last updated on December 21, 2009 15:55

The British Equestrian Federation has announced three rider promotions within its World Class Development squad.

Natalie Povey (20) has been promoted from the start to potential para-equestrian dressage programme; Natalie who is based in Wrexham has achieved consistently high percentages in the British Dressage Para Open qualifiers together with excellent results at Hartpury CPEDI*** this year and at the KBIS Championships. These results along with her consistent improvement and meeting of targets and goals set as part of the review process and performance pathway ensured her deserved promotion.

Natalie is joined by Jessie Drea (17) who has moved up from pre-start to start on the show jumping programme; and Scott Brash (23) who has joined the potential show jumping programme.

“The promotion of these riders shows the depth of talent we have in this country,” commented World Class Performance Director, Will Connell. “This is essential if Great Britain is to win more medals on the International stage at European, World, Olympic and Paralympic level and demonstrates the value of the tiered development approach. The standard of riding on the Programme continues to improve year on year.”

The World Class Programme incorporates the three Olympic sports of dressage, eventing, show jumping and the Paralympic sport of para-equestrian dressage. Together with the Equine Pathway it comprises the Equestrian World Class Programme.

Selection to the World Class Programme is based on results combined with potential to contribute to team success at major championships. Performance is continuously assessed and riders are regularly reviewed. The Programme is divided into development (start and potential), and performance squads across each discipline.

The Programme has been funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, primarily from the National Lottery, via UK Sport since 1998.