The World Class Development Programme was established in 2002, and underpins the World Class Performance Programme, sharing the overall aim of winning more medals on the World Stage.
The Programme is divided into two parts:
- World Class Start
- World Class Potential
Riders are nurtured, developed and inspired to become good competitors. The focus is a balanced approach between skill acquisition and physical conditioning to ensure the skill and competencies required to compete at the highest level are developed.
The philosophy behind the Development Programme is that training achieves excellence and correct training is the foundation to success. The Programme provides an established training pathway and is structured in such a way to facilitate rider improvement that will see them progress from World Class Start through to World Class Potential and onto the Performance Programme.
It includes the following elements:
- Competition experience including international exposure
- Coaching, advice and competitive support
- Equine sports science; soft tissue therapy, veterinary advice and education, equine nutrition, farriery advice and education
- Human sports science; fitness, nutrition, sports psychology, medical backup
- A comprehensive support network
- Performance analysis to enhance technique and improve performance
- Developing teamwork and team spirit through innovative squad sessions
- Lifestyle, business and communication advice
- Promoting the concept, where appropriate, of riders basing themselves with established and successful senior riders
The riders are reviewed on a six monthly basis, with targets and objectives being set and funding to assist with achieving these aims agreed. Selection is on a two yearly basis but this does not mean that a rider cannot be taken onto the Programme during the two year cycle or removed.
The Development Programme also provides significant funding to support the Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping Pony, Junior and Young Rider Championship teams in addition to the funding provided to support the riders on the Programme.
How to join World Class
Who's on the World Class Development Squad?
For further information on the current Potential and Start development squads visit the Team GBR website
