Step Up to Gold

The programme consists of:

• National and regional training days with Matt Lanni and a regional coach.

• Strength and Condition coaches working individually with riders to develop a training programme

• Sport Science support including horse physio, saddle experts, veterinary talks, anti-doping talks and travelling abroad workshops.

• Coach and organisational support at a national show abroad and an international show in the UK

• Funding will cover training fees, sport science support, strength and condition coaches and some other associated costs such as entry fees and stabling.

Applications for the programme opened in September and I put my name forward as my current long term goal with her is to become consistent at 1.35m/1.40m level with Zarina. I was lucky enough to be offered a place at the selection trial which took place on Tuesday 11th October 2016 at Wellington Riding Centre. The day involved introductions from the lead coach Matt Lanni followed by being observed warming up our horses before walking a course of jumps to be jumped. Each of us in the session then jumped around the course whilst being videoed which allowed us to talk through the round and pick out opportunities to improve. We then jumped the course a second time using the advice that we had been given to see if we could improve upon our performance. Zarina jumped super as always and it is now a waiting game to see if I'm lucky enough to be selected.There have been around 70 applicants this year and only two riders will be selected from each region. Each rider will be assigned a regional coach to have ongoing training throughout the programme. The regional coaches are incorporated with the national training to allow consistency at training and shows. The riders are selected for a 1 year period.

Gold Development Programme - The Official Website of British Showjumping