Press Release | Young Riders Academy announces YRA Team 2026

The Young Riders Academy (YRA) introduces the 11 riders of the YRA Team 2026.

Elisa Chimirri from Italy, Rose De Balanda from France, Mathieu Guery from Belgium, Nick Nanning from the Netherlands, Anthony Philippaerts from Belgium, Lou Puch and Bryan Smits from Switzerland, Emma Sophia Spanko from the Czech Republic, Leah Stack from Ireland, Sören Suppert from Germany and Thijmen Vos from the Netherlands.

The selected riders represent 7 nations and have been chosen from a pool of 26 candidates representing 16 countries. Each rider demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and consistency throughout a highly competitive selection process, confirming once again the very high level of the next generation of the sport.

Selection Process
The Selection panel, including Jens Fredricson, Thierry Pomel, and Jeroen Dubbeldam, assessed the 26 candidates over a two-day period, evaluating their riding skills both in the arena and during the interview phase.

The entire process was supervised by Sven Holmberg, Sport Director, who also contributed to the evaluation of the riders’ sports knowledge and their overall compatibility with the programme.

Program Overview
The YRA initiative focuses on comprehensive rider development, encompassing training, education, and exposure to various competitive environments.

The programme is designed to provide these young athletes with access to high-level educational sessions, specialised training, and opportunities to participate in prestigious events. This holistic approach ensures that riders are well-prepared for the challenges of top- level equestrian sport.

Commenting on this year’s selection, Eleonora Ottaviani, President of Athenaeum and YRA, said:

Once again, this year’s selection confirms the Young Riders Academy as a programme of excellence. The level continues to rise, with increasingly strong candidates being nominated by their federations, clearly reflecting the bright future of our sport.

Our role is not only to identify these talents, but to support them throughout their journey. We aim to help them grow into complete athletes, both inside and outside the arena, providing them with the tools, the knowledge, and a long-term support system that accompanies them during the Academy and beyond.

Upcoming Events & Programme
The programme will officially kick off with the first sporting event, the clinic with Franke Sloothaak, scheduled for mid-April at Peelbergen Equestrian Centre.

The Education Programme, coordinated by Project Manager Valentina Ottaviani, will be launched in June at Franklin University in Lugano, followed by additional sessions in Strömsholm, Geneva, and Lausanne.