Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Dressage Young Horse Development Program. This program promotes the proper development of young horses in anticipation of future international success.
Aimed at horses between the ages of five and seven, the Program will serve to identify up-and-coming talent, and encourage owners to work with skilled, Canadian certified trainers. To participate, owners must be current EC Sport Licence Holders and EC Dressage Affiliates in good standing. Horses must be ridden by (and in full training with) an athlete who meets one of the following criteria:
- EC Certified High Performance Coach
- Current or former Canadian Equestrian Team (CET) member
- Current National Team Program athlete
The program provides national ranking recognition, and horses will be expected to progress in their training to achieve minimum performance standards throughout the season. Each year, horses must achieve a minimum of four scores of 68% or better at EC Gold, Foreign National or CDI competitions, in order to be ranked.
Once enrolled in the program, participants will receive invitations to a minimum of two training sessions per year with FEI certified young horse dressage judges and international young horse development experts. The sessions will provide:
- Analysis using state-of-the-art technology
- Assessment from the EC Equine and Human Registered Massage Therapist
- Evaluation from the primary clinician.
To participate, a completed application form for each horse must be on file with the EC dressage department by the annual deadline of Jan. 1.
For full information on the program and application instructions, visit www.equestrian.ca/sport/dressage/programs.
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