Danish Mentor System Simulated in Britain with BYRDS Ambassadors

Dressage

British Dressage News

Just weeks after the Danish Equestrian Federation announced the extension of its Mentor System for young FEI level riders, Great Britain has created a similar projects, the BYRDS Ambassadors.

A dozen young people with first-hand experience of the British Young Riders Dressage Scheme, or BYRDS as it’s known, have been carefully selected to act as BYRDS Ambassadors. Actively involved in each of the regions, from helping at camps to developing ideas for events, they’ll play an integral part in supporting young people and promoting dressage and BYRDS activity.

Twelve individuals who have demonstrated to be good role models and actively involved within their region have been chosen; Wales: Francesca Bradley and Briony Rose Cutler; Central: Paddy Cush and Sofia Jankiewicz; Northen: Beth Robinson and Jack Wainwright; North West: Samantha Bloor; Scotland: Catrina Leckie; South West: Lizzie Flint; Southern: Izzy Chaplin and Holly Colegate Hardaway; Eastern: Jessica Brown.

At 20-years-old, Central region ambassador Paddy Cush is relishing his new role and has already been out and about, including the Central BYRDS roadshow where he chatted to riders, answered any questions and rode through the A Squad test on his more experienced ride, Lord of the Rings V.

Paddy first became involved in BYRDS during his mid-teens and has enjoyed success at Inter-Regionals, the BYRDS U25s Championships and the A Squad Finals. He was also part of the winning Central team at the 2014 Home International.

Paddy, who works full time as a competition rider and trainer, is itching to bring other young riders into this scheme which he describes as a ‘great stepping stone’: “I’m looking forward to getting as many people involved as possible,” says Paddy. “BYRDS is so welcoming and provides gentle encouragement to help riders reach their potential. It has a serious side yes, but is also a lot of fun, with a strong emphasis on team building.”