German Federal Premium mare, RM Raspberry. Berry was the 6 year old Young Pony Champion and overall Champion of Champions Pony at the recent Sydney CD-Lite, and a potential partner in the scholarship.
© Simon Scully Photography
Pony dressage scholarship offers young Aussie riders a unique opportunity
By Equestrian Life
Are you 12 to 16 years of age and have a passion for dressage? Select Pony Breeding, together with Grand Prix dressage rider Michelle Baker, are offering one lucky young rider the unique opportunity to undergo nine months of coaching on a purpose-bred pony to help them develop their skills and work towards future goals.
The annual “Dressage Riders of the Future” scholarship program has been created to not only help develop young riders, but also promote FEI pony dressage — and the German Riding Pony breed — as a pathway for our next generation of future dressage stars.
“It has been a vision of Select Pony Breeding from its conception to develop the quality of ponies through the breeding and training of German Riding Ponies in Australia,” says stud principal, Leanne Shead. “We believe for young riders to achieve their potential, they need suitable mounts that are suitably trained; we aim to follow the German model and produce quality ponies that are specifically trained in their early years by professional riders to then partner with aspiring under-16-year-old dressage riders. These ponies are invaluable to the genesis of the sport, as one pony will educate and partner with multiple young riders during their careers.”
The scholarship program spans nine months and includes multiple residential training camps with Michelle Baker on a pony provided by Select Pony Breeding, with an emphasis on support and mentoring. The program culminates with an opportunity for the lucky rider to put their learning into practice at a competition; it really is the experience of a lifetime!
“Aside from offering one young rider an exceptional experience, we hope to instil in all who apply the desire to be inclusive, give back to the sport and prioritise the welfare of their equine partner above all things,” says Michelle, adding: “We really believe in the initiative and hope it will inspire others in similar positions to facilitate the development of the sport.”
Leanne Shead with Michelle Baker and Grand Prix horse Bradgate Park Puccini at Willinga Park.
© Simon Scully Photography
Applications for the inaugural scholarship program are open from 1 July to 25 July, 2021, and require a written component, a video of the rider training and competing, and a reference from their coach. The winning applicant will be chosen by a panel of dressage professionals — including Michelle and Leanne, alongside Gina Montgomery and Sue Cunningham — and will be based on the rider’s talent, passion and dedication for the sport, and the perceived benefit they will gain from the scholarship.
You can find out more about the “Dressage Riders of the Future” scholarship program here, and access the application form here.
For updates regarding the scholarship, please follow Selection Pony Breeding and Michelle Baker on Facebook.
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