Three days of learning, connection and growth
The Young Riders Academy Team 2026 has officially completed its first training session at Peelbergen Equestrian Centre, marking a strong and promising start to the new season.
Under the guidance of Olympic champion Franke Sloothaak, riders focused on refining the fundamentals of their riding, developing greater awareness, and understanding how small details can influence long-term performance. Working in small groups with both experienced and young horses, participants trained closely with Franke over three intensive days.
“What I enjoy most is helping riders recognize that even at a high level, there is always room to refine the basics. When the horse starts to react correctly to subtle aids and the rider finds the right balance and rhythm, everything becomes more fluid. That’s when real progress begins. Our goal is not to force the horse, but to support it in moving better, staying sound, and building a true partnership.”
– Franke Sloothaak
A Holistic Approach To Athlete Development
Beyond the riding sessions, the program once again confirmed its commitment to developing complete athletes, both in and out of the saddle.
Emma O’Dwyer, YRA physiotherapist, worked individually with several riders, helping them better understand their bodies and the importance of physical preparation in relation to performance.
Sven Holmberg, YRA Sport Director, played a key role throughout the session, guiding riders with his experience and vision, and reinforcing the importance of consistency, professionalism and long-term development in the sport.
Valentina Ottaviani was also closely involved, leading one-to-one moments with the riders and creating space for personal discussions, feedback and reflection. These exchanges remain a fundamental part of the YRA experience, allowing each athlete to grow not only technically, but also personally.
From Business To Digital Identity
Another important part of the week focused on life beyond the arena.
Zoe Osterhoff, YRA 2022 graduate, shared her journey after the Academy, offering valuable insights into building a career and managing the business side of being a professional rider.
Riders also took part in a dedicated session on communication and social media with Giulia Romeo, starting a structured path that will continue throughout their YRA journey. The session highlighted the importance of building a strong and authentic digital identity, and how communication today plays a key role in an athlete’s career.
Looking Ahead
This first session was an important opportunity to connect with the new team and confirm the quality, motivation and potential of each rider. From the very first day, a strong sense of commitment and openness stood out, both in the arena and behind the scenes.
“With every new team, we see not only talent, but a willingness to learn, to question and to grow. This is what truly defines the Young Riders Academy. Our mission is to support these athletes in becoming not only better riders, but well-rounded professionals, aware of their role within the sport and beyond.”
– Eleonora Ottaviani
With this first step completed, the YRA Team 2026 now looks ahead to the next stages of the program, ready to continue building their path with ambition, consistency and a shared vision for the future.