The Advanced Apprenticeship in Sports Excellence (AASE) programmes at Hartpury .

The Uk has an amazing scheme in Hartpury, aimed at 16-19 year olds. A perfect way for young and aspiring elite athletes to prepare for life in professional sport.The scheme will be offered across three different disciplines: Dressage, Eventing and Para-dressage. The open day is fast approaching.

In comparison; this morning Horse Scout retweeted an editorial piece on American young riders.

“Teenage Snowbirds? Just Part of Being a Young Equestrian” It made for interesting reading and a great concept. Bringing young American riders together, in a competitive arena, with a 12 week annual season of coaching and training rounds. The cost was eye watering with keen parents spending upwards of $23,000 over the season of weekend training. Admittedly this did include everything, stabling barns (One string included upwards of 70 horses: only in America I thought as I read that!) coaching and entry fees, accommodation and travel etc. All this with an element of the Jones about it, as may be, but the concept seemed to be a brilliant one and for those who want to become top professionals then this is obviously an opportunity to progress. The UK has its own answer to this though. On the British Dressage website today I read about a scheme in Hartpury. The open day is fast approaching so if you want to take part in this then get your skates on.

Hartpury’s multi-million pound facilities and international level coaching give select Dressage and Eventing riders the perfect opportunity to develop their skills, learn how to manage all aspects of a professional riding career, and continue their education. Through the AASE scheme, young riders who have a real chance of competing on the international stage will be professionally supported and trained to achieve their goals. Who is eligible?

The scheme will be offered across three different disciplines: Dressage, Eventing and Para-dressage.

You must

Have 5 GCSE’s A* to C, including Maths and English.
Be aged 16 and over by August 31^st 2015, and under 19 years of age by the same date.
Be resident in England

Eventing AASE criteria for 16 – 18 year olds

The following criteria must be achieved

Top 25% of starters in a CCI1* – from 1^st July 2014 to close of application date
Top 25% of starters in the 2015 National U18 Championships
Long listed for the 2015/14 Junior European Team
Long listed for the 2015/14 Pony European Team
Top 25% of starters at the 2014 U18 Regional Team Championships
Top 25% of starters in the 2014 Pony Club Open Championships

The qualifying (MER’s) results are as follows

FEI Qualification CCI1*
75 or less in the dressage
16 or less in the show jumping
clear in the cross country
36 or less in the cross country time penalties

Pony Club Championships
50 or less in the dressage
16 or less in the show jumping
clear cross country with no more than the 36 in the time penalties

DRESSAGE
Riders should be competing consistently at Medium level and above and achieving 65% or more. (Applicants should have a minimum of four results at the level required in the 12 months prior to application).

Riders will also be considered on younger horses (up to 7 years of age) who demonstrate the potential to compete successfully at International level and are already competing consistently at Elementary or above and achieving 70% or more. Please note freestyle scores do not count towards minimum criteria.

PARA EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE
Riders must have a current classification and should be consistently and currently scoring 62% in their relevant grade at BD Para Dressage Competitions. Please note freestyle scores cannot be counted

On top of this, applicants, aged 16-19, will need to display a willingness to learn and the desire and commitment to succeed.

What do you gain from it?

By doing the Advanced Apprenticeship in sporting excellence you will give yourself the best chance to succeed in your chosen discipline. Apprentices will combine their riding with units aimed at preparing them for all aspects of their future career. Those selected for the course will have aspirations to compete internationally and will be guided throughout to make sure this dream can be achieved.

Apprentices will also have access to a range of specialist, professional services including physiotherapy, strength & conditioning and sports psychology.

How and when do I apply?

Open day – Thursday 9th April

We’re holding an open day for potential applicants on Thursday 9th April. Those attending the day MUST have or be close to meeting the above requirements in their chosen discipline. If you meet, or are close to meeting, the criteria then you can sign up here.

Applications open – February 2nd 2015
Open day – Thursday 9^th April
Applications close – May 29^th
Selection and notification – June 2015
Programme induction day – Saturday September 5th
Programme starts – September 2015.

If you meet the entry criteria (under the Who is eligible? section) then please download both forms on the left and fill in all the fields before returning by either: