Top riders can get the support they need to be the best of the best with a unique ‘apprenticeship’ at Hartpury.
The Equine Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) is provided by British Dressage and British Evening and run exclusively at Hartpury. The apprenticeship in dressage and eventing is putting talented young riders based all over the country on the right path to succeed at the very highest level with the support of mentors who have played a starring role in the equestrian world – as competitors and coaches.
AASE apprenticeships – which cover 20 sports nationally - were developed by National Sporting Governing Bodies to improve the performance of elite young athletes. The programme has had great success since it launched at Hartpury in summer 2013.
Riders are supported to apply what they learn on 11 ‘centre’ days at Hartpury and as part of a virtual learning programme to improve and evaluate both their own performance and that of their horse. Modules are focused on improving riding, horse management, tactical skills and fitness and nutrition as well as helping riders to manage their lifestyle and their career so that they are physically and mentally prepared to meet the challenges of top level competition.
The programme is extremely flexible and is designed to fit in around students’ existing academic commitments or jobs. Many of the current AASE riders are studying for A-levels in their home town or working full-time as well as taking part in top level competitions.
Phil de Glanville, Hartpury’s head of elite sport, said: “The four AASE mentors concentrate on riding and tactical elements when they come to visit students in their own yards or when they are training with their coaches, working with those home coaches to ensure that the riders get the most out of their training.
“We’re very proud of the success of our young riding stars on the unique AASE programme. As we’ve seen, these apprenticeships can be a stepping stone to prepare the best young riders for the world class performance programmes, teaching them the theory they need to succeed and accelerating their progress so they are ready to meet the challenges of competing at an elite level.”
20 year old Laura Milner is one of four dressage graduates from the first intake of students and she can’t talk highly enough of her experience on the AASE programme. Particular plus points she found as part of the course were:
- having access to high quality mentors – mine were Nick Burton and Claire Moir. They helped us along the way, as well as coming out to see us train with our home coaches and offer helpful pieces of information for the training of our horses.
- the high standards of Hartpury - being able to view and use the facilities there, such as the equine rehabilitation centre, was fascinating and really gave us a fantastic and of course realistic, view on things that we needed to write about. Along with this, being able to go to the gym and train with Owen Satterley, who infact worked with Charlotte Dujardin for 2012, was great as it showed how much they knew for the background of our riding. This really helped as we then had a programme to work on when we got home!
- We were able to go on visits such as the National Championships and to Carl Hester’s yard. It was different to any other time as we had to analyse different riders tests which meant that rather than thinking 'wow that looks great', we were able to develop it to know why. At Carl’s yard, we discussed management of the horses which was great to see how the horses are managed there and see the facilities.
Laura summed her experience up in saying; “I was able to complete the AASE course not only alongside running a yard of 24 horses and competing, but also running my own Equine Rug washing business which has been extremely busy! It helped that we were able to do a lot of the work at home as this meant that we didn't have to be traveling every week to complete it! Nick (Burton) was always on the end of the phone to offer advice and help with any issues I had. Also being able to have him to come up here to see where I train from really helped as he was very understanding and he helped me to plan everything for the horses (competing and training) and also for me!
“I think it is an absolutely fantastic opportunity - not only does it get you to be more known in the dressage 'world', but you also learn a heck of a lot, and I use the things I learnt every day! Chances to gain a qualification doing something you love don't come around often - jump while you can!”
Who is eligible?
You must
• Have 5 GCSE’s A* to C, including Maths and English.
• Be aged 16 and over by August 31st 2015, and under 19 years of age by the same date.
• Be resident in England
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.
Applications for the 20 places available for this year’s programme, which starts in September 2015, open today and close on 29 Ma, 2015. Riders meeting the entry criteria published on the website can also attend an exclusive Open Day at Hartpury on 9 April 2015. Successful applicants will be notified in June. You can find out more and how to apply on the Hartpury College website
Picture: Laura Milner receives her certificate from her AASE course mentor Nick Burton (photo from Laura’s Facebook page with thanks)