In response to growing international demand from riding families seeking high quality overseas competition opportunities for junior riders, Global Amateur Tour (GAT) has launched a dedicated Children’s Category at its 2026 Mexico Competition Tour. The expansion reflects GAT’s ongoing commitment to developing talent across all ages while maintaining its trademark standards of performance, safety, and international opportunity.
In line with FEI Children’s category criteria, applicants must be aged between 12 and 14 years. This division has been carefully structured to align with international standards while providing young riders with a safe, professional, and high quality introduction to international competition.
The Children’s Category will be offered at two heights:
• Children’s 1.00m
• Children’s 1.10m
Both categories are open to all nationalities and are intended for experienced young riders who are already performing consistently on their national circuits and are ready to progress within a supported international environment.
To ensure appropriate skill matching and horse welfare, riders must be currently competing with results at a minimum of 10cm higher on their own horses than the height they nominate to jump during the GAT Mexico competition. This requirement mirrors GAT’s existing standards across all divisions and ensures a positive, confidence building experience for young competitors.
“This is a really exciting step for GAT,” said Lucy Olphert, Co-Founder of Global Amateur Tour. “We have seen a growing number of talented young riders coming through our programmes alongside their parents and supporters. The dedicated Children’s Category allows us to offer these riders and families a safe, structured introduction to international competition while maintaining the quality and professionalism GAT is known for.”
Mexico is one of Global Amateur Tour’s most popular and well established destinations, known for its safe, professionally run competitions, high quality borrowed horses, and family friendly environment. GAT has delivered successful Mexico tours since 2018, with carefully selected horses, elite coaching, and experienced staff on the ground, supported by a proven operational structure that sets it apart from newer, untested offerings entering the market.
As the largest and longest running international tour of its kind, Global Amateur Tour continues to set the benchmark for premium international competition experiences for amateur riders worldwide.
The 2026 GAT Mexico Competition Tour will run from the 28th May – 8th June, combining elite training, international competition, and a family friendly programme designed to support both riders and supporters.
Applications for the GAT Mexico Children’s Category are now open. Places are strictly limited and selection is subject to experience, results, and suitability. Expressions of Interest close on 9 February.
About Global Amateur Tour
Founded in 2018, Global Amateur Tour (GAT) delivers premium international showjumping experiences for amateur riders on borrowed horses. GAT combines world class coaching, international competition, and cultural immersion across destinations including Mexico, France, Germany, Portugal, the USA, Brazil, and beyond. Welcoming riders from around the globe, GAT has built a highly engaged international community and continues to set the benchmark for accessible, high performance equestrian experiences.
For more information or to apply, visit www.globalamateurtour.com/mexico2026
