Posted: 22nd October 2014 | Back to news feed
Hartpury student Francesca Bradley has her sights set on following in the footsteps of some of the country’s top riders after gaining selection to British Dressage’s Young Rider Progress Squad.
Francesca, 18, and new horse Baldovino have quickly found their feet in the discipline having only been competing together for six months.
“I’m entirely made up with my selection,” said the Equine Science degree student. “I’ve been riding since I was six but have only been involved with dressage for the last four years. To have been noticed by the selectors as such a new partnership is excellent.
“I hope to be selected for the upcoming home internationals but my ultimate goal is to be a member of the Young Rider British Team at the European Championships next year.”
Francesca will now be focusing on getting as much competition experience as possible under her belt as she needs to show the GB selectors that she’s capable of gaining scores above 70% at Prix St George level.
“I’ll be spending a lot of time at Premier League and other high profile shows across the country while also working on my test riding at Hartpury as part of the academy development squad,” she said. “I’m looking forward to benefiting from the high-level coaching and Hartpury which I hope will improve me as a rider.”
The British Equestrian Federation's World Class programme, Hartpury's equine academy and NGB talent identification programmes work collaboratively in developing talented young riders for the future.
Hartpury’s Equine Academy Director, Nick Burton, said: “Francesca’s selection for the Young Rider Progress Squad will fit perfectly alongside the coaching that she will receive as part of the development squad here at Hartpury. It’s a great achievement and we look forward to developing Francesca’s potential to international standard.”
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