last updated on February 16, 2010 16:08

British Dressage (in conjunction with British Equestrian Federation)is now accepting applications for the World Class Equine Pathway Programme. Submissions are invited from owners whose horses are showing potential to reach the top.

The World Class Equine Pathway Programme will work with and support the riders and owners of selected horses in order to help them maximise their horse’s potential. The programme also encourages owners to keep their horses with British riders which will enhance Team GBR's chances at the 2012 London Olympic Games and beyond.

Support is provided on an individual basis in conjunction with discussions with the owner/rider and will include.

• Monitoring horses development through squad training clinics , observation and communication with the owner/rider
• Veterinary / Farriery monitoring and advice
• Coaching and training advice / support
• Competition planning
• Sports science and medicine advice to the rider, if they are not already on the World Class Programme

Suitable horses will be:

• Aged between 6 and 10 years old in 2010
• Able to demonstrate an easy and natural talent for collection
• Able to demonstrate half-steps of piaffe, passage and canter pirouettes, and a  natural ability to transfer the weight back onto active hind legs*

* It is not necessary for younger horses to be established in these exercises; on the contrary, we would seek to offer support to ensure the development of the talented horses is progressive and un-forced in order to produce long term results.

Horses aged four and five that scored 80% and over in British Dressage Young Horse Classes, or 90% in BEF Futurity classes throughout 2009 will be invited to attend two assessment days where a panel of assessors will look and assess your horse horses that scored 90% and over in the BEF futurity day will also be invited to assessment days. Details of these will be issued shortly.

Please include a DVD / Video along with your application form of no longer than 5 minutes total viewing showing these movements and also the horses basic paces. Please return the application form and DVD / Video no later than the 26 March to Lianne Martin (02476698835) at British Dressage. (Please note the DVD/Video will not be returned.)

You will by notified by 2 April if you have been successful or unsuccessful in your application. The viewing day will be held on Friday 16 April 2010 at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre.  Should you wish to discuss the programme or your application further, please contact David Trott on 07710 753932

To download an application form click here.