The Jill Irving Youth Equine Mentor Program is a grass-roots initiative designed to provide young, up-and-coming dressage and hunter/jumper riders the invaluable opportunity to observe professional competition first-hand, and learn directly from experienced riders and coaches. The program provides accommodation for recipients, offering these young riders a chance to witness and experience training at the highest levels of our sport.

The Canadian Youth Equestrian Mentorship Program is designed to inspire Canadian equestrians between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one from the dressage and hunter/jumper disciplines by bringing them to the largest, competitive equestrian venue in North America, and providing opportunities for them to engage with leading, Canadian riders. The exposure that program participants will get to the daily routines, competition preparation, training, and horse management of top, international equestrians will be unique and impactful in helping to foster future equestrians in Canada.

Twelve participants (6 Dressage and 6 Hunter/Jumper) will be selected via lottery to travel to Wellington, Florida the first week in March 2019. Wellington is the epicenter of both international dressage and hunter/jumper competition during the winter months and is the seasonal home to some of the world’s top equestrians. Participants will be separated into two groups based on discipline, each group will focus on specific discipline related mentorship with top competitors and show grooms, educational discussions, barn tours, and networking activities. This program does not include any riding opportunity.

Applications are due by 5:00 pm, November 30, 2018.  Visit www.jillirvingyouthequinementorprogram.ca for additional information.

Download the Application