Where top sport meets top education
At CHI Genève 2025, one of the most prestigious equestrian stages in the world, the Young Riders Academy brings its unique blend of academic preparation and high level sport exposure. The event offers an environment where riders can deepen their knowledge while observing the technical, organisational and human demands of elite showjumping.
While the sport unfolds in the arena, CHI Genève also becomes the stage for the YRA Educational Session, one of the most important learning moments of the year, as it does every year.
The Third Educational Seminar, held from 11 to 14 December, includes sessions on performance nutrition, stable accounting, FEI structures, veterinary imaging and clean sport, all essential components in developing complete modern athletes.
A comprehensive educational programme
Across the four day seminar, riders attend:
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Competition Day Nutrition for Peak Performance with Emily Richardson
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Stable accounting with Sven Holmberg
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Discussion with FEI Jumping Director Todd Hinde
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FEI EquiPass session with Gaspard Dufour and Jérôme Begey
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Clean Sport and Veterinary Imaging with Stéphane Montavon
These sessions reflect the Academy’s mission: preparing athletes for long term careers by equipping them with professional skills in management, communication, veterinary literacy and regulatory awareness. Geneva becomes an immersive classroom where knowledge and top sport meet.
YRA riders competing in Geneva
Alongside the educational programme, several riders from the Young Riders Academy and its previous years will also be competing at CHI Genève. In the U25 classes, spectators will see Evelyne,Jules and Johanna stepping into the demanding Prix Discovery. The 5 star schedule includes established YRA alumni such as Thibault Spits, Harry Charles, Richard Vogel and Sophie Hinners, all of whom have developed successful international careers. Leon will compete in the Medium Tour 5 star, while Gilles Muller represents the U25 group among the Academy graduates.
Together, they embody the continuity of the YRA pathway. From current riders taking meaningful steps in a world class arena to alumni competing at the highest levels of the sport, their presence in Geneva illustrates the strength and long term vision of the Academy.
Learning from the sport’s highest stage
Throughout the week, YRA athletes observe top sport from within. The programme grants access to major competitions such as the Trophée de Genève, the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, the UBS Challenge and the Rolex Grand Prix, as well as institutional moments like the IJRC General Assembly.
Walking courses, analysing rounds, watching the world’s best at work and comparing these observations with the content taught in the seminars creates a powerful learning environment that is central to the YRA philosophy.
A special focus on the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final
As part of their week in Geneva, the YRA riders will also attend the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, one of the most iconic moments of the entire show and a competition that reflects the very values the Academy promotes. Watching the ten best riders in the world compete in such a technical and emotionally charged class offers the YRA athletes a unique learning opportunity. The event also highlights the long standing collaboration between Rolex, the IJRC and the Young Riders Academy, a partnership centred on excellence, responsibility and the development of future generations.
The YRA vision at Geneva
CHI Genève continues to represent the core values of the Young Riders Academy: excellence, education, responsibility and community. By combining high level seminars with active participation in one of the world’s most iconic equestrian events, the Academy offers young talents the opportunity to grow as athletes and professionals.
For both the current class and the alumni returning as established 5 star competitors, Geneva stands as a significant milestone in their journey toward becoming complete, modern sport professionals.