Twelve intense months that have carried strong emotions with both “ups” and “downs”; a year to remember together with same special people who really placed YRA on the map.
Jack Dodd
A tragedy that moved us all. Jack died in June, following a terrible car accident in Belgium. Jack was a strong personality who would have made our sport even more colourful had he been allowed to pursue his dream; he had just started with his own stable and his real professional career. All YRA family will remember his smile and always keep him close to the hearts.
Harry Charles
The “new kid on the block” in his first year as a Young Riders Academy member, he became European YR-Champion both individually and by team. A string of super results on top of that, and recognition by Her Royal Highness the Queen of England as well as being the “talent of the year”.
Laura Klaphake
She has spoiled us with results out of the ordinary already during previous years. Together with “Catch Me” she was double clear in senior Nations Cup both in Rotterdam and Aachen; she finished the season with a bronze medal together with the German Team at Tryon World Equestrian Games.
Breido Graf zu Rantzau
The Five-Year Anniversary of “a Young Riders Academy” at Breitenburg and Holsteiner Verbands.
YRA President opened his private home to all of us, a very special location to celebrate our riders, trainers and partners; a night that will remain an unforgettable memory for all of us. In same days at YRA show in Holstein Verbands “Fritz Tiedemann Halle”, Pieter Clemens was awarded as combined winner, collecting the invitation to Calgary summer tour; runner up position for Eoin McMahon who received invitation to Geneva and third place for Jonathan Gordon, invitation to Dutch Masters in Den Bosch.
Jean-Maurice Bonneau
Together with Teodor Sheytanov he has opened our window to Central and Eastern Europe through the clinics in Bulgaria and a new era for YR started in the region. Today I received a New Year Wish from Georgeta Clarke, mother of one of the riders (Joanna Clarke) hoping we could continue “You are needed “ she wrote.
What about all other YRA family riders?
Karin Martinsen and Pål Flam became National Champions, Monika Panhellenic champion again, Margaux showing a long string of impressive results over the whole year as did Michael G, Derin, Christopher, Pieter, Adam, Kendra, Giampiero, Guido (both Franchi and Klatte) and Andrezj. Michael Duffy made it to the Irish team for the WEG as fifth member and Maria was on the way to WEG when her horse got injured. I could mention even several more as it has been an honour to be involved with.
For Eleonora, Valentina, the entire team and myself it has been a pleasure and an inspiration. We look forward to 2019!
Sven Holmberg