WCP Podium Potential Pathway applications open

Registration is open for the British Equestrian Federation’s UK Sport National Lottery and Sport England funded World Class Programme Podium Potential Pathway 2019-2021 squad, which now forms the first stage of the recently revised Equestrian performance pathway.

The Podium Potential Pathway Programme, which replaces the former Excel Talent Programme, will bring the performance foundation skill development level into the main World Class performance pathway and looks to identify, support and develop athletes who demonstrate the potential to progress to Podium Potential in the future.
Triple European para-dressage gold medallist Suzanna Hext, who is now a Podium athlete, has experienced all stages of the performance pathway after joining the Excel squad in 2015.

Suzanna explains: “The programmes have helped me a huge amount, not only me as an athlete but also by providing support to my horses.  I have a lot of help at home but being able to link them up with the network of expert support available has allowed me to develop my performance even further.”

The new structure of the World Class Programme pathway has been redeveloped to ensure the best support is provided to both human and equine athletes to promote their continued development at every level and enable Equestrian Team GBR to deliver medal success in the future. The programme supports athletes across the Olympic and Paralympic disciplines and is split into three different levels: Podium, Podium Potential and Podium Potential Pathway.

The Podium Potential Pathway provides selected riders with the opportunity to have access to top equestrian specialists including: international coaches, HSSM (physiotherapists, psychologists) and ESSM (farriers, saddlers, vets) practitioners, via a series of rider performance camps.

BEF Head of Performance Pathways, David Hamer explains: “This very important performance foundation stage of the pathway will help the younger athletes develop the necessary skills and gain knowledge which in the future will hopefully help them to achieve selection onto a British senior team. Athletes who meet the criteria will have the opportunity to benefit from top equestrian specialists and have a framework of support to further develop and progress them on their journey as an athlete.”

Registration for the Podium Potential Pathway Programme is now open! Anyone wishing to apply for the Podium Potential Pathway squad should visit the Equestrian Team GBR website. The registration form and information on the selection process and timeline can be found here. Please note that the initial registration process is open 1 – 28 September 2018; any registrations submitted after this time will not be considered. 

To refer to the minimum performance standards click here.