The first Educational Seminar of the 2026 Young Riders Academy season has come to an end, bringing together another unforgettable week of learning, personal development and shared experiences in Lugano.
Hosted once again in collaboration with Franklin University Switzerland, the seminar welcomed riders for four intensive days designed to prepare them not only as elite showjumping athletes, but as well-rounded professionals ready to embrace every aspect of a modern sporting career.
Learning Beyond Riding
Throughout the week, participants explored a wide range of subjects that every professional rider should master. From horse identification, vaccinations and FEI regulations to dentistry, hoof care and equine biomechanics, the veterinary modules reinforced one of the Academy's core principles: understanding the horse is the foundation of great horsemanship.
The educational program also included sessions on personal finance, public speaking, mental coaching, saddle fitting, digital communication and updates from the International Jumping Riders Club, offering riders valuable knowledge that extends well beyond competition.
Developing the Complete Athlete
Every Young Riders Academy session includes a collaborative content creation challenge, an initiative designed to help riders develop another increasingly valuable skill for today's athletes: effective communication.
Working in small international teams, participants were asked to create a short video around the theme: "What are the three qualities that make a rider a true athlete?"
The objective goes far beyond producing social media content. By encouraging riders to communicate their values, tell meaningful stories and work creatively as a team, the Academy helps them build the personal and professional skills that today's sporting world increasingly demands. Developing a strong personal profile, communicating authentically and creating engaging content are all important tools for connecting with fans, partners and future sponsors.
This session's winning team consisted of Thijmen, Elisa and Mathieu, with the support of Rose. Their project stood out for its creativity, teamwork and the clarity of its message, perfectly reflecting the spirit of the challenge.
More Than a Seminar
Some of the most valuable lessons of the week happened outside the lecture room. Shared meals, the traditional barbecue, pool time, outdoor activities and countless conversations gave riders the opportunity to strengthen friendships, exchange experiences and build the international network that makes the Young Riders Academy so unique.
These moments continue to remind us that becoming a top athlete is not only about technical ability. It is equally about curiosity, leadership, communication, respect and the willingness to keep learning every day.
A Word from the President
Reflecting on the week, Eleonora Ottaviani, President of Athenaeum and Young Riders Academy, said:
"Every Educational Seminar reminds us why the Young Riders Academy is much more than a training programme. Watching these young athletes learn together, challenge each other, exchange ideas and grow as a team is exactly what this project is about. Our goal is to help them become complete professionals, ready not only to compete at the highest level, but also to represent our sport with knowledge, responsibility and confidence. Seeing this new group already working so well together gives us great optimism for the future."
Looking Ahead
With the first Educational Seminar successfully completed, the journey now continues both at home and in the competition arena, where riders will have the opportunity to apply everything they have learned over the past four days.
The next Young Riders Academy appointment will take place this September in Switzerland, where the team will reunite to continue building the knowledge, skills and relationships that define the YRA experience.
Until then, we wish all of our riders the very best for the summer competition season, and we look forward to following their progress both inside and outside the arena.