Podium Potential

Podium Potential was established in 2002, originally known as the World Class Development Programme, and underpins the Podium programme. The philosophy behind it is that progressive training and development achieves excellence, with correct basic training forming the foundation of success.

The programme provides an established training pathway, structured to facilitate rider development and progression with the potential to move up to Podium. Support provided to the Podium Potential squad includes:

  • Competition experience, including international exposure
  • Coaching, advice and competitive support
  • Equine sports science: soft-tissue therapy, veterinary advice and education, equine nutrition, and farriery advice and education
  • Human sports science: fitness, nutrition, sports psychology and medical backup
  • A comprehensive support network
  • Performance analysis to enhance technique and improve performance
  • Developing teamwork and team spirit through innovative squad sessions
  • Lifestyle, business and communication advice
  • Promoting the concept, where appropriate, of riders basing themselves with established and successful senior riders

Review and Selection

Riders are reviewed every six months, with targets and objectives set and funding agreed to assist in achieving those aims. Selection takes place every two years, though this does not prevent a rider from joining the programme during the two-year cycle, or being removed if their targets are not being met.

A Pathway to the Medal Rostrum

Podium Potential developed a successful blueprint for training riders to move up to Podium. To increase Great Britain’s medal chances further, a more detailed Rider Performance Pathway was developed, profiling the characteristics of a potential equestrian Olympic and Paralympic medallist. This enabled the programme to create a structured syllabus supporting a career path from an early age to the medal rostrum.

The programme also provides significant funding to support the British Eventing, British Dressage and British Showjumping pony, junior and young rider championship teams, in addition to the funding provided to riders on the programme.