Spotlight on Young Talent: The Young Riders Academy 2025 Team

The Young Riders Academy (YRA) has unveiled the eleven riders selected for the Team 2025, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing and developing the next generation of European equestrian talent.

The selected athletes come from a wide range of nationalities, highlighting the international level of competition and the depth of young talent in the sport. The YRA Team 2025 includes: Johanna Beckmann (Germany), Leon Brutsaert (Belgium), Francis Derwin (Ireland), Max Foley (Ireland), Anni Hjerpe (Finland), Laura Bearing Kjaergaard (Denmark), Giulia Mattioli (Italy), Claudia Moore (England), Jules Orsolini (France), Evelyne Putters (Belgium), and Bart Jay Junior Vandecasteele (Belgium).

A Path to Growth for Future Champions

The selection of these young athletes was based not only on their riding skills but also on their potential for growth and their ability to contribute to an equestrian community built on sportsmanship and fair play.

The selection panel, consisting of Jens Fredricson, Thierry Pomel, and Jeroen Dubbeldam, evaluated the performances of 22 candidates over a two-day selection process. Additionally, Sven Holmberg and Valentina Ottaviani conducted targeted interviews to assess the riders’ sports knowledge and their compatibility with the program.

A Top-Level Educational Program

The Young Riders Academy initiative provides its athletes with a comprehensive training program that goes beyond riding practice. It includes educational sessions, specialized training, and opportunities to participate in high-level events, ensuring a well-rounded preparation for the challenges of the equestrian world.

Eleonora Ottaviani, President of Athenaeum and YRA, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Expectations are high, but this year, our focus is on a specific group. We are committed to nurturing a new generation of riders and individuals who are deeply dedicated to the equestrian world—not only striving for excellence in competition but also contributing to organizations and institutions with a fair and methodical approach.”

A Packed Calendar of Events

The YRA Team 2025 will officially kick off its journey with the first sporting event: a clinic with Franke Sloothaak, scheduled for mid-April at Peelbergen Equestrian Centre. The educational program, coordinated by project manager Valentina Ottaviani, will follow with sessions at prestigious institutions such as Franklin University Switzerland in Lugano (June), Uppsala University in Sweden, the FEI headquarters in Lausanne, and the Rolex headquarters in Geneva.

With such a well-structured program and access to top-tier resources, these selected riders have the opportunity to grow not only as athletes but also as professionals in the equestrian industry. The future of these young talents looks brighter than ever.

© Rights Reserved.