What is youth, what future developments does the FEI envisage, and how will we come about creating a more cohesive and comprehensive image for youth in horsesport?

It must be said that up until now, youth was seen as a rather ill-defined territory, as it is affected by all the different disciplines. However, this ambiguity is being resolved on a daily basis following the creation of a new role within the FEI Headquarters of a youth manager in February 2006 and a three- to five-year strategic plan to be announced by the end of the year.

Indeed, the purpose and goals for the Youth Department are to enable a coordinated framework for youth, that is, for all riders under 21. There are currently four age categories:

Children: 12-14 years
Pony Riders: 12-16 years
Juniors: 14-18 years
Young Riders: 16-21 years

“In order to develop future objectives, the first crucial step is to gather information and produce a situation analysis for all the disciplines so as to best define what it is we really want to achieve and whether we can provide for greater consistency amongst the different disciplines in all youth related matters, as well as creating a logical pathway leading towards the senior age groups,” explains Nici Kennedy, FEI Youth Manager

Is the current infrastructure for youth enabling riders, what kinds of talent scouting procedures are in place, or even scholarships?

Implementing long-term and viable solutions take time and once the above mentioned questions have been elucidated, we will be in a much better position to serve the future generations of horsesport.

In the making at the moment, a new web page for youth whose objective is to provide an interactive and animated space with discussion forums and thought provoking issues which will attract the riders of the future from around the world. In essence, to use the tools with which the young generation is at ease.