Ireland’s Jack Ryan and Jason Foley selected for European Young Riders Academy Team 2020

Kilkenny’s Jack Ryan and Carlow’s Jason Foley have been selected for the prestigious European Young Riders Academy Team 2020.

The Young Riders Academy is a program conceived for European talented young show jumpers, under the patronage of European Equestrian Federation (EEF), with the cooperation of the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) and the support of Rolex. The Young Riders Academy was founded in 2014 by Athenaeum, a non-profit association, with the aim of developing future champions and potential managers of this sport,

Jack Ryan (left) and Jason Foley have been selected for the European Young Riders Academy 2020

Peelbergen Equestrian Center in The Netherlands welcomed the candidates for the 2020 selection, with rigorous security protocols in compliance with Covid-19 policies and behind closed doors.

This 7th edition adopted a new assessment formula to assure all candidates and selection panel the same conditions for evaluation. The selection took place in a single location and competitions were open exclusively to YRA candidates. Every rider jumped two horses, one young horse (5 – 7 years) and one experienced horse to perform in 1m45 classes.

The Selection Panel, consisting of Jean Maurice Bonneau, Emile Hendrix and sports manager Sven Holmberg, together with the YRA Board. After having evaluated all candidates’ attitude, capabilities, motivation together with technical skills and competition results, the panel and Board came up with the official assessment of the Young Riders Academy Team 2020.

Jean Maurice Bonneau commented:

“Again the level of applicants was very high, and we could see potential new stars rising up. We, as observers, are looking for qualities that will make the difference in the coming years. Talent is not enough, we are looking for ambition, determination, open mind and innovation management, as they will be crucial for a successful career”.

Seven riders among the 25 made it to Full Program team, while three riders will enter the Educational Program squad; “This year again we want to thank National Federations who presented a group of young talented athletes remarkably motivated” commented Eleonora Ottaviani – President of the Board.

Young Riders Academy 2020 Full Program:
Jack Whitaker – GBR – 2001 (year of birth)
Jodie Hall McAteer – GBR – 2000
My Relander – EST – 1998
Linda Potrychova – CZE – 2001
Jason Foley – IRL – 2001
Jack Ryan – IRL – 2001
Georgia Tame – GBR – 1997

Young Riders Academy 2020 Education Program:
Richard Vogel – GER – 1997
Lars Kuster – NED – 1998
Simon Morssinkhof – BEL – 2000

The Full Program offers a long stay of training and boarding at a renowned professional stable and includes qualified education in communication, business and economics, veterinary, anti-doping and legal practice connected to show jumping.

The Educational Program team will gather during the year for 5 academic sessions – on the above topics. This group will also benefit from YRA support during jumping seasons which consists in clinics, sport training and shows invitations.

Clinics during the year will be held by Jean Maurice Bonneau, Jos Lansink and Franke Sloothaak; while the trainers for the full program are going to be: Henk Nooren, Marco Kutscher, Jos Lansink, Ben, Gerco and Wim Schroder.

Both teams will meet in Sweden in October for the 2020 program kick off.