The Grassroots Gazette in partnership with Equitas is delighted to present the Grassroots Rider Academy. The first of its kind in Ireland, The Grassroots Rider Academy is an educational series which aims to empower and further educate riders. Geared towards equestrians over the age of 18, jumping between 80 and 120 cm, the Grassroots Rider Academy hosts a plethora of world class coaches such as Lucinda Fredericks, Dane Rawlins and the one and only Heike Holstein, the holy trinity of professionals, to coach our riders to bigger successes. To be able to train with world renowned coaches is beyond the realms of possibility for the majority of us normal horse people, so this series really is what dreams are made of for these applicants. 

The first of its kind to be aired in Ireland, this groundbreaking, one of a kind series will be livestreamed and will be available for the general public to view. “After a working lunch on a totally non-relevant subject with Shane, he brought me up to date on the Rider Academy and the size of the project. I jumped at the chance to come onboard and help the team with some of my professional experience and help contribute to the project. Both personally and professionally, the series is something you can hold in high regard as reference. The passion and excitement from the team is unmatched, and I am excited not only to finish this show but hopefully get involved in their next adventure.”- Gavin Blanchfield Equine Wellness Ireland, Co-Project manager of The Grassroot Rider Academy. 

The excitement surrounding the GRGRidersAcademy is palpable, and that excitement extends further than just the applicants, with the organisers and of course the public desperately awaiting the start date. Application Process In order to apply you must go to the Grassroots Gazette website, fill out the application form, write a 500-800 word written piece on why you feel as though you would excel in the academy along with your 2- minute-long application video. Things such as clips of you riding can be helpful in your application process. 

The applications close at 23.59 on Sunday the 9th of July, so get those applications in! How This Academy will benefit successful applicants Being offered the opportunity to train under some of the most successful professionals in their given discipline is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am heartbroken to be missing out on it this year due to being under eighteen. As a competitive showjumper, I can confirm firsthand how difficult it is to be given the chance to collaborate with the elite level coaches, so for those of you lucky enough to meet the criteria, this opportunity is one not to be overlooked. 

This Academy will forge connections and friendships that will last a lifetime, as well as helping the successful applicants to take their riding and training to the next level. The aim of the game is to learn but also to enjoy positive experiences and gain more than just knowledge. “The rider’s academy is an expectantly unique educational experience for the grassroots community. It is a chance to gain a bond with your horse like never before. The calibre of coaches is at its highest level- I cannot wait to see the applicants grow in confidence as the days go on.” -Muireann O’Toole Brennan, Co-Founder and Head of Media at Equitas. 

I too cannot wait to see growth and am hugely excited to see the methods of coaching each individual trainer uses, it will be a hugely beneficial tool for not only those who are partaking in the academy but also for viewers at home who will undoubtedly soak up every piece of professional advice they can from these world-class athletes. The Venue Sleighduff Equestrian, located in the picturesque village of Johnstown, County Wicklow, is the venue in which the GRGRiderAcademy madness will ensue. 

Featuring luxurious, sizable stables, an Olympic grade indoor arena fitted with professional dressage mirrors, featuring a panoramic sea view. Outside hosts a gargantuan 60mx90m outdoor jumping arena which leads directly to a professional cross-country track with 100% natural obstacles. The #GRGRiderAcademy could not be held in a more luxurious and well-equipped yard.

 “As August 2023 approaches for season one of the Grassroots Academy there is much excitement and energy surrounding this unique project. Through careful planning and consideration, it aims to provide an invaluable learning opportunity for the next generation of riders and horses, set in the stunning venue of Sleighduff Equestrian. The welcoming of these remarkable world class coaches who are also renowned World-class athletes, ensures exceptional educational experiences being delivered across disciplines of Dressage, Showjumping and Cross Country. I am proud of the hard-working team who are in collaboration, sharing the same vision, in order to bring this from an ambitious idea to a physical professional project.”- Aoife Brady, Project Manager of The Grassroots Gazette. 

The announcement will be made on the 19th of july as to who has been successful in the application process, and who will be joining us in Sleighduff Equestrian centre. 

Apply now through the link below to be in with a chance of being selected!

https://forms.gle/47KusoLGqGypjf1fA