Expressions of interest being sought from young riders for 2017 Youth Endurance Championships

Equestrian Australia is calling for expressions of interest from riders to compete at the World Endurance Championships for Junior and Youth Riders 2017.  This event will be held in Verona, Italy from the 22^nd – 24^th September 2017.  

At this stage, the final requirements for qualification are uncertain, and there may be changes to the requirements specified below. The intent is to gather expressions from riders who wish to prepare themselves for possible selection to represent Australia at this event.  EA will work with the riders and their horses to prepare them to successfully compete at this event. 

Key Qualification Criteria to Note:

The horse must be at least 8 years of age and have successfully completed:

• 2 x CEI2* events or higher, of which at least one must be at the minimum speed of 14 km/hr, for the current championship format (distance and time)
• This ride will need to be in combination with you as the rider, except those riders categorised as elite Junior/Youth elite athletes.
• The qualifying ride must be achieved no earlier than 24 months before and no later than 60 days before the event

Rider minimum qualifications are that you must be turning 14 years of age or older in the year of the competition, and have completed at least:

• 3 x CEI2* events or higher,
• One of these rides must be at the minimum speed of 14 km/hr with the nominated horse and the same or higher distance and time frame, except those riders who are elite Junior/Youth athletes
• The “qualifying ride” has to be done no earlier than 24 months before and no later than 60 days before the event

The EA Endurance Selection Panel will work closely with riders to develop qualification and performance plans to assist riders and horses achieve the necessary levels to be considered for selection.  In addition the Panel will work to identify opportunities to compete overseas to assist riders gain valuable experience in international competition.  

The Selection Panel’s ultimate aim is to build a team of riders and horses who have a high chance of winning medals for Australia. The panel will look for horses and riders who can complete successfully (both at a national and international level) at good speed over 120 km vet gate into hold rides. The panel will also be considering the international exposure and experience of riders and horses.

Please note this will be a completely self-funded competition.  Riders will be responsible for the following costs:

• Return airfares to Italy
• Horse transportation and related costs
• Transport to/from the airports
• Meals and accommodation
• Insurance (The EA National Office can assist with this insurance)
• Entry fees and any other related expenses

If you are interested in riding at international Championship events and in representing Australia, we encourage you to submit an expression of interest using the below form.  It is not necessary to be qualified at this point as there is time available to meet the requirements for selection.

Closing date for the expression of interest is 30^th November 2015 - details on how to apply are contained within the form.

Expressions of Interest Form