South East – including London, and South West.

This programme will provide selected riders with the opportunity to have access to top equestrian specialists including; coaches, physiotherapists, psychologists, vets and nutritionists via a series of seven clinics (two un-mounted) run across the year.

“These Squads give talented riders extra support to help nurture their skills with the aim of them progressing onto the next level – the World Class Programme,” said Maggie Still, Head of Regional Development, British Equestrian Federation.

“We received a number of exceptionally strong applications for the North Squad – and are confident that through this initiative the skills of talented young riders can be honed to ultimately help strengthen our equestrian Olympic and Paralympic squads in the future.”

Applications are open from 1 August until 1 September 2009,

>> download an application form here 
>> download the selection policy document here