Cheshire Rider Tyler Cassells earmarked for future Olympics
British Equestrian Federation Press Release – Friday 28 October 2011
Former Haddon Training Learner and event rider Tyler Cassells from Holmes Chapel has taken a step closer to his aim of representing Great Britain at Olympic level by being selected onto the British Equestrian Federation England Excel Talent Programme, which includes around 50 riders earmarked with the potential to represent Great Britain on senior teams in the future.
The selected riders from all four Olympic and Paralympic disciplines – Dressage, Showjumping, Eventing and Para-Equestrian Dressage - gathered on 20 October 2011 at Warwickshire Racecourse for an induction day to learn more about the British Equestrian Federation (BEF)-run programme, which provides selected individuals with access to top equestrian specialists including coaches, physiotherapists, psychologists, vets and nutritionists via a series of rider performance camps.
Tyler (22) said: “It is exciting to know that I have a whole team of top class trainers and advisors wanting to see me succeed. I am really looking forward to the training camps - not just for the help and advice i will receive, but also for the elite performers I will meet.”
Riders also had the opportunity to find out what it takes to succeed at the top level from those on the World Class Programme. Laura Collett (Eventing), Simon Crippen (Showjumping), Maria Eilberg (Dressage) and Natasha Baker (Para Equestrian Dressage) – talk about their experience of making the transition into the senior ranks and onto the world stage.
Simon Wergan, Senior Talent Development Manager for Sport England, said: “These athletes have already been identified as having the talent to succeed and the Excel Talent Programme is the next step of this journey. It is important that these riders grasp the opportunities on offer with both hands.”
The Excel Talent Programme has been set up through funding from Sport England and replaces the Regional Foundation Squad system. It is intended that the revised nationalised format will allow the BEF to provide a heightened level of expertise, so aiding riders' development as all-round athletes. The programme’s managers are working closely with British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping to ensure they add value to what is already on offer through the disciplines.
Leader of the Excel Programme, David Hamer, said: “We are lucky to have the funding to support these riders from the Lottery and Government Exchequer through Sport England. The induction day has set the theme for the programme which is to develop riders for future Olympics and Paralympic Games.
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For further media enquiries please contact Claire Shand:
02476 698871
For more information about the programme visit: http://www.bef.co.uk/Excel_Talent_Programme