Source:  News Release

Equine Canada Introduces Under 25 Jumping Series

Ottawa, ON – Equine Canada (EC) is pleased to announce the Under 25 (U25) Program for Jumping, which is set to launch in 2016.

Created as part of the Young Riders Development Program, the U25 series has been introduced to help increase participation and improve performance at the FEI Children, Junior and Young Rider level. By providing youth with a pathway to become involved in the sport of jumping from an earlier age, EC is paving the way for a strong pool of future Canadian Equestrian Team athletes to represent Canada on the world stage.

Thanks to support from multiple sponsors, the following competitions will host the U25 series in 2016:

Competition / Date / Class / Sponsor

Caledon National / May 17-22 / $20,000 U25 / BDF Equestrian - Younger-Millar Family

Angelstone National / August 24-28 / $20,000 U25 / BDF Equestrian – Younger-Millar Family

Spruce Meadows ‘National’ Tournament / June 8-12 / $35,000 U25 / Spruce Meadows – Southern Family

Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament / June 8-12 / $35,000 U25 / Spruce Meadows – Southern Family

Spruce Meadows ‘Pan American’ Tournament / June 28 – July 3 / $35,000 U25 / Spruce Meadows – Southern Family

Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ Tournament / July 6-10 / $35,000 U25 / Spruce Meadows – Southern Family

Fall Finale / Sept. 28 – Oct. 2 / $15,000 U25 Semi-Final / Ontario Hunter Jumper Association

Royal Horse Show / Nov. 4-13 / $25,000 U25 Final / Jump Canada – Rogers Family

“In introducing the U25 concept to our CSI 5* schedules, Spruce Meadows felt it filled a bit of a void in our sport while also providing some incentive and opportunity to young athletes,” said Linda Southern, President and CEO of Spruce Meadows. “With the U25 competitions, riders have an opportunity to compete at a more balanced peer level over FEI Spruce Meadows courses. In many ways it is a natural fit and evolution in our sport offering at Spruce Meadows. In 1977, we introduced the first-ever junior only tournament; we have twice hosted the FEI World Children’s Final, and for over 10 years we have offered a full day in our Summer Series Tournaments dedicated to junior/amateur prix des nations team competition. Now we are delighted to offer a special U25 competition at each of our CSI 5* tournaments”

On behalf of BDF Equestrian, Martha Younger also spoke enthusiastically about the U25 series, stating, “BDF Equestrian and the Younger-Millar family are pleased to support young rider development through the sponsorship of two U25 Grand Prix classes and the Pony Jumper Classics. It is our hope that by providing serious prize money, riders and their coaches will be inspired to move into the jumper ring at an earlier age on competitive ponies and horses.”

EC thanks the generous U25 sponsors who stepped up to help make this invaluable series a reality for 2016.

For more information on the U25 series, visit the EC website.