The Young Riders Academy is proud to unveil the YRA Team 2025, composed of 11 exceptional young athletes selected for their talent, dedication, and potential to become the next generation of equestrian leaders.
Following a rigorous two-day selection at Peelbergen Equestrian Centre, 11 riders from across Europe were chosen by a panel of esteemed experts. The selection process included riding sessions, theoretical evaluations, and interviews that explored each candidate’s knowledge of the sport and compatibility with the YRA program.
This year’s team features riders from Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Finland, Denmark, Italy, England, and France, a reflection of the Academy’s mission to identify and support top talent from a wide array of equestrian communities. The selected riders are:
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Johanna Beckmann (Germany)
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Leon Brutsaert (Belgium)
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Francis Derwin (Ireland)
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Max Foley (Ireland)
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Anni Hjerpe (Finland)
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Laura Bearing Kjaergaard (Denmark)
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Giulia Mattioli (Italy)
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Claudia Moore (England)
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Jules Orsolini (France)
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Evelyne Putters (Belgium)
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Bart Jay Junior Vandecasteele (Belgium)
Led by Jens Fredricsson, Thierry Pomel, and Jeroen Dubbeldam, with Sven Holmberg and Valentina Ottaviani overseeing the interview sessions, the selection committee evaluated the riders not only on their technical ability but also on their mindset, values, and vision for their future in the sport.
“The expectations are elevated, however, this year, our attention is narrowed down to a specific group. We are dedicated to nurturing a fresh group of riders and individuals who are profoundly devoted to the equestrian field, valuing excellence in competition and advocating for fairness. These talents could potentially play significant roles in organizations and bodies with an equitable perspective and method,” stated Eleonora Ottaviani, President of Athenaeum and YRA, underlining the Academy’s dual focus on athletic development and education in sport governance.
The YRA Team 2025 now begins its journey with a program designed to support their growth through a blend of sport, education, and experience. The official sporting calendar will begin in mid-April with a clinic led by Franke Sloothaak at Peelbergen Equestrian Centre.
The final selection of participants for the Full Program and the Educational Program will be made during the first clinic, where we will continue the discussion with the selected riders and identify the most suitable solution for all parties.
The educational component—coordinated by Valentina Ottaviani—will launch in June at Franklin University Switzerland in Lugano, with additional sessions scheduled at Uppsala University in Sweden, the FEI headquarters in Lausanne, and Rolex HQ in Geneva.
As the new team prepares to take its first steps together, the YRA continues its mission: to shape not just elite athletes, but future ambassadors of equestrian sport—committed to excellence, grounded in ethics, and inspired to lead.