Australian Young Riders Qualify for FEI Youth Equestrian Games 2022

Over the weekend, the third and final 'Youth Challenge' was held at the Homes & Acreage Boneo World Wetlands Day Jumping Championships, concluding the qualification process in Australia. 

The ‘Youth Challenge’ allowed riders between the age of 14 and 18 years old to achieve their certificate of capability to be considered to represent Australia at the FEI Youth Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany later this year.

The competition for aspiring young jumpers replaces the corresponding classes at the Olympic Youth Summer Games, which were scheduled to be held in Dakar (Senegal), but were unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Following the cancellation of the Olympic Youth Summer Games, the FEI and the International Olympic Committee endeavoured to find a replacement competition, settling on the prestigious CHIO Aachen.

The FEI closely supervised all the 'Youth Challenge' classes acting as qualifiers in each country to ensure a level playing field was maintained. The FEI selected a course designer to provide a pre-determined course, including distances and height specifications, to be built the same way for each event. This assured that each athlete qualified over the same course, regardless of where they qualified.

Zoe Waller & Bequest, photo credit: Australian Equestrian Team / Kirsty Pasto

Athletes were required to complete the two rounds of competition over the 115cm – 130cm course with eight (8) faults or less in order to secure their certificate of capability for the FEI Youth Equestrian Games. 

Australia hosted three ‘Youth Challenge’ qualification classes, which took place at Camden, Gatton and Boneo, where at total of 7 young riders achieved their certificate of capability.

Tansy Sagar and Helsinki, photo credit: Australian Equestrian Team / Kirsty Pasto

Equestrian Australia High Performance Jumping Manager, Todd Hinde, said the FEI Youth Equestrian Games is a fantastic opportunity for Australian Young Riders to gain international exposure. 

"It was wonderful to see all of the Young Riders present their horses for the horse inspection and conduct themselves so professionally during the Youth Challenge qualification events across the three states.   

“The competition was outstanding, with all riders handling the pressure of jumping for a qualification score and holding themselves to a very high standard. The FEI Youth Equestrian Games provides a fantastic opportunity for Young Riders to gain experience representing their country on the world stage. " 

The FEI Youth Equestrian Games 2022 in Germany will take place from 26 June – 2 July 2022 on borrowed horses and selection will take place in the coming months.