Thursday, 18 June 2026
The British Equestrian World Class Programme is inviting talented young athletes with ambitions of competing on future senior to put themselves forward for consideration to join the Podium Potential Pathway (P3) squad for 2027–2029.
British Equestrian’s World Class Programme was first introduced in 1998 to provide targeted support to athletes demonstrating high potential in the equestrian Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, by offering the right structure and environment to enable them to realise their medal-winning potential. The Podium Potential Pathway squad, which is funded by The National Lottery and Government Exchequer via UK Sport and Sport England, provides young athletes with a process of development that delivers the essential performance foundation skills to underpin future sustained senior championship success.
David Hamer, Head of Performance Pathways at British Equestrian, explains: “The current pathway model was introduced following my appointment as Head of Performance Pathways in 2017. It was designed to ensure that, at Podium Potential Pathway level, we can effectively underpin future senior championship success by equipping talented young riders with the performance foundations, skills, and education they need, all within a supportive and inclusive development environment.
“Since its introduction, the pathway has supported several athletes in progressing to senior championship team selection, while many others have achieved success at the highest levels of international competition. This progression demonstrates the strength and effectiveness of the model.
“We will continue to evolve the pathway to meet the demands of the sport, while remaining committed to developing the human element of the horse-and-rider partnership. Our focus is to provide a broad base of skills that not only supports performance outcomes but also helps athletes build sustainable careers – equipping them with the profile, capability and networks required to access the horsepower and opportunities needed to achieve their long-term senior championship ambitions”.
Dressage, eventing and para dressage athletes interested in being selected for Podium Potential Pathway must complete the initial registration by 31 August 2026. They then have until 7 December 2026 to obtain the minimum eligibility requirements, which are listed in the selection policy.
In a change for this cycle to reflect the modern realities of the sport, registration will no longer be required for consideration for the Podium Potential Pathway showjumping squad. Instead, athletes who meet the minimum performance criteria will be performance-profiled by the selection panel throughout the eligibility period for competition results. These athletes will then be put forward to the final selection meeting, where evaluation against the objectives of the Podium Potential Pathway selection policy will inform final decisions.
Selected athletes will have access to top equestrian specialists and coaches during their time on the programme. Technical skills and knowledge are supported by a dedicated human and equine sport science team, who deliver physiotherapy, sport psychology, nutrition advice, vet and farrier support and saddle-fitting advice. Athletes also receive guidance on managing themselves and their careers, as well as their finances and public profile.
In recent years, athletes on the Podium Potential Pathway have achieved increasing success on the world stage, with a number selected to represent their country at Nations Cup and senior championship level before moving further along the World Class Programme’s performance pathway. Across the four Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, seven past and present Podium Potential Pathway athletes appeared on nominated entry lists for Paris 2024, with three making the final selection for the Games.
“Being part of the programme has been hugely valuable for me, both in terms of developing as a rider and gaining a clearer understanding of what’s required to perform consistently at a higher level,” said current Podium Potential Pathway athlete Barnie Brotherton, who was selected for three FEI Eventing Nations Cup teams last year, including the final in Boekelo, the Netherlands.
“The support network, access to experienced practitioners and the opportunities the programme provides have all had a significant impact on my progression. It’s an environment that encourages ambition, professionalism and continuous improvement, and I would strongly recommend it to any rider looking to further their career in the sport.”
“Being part of the World Class Programme has been hugely beneficial for myself and my horses due to the support and range of expertise available,” added showjumper Jake Myers, who is also currently on the Programme. “I believe I’ve developed a huge amount as an athlete during my time on Podium Potential Pathway, not just in the saddle but also looking at the small details that all add up to make a big difference.
British Equestrian’s performance pathway, known as the World Class Programme, features three distinct levels – Podium, Podium Potential and Podium Potential Pathway – which support athletes across the Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing and showjumping, and the Paralympic discipline of para dressage. Each stage of the pathway is designed to provide athletes with the specific support needed at that stage in their competitive career as they progress towards a place on the championship podium.
Registration opens on 13 July 2026 for athletes who would like to be considered for the Podium Potential Pathway squad for 2027–2029 and closes on 31 August 2026. For further details about the process and to read the selection policies, click here.