The Young Riders Academy Selection for the year 2025 is set to take place at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre on March 17-18. This prestigious event will identify and select promising young riders who demonstrate exceptional skill and potential in showjumping.
A World-Class Venue for a World-Class Selection
Peelbergen Equestrian Centre, renowned for its outstanding facilities, will welcome 22 riders from 13 different nations. Throughout the selection process, these talented individuals will showcase their abilities in flatwork and jumping courses, closely observed by an esteemed panel of equestrian champions: Jens Fredriccson, Thierry Pomel, and Jeroen Dubbeldam. Ensuring the smooth organization and coordination of the event, YRA Sport Manager Sven Holmberg and Valentina Ottaviani will lead the selection proceedings, including the crucial interview sessions.
A Comprehensive Selection Process
Now in its eleventh year, the Young Riders Academy Selection is designed not only to assess technical riding abilities but also to evaluate sportsmanship, presentation, and overall compatibility with the program. The Selection Panel aims to ensure a well-rounded and fair assessment of each rider, recognizing both talent and potential for future success.
Excitement Builds Ahead of Selection
As the event approaches, anticipation is mounting among riders and supporters alike. The YRA Selection has become a highly respected and significant milestone for young equestrian talents, providing them with a unique platform to develop their careers.
Board member Emile Hendrix will also be in attendance, overseeing the selection process. Reflecting on the upcoming event, Hendrix shared his enthusiasm:
"Hello everybody, we're all looking forward to the 11th edition of the selection for the Young Riders Academy next week, Monday and Tuesday in Peelbergen. We hope that we can find some great riders among the 22 participants we will be selecting from and that they will have a bright future. Hopefully, we at the Young Riders Academy will play a big role in shaping that future. Looking forward—see you on Monday."
President of Athenaeum and YRA, Eleonora Ottaviani, also emphasized the importance of shaping not only skilled riders but also future leaders in the equestrian world:
"Our aim is to cultivate a new cohort of riders and individuals deeply committed to the equestrian industry, who prioritize excellence in sport and believe strongly in meritocracy. Talents that in the future may become part of committees and institutions with a fair vision and approach."
Sven Holmberg, YRA Sport Manager, highlighted the high level of candidates in this year’s selection:
"Once again, we have an incredibly strong group of riders from 13 different countries, including first-time candidates from Finland and returning nations like Denmark. The quality continues to rise, and we look forward to selecting the next group of talents who will represent the future of this sport."
With the next generation of equestrian talent preparing to take center stage, the Young Riders Academy Selection 2025 promises to be an event filled with skill, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence.