The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has inducted seven dressage riders into the 2017-2019 England Excel Talent Programme's next squad of athletes.
The talented young dressage riders selected for the 2017-2019 England Excel Talent Squad are Charlotte Dicker, Charlotte Murgatroyd, Fiona Brennan, Angus Corrie-Deane, Rebecca Bell, Emma Bond, and Victoria Maw.
Selected from the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian disciplines, 29 athletes were invited to Solihull Riding Club on 17 October and welcomed onto the Programme by the BEF Pathways team, joined by inspirational key note speakers.
David Hamer, Head of Performance Pathways, posed the question, “What is Talent?” He challenged the riders to think about how high level success is achieved and whether ‘Talent’ is something that people are born with, or is a result of natural ability that had been well practised until it had become a skill? He also gave an overview of the different aspects of the talent pathway and how Excel can support them and their home teams on their performance journey.
Riders were all briefed on anti-doping rules and regulations before being introduced to their coaches and mentors who will be helping them on their journey throughout the cycle.
Hope Hayward, a para-equestrian dressage athlete who is returning to the Programme said: “It was a very informative day with some fantastic stories from the speakers. Being on the Excel Programme has made me much more organised and it is great to have so much support from the Excel team as they have helped to outline my goals and they are always available to help when I need it.”
David Hamer added: “We were impressed by the high standard of applications we had for this year’s re-focused programme and we are thrilled for the athletes that have been chosen. Former Excel riders have already gone on to achieve success at senior Championships and our mission is to continue that success by supporting riders to reach the top level of equestrian sport.”
The Excel Programme, funded by Sport England, seeks to identify, support and develop riders and horses that demonstrate talent and potential in the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian disciplines. The Programme has been developed to extend the rider talent pathway below the UK Sport National Lottery funded World Class Programme and to help support riders to go on to achieve their potential.
Related Links
Sixteen Riders Selected on 2015-2017 Excel Talent Programme Dressage Squad
Thirteen Dressage Riders Selected for 2013-2015 BEF Excel Programme
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