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The Windrush Equestrian Foundation has announced the new intake of riders for the start of the 2021 programme.
A change of format to the programme that offers young event riders educational, business and welfare support, alongside mentoring and coaching from Pippa Funnell, has seen the programme extend to 2-years and raise the upper age limit to 28-years.
2021 saw double the number of applications of previous years, leaving the selection panel of Pippa Funnell, Alice Fox-Pitt, Yogi Breisner and the Foundation’s board members, the arduous task of selecting just three riders.
The selected riders are as follows:
Harry Mutch, the 24-year-old rider from Tyne-and-Wear. Having completed Badminton and Bicton 5*, Harry is an incredibly talented young rider who is looking to the programme for both increased support on the horse and from a business perspective.
“I’m so excited and grateful to have been picked for the programme. It feels like it has come at the perfect time for me in my career as a young rider, I can’t wait to start working with the team at the Windrush Foundation.”
Kristina Hall-Jackson, 25-years-old from West Yorkshire. Kristina was part of the British Junior European eventing team in 2014 and is now looking to make the step up to 5* level.
“Being selected onto the Windrush Equestrian programme is a huge honour and will give me the skills to be a successful event rider long term. This programme will be the key to having a successful business enabling me to ride at the top level of our sport and I feel extremely lucky to have Pippa as a mentor”.
Emma Thomas, 22-years-old from Warwickshire. Emma, from a non-equine family, has self-produced her horses to 4* level alongside studying for a Masters degree. Now looking to cement her experience at 4* level and utilise the support from the programme to make the jump to 5*.
“It means so much to have been accepted. The opportunities offered by the programme are incredible and could really propel my eventing career to the next level. I am so excited to get started.”
The non-profit organisation founded in memory of Christina Knudsen and her passion for the sport of Eventing aims to bring education and training to talented young event riders to support their futures, with the welfare of the horse and rider at the heart of the programme.
The Foundation’s riders will receive mentoring and in-depth training from one of the world’s most decorated eventing riders, Pippa Funnell, along with former Team GBR World Class Performance Manager, Yogi Breisner. The programme also includes a 360-degree education programme, in partnership with A Young Riders Academy, covering topics such as: Veterinary & Rider Fitness, Business & Economics, Communication & Media Management, Nutrition & Mental Health. Riders will also have the opportunity to join the Young Riders Academy riders at the hugely prestigious Geneva International Horse Show and at Franklin University in Switzerland.
Windrush Equestrian Foundation CEO, Mariachiara Apruzzese said:
“It has been an absolute pleasure to have such exciting riders on the programme these last two years. Despite being a difficult year, they have done incredibly well. Pippa and the Windrush team are very excited to welcome our new talented riders and follow their progress over the next two years.”
The Windrush Equestrian Foundation has played a key role in supporting the careers of several young riders, including the recent successes of Blenheim Palace International CCI4*L winner Yasmin Ingham, and third placed Susie Berry.
