The Canadian Youth Equestrian Mentorship Program is designed to inspire Canadian equestrians age 16-21 in the hunter/jumper and dressage world by providing them with opportunities to interact with leading Canadian riders during the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Now in its fifth year, the program, scheduled to take place February 26 to March 2, 2020, allows participants to observe the horse management and training, daily routines, and competition prep of top international equestrians which will hopefully educate and inspire them to follow a similar path of their own.
Six dressage and six hunter/jumper riders will be selected via lottery to travel to Wellington, the winter home to many of the world’s top equestrians. Each discipline-specific group will be mentored by competitors and show grooms, and take part in educational discussions, barn tours, and networking activities. While in Wellington, accommodations and all ground transportation will be generously provided by Jill Irving; participants are responsible for their own airfare, meals, and spending money. Other activities and planned events will be free and each group will be supervised by a chaperone.
To be eligible, applicants must be between 16- 21 years old, members in good standing with Equestrian Canada and their provincial equestrian association, with any level of competition experience in the discipline they wish to participate in. Providing a short biography, including any equestrian-related accomplishments and specific equestrian goals, is part of the application process. Passports and travel insurance are required, and participants must make their own travel arrangements to Palm Beach International Airport.
Applications must be received no later than 5:00 pm on November 29th, 2019; qualifying participants will be notified the week of December 1st. Visit www.jillirvingyouthequinementorprogram.ca for additional information and application forms.
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