An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Strategic Plan for an Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway

Transcription

1 An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Strategic Plan for an Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway

2 2. An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Contents Page 1. Summary 1 2. Introduction 3 3. Strategic Framework for Show Jumping 5 4. Key Goals 8 5. Strategic Priorities Funding Performance New Zealand Show Jumping Academy and Centre of Excellence The right people in the right jobs Breeders and Owners Club 11 International Selectors Horsepower Development Rider development Horse development Conclusion 18 Appendix 1: Proposed Horse Development Pathway for NZ Show Jumping 19 Appendix 2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 20

3 An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Summary 1.1 New Zealand showjumpers are capable of medal-winning performances at the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) and the Olympics if they get the support required to perform at that level. However, the current High Performance (HP) system needs to change significantly, and become much better focused and resourced, for that to happen. 1.2 We recognise four key barriers to New Zealand s HP success: a. A general lack of horsepower. b. Our distance from world-class competition. c. The cost of transporting horses and riders internationally. d. A lack of depth. 1.3 We have developed a number of proposed strategies to help us overcome those barriers to success in the following broad areas: Funding: We intend to increase significantly the value of Jumping s sponsorship portfolio over time. This may require a change in the way we package and run certain events, create publicity and work with our sponsors Performance: We intend to establish a New Zealand Show Jumping Academy for talented horses and riders. We also intend to establish a New Zealand Show Jumping Academy Centre of Excellence in Europe and/or the USA. This will be at a venue already operated by a world-class trainer who can provide instruction, ensure Academy riders gain entry to quality shows, and provide our riders with access to high quality horses on which to train and compete. The Academy will provide the umbrella for a smarter, coordinated, targeted and effective HP capability. But it requires significant financial backing and access to world-class instruction, horses and competition. It is also important we get the right people in place to do the right job at the right time. We therefore propose restructuring the HP management system within the Show Jumping Academy, in particular appointing a full time HP Leader and a Chef d Equipe. We will establish a Breeders and Owners Club and ensure breeders and owners are better recognized, supported and integrated within our sport. Through the Centre of Excellence, we will increase the international exposure of our Academy riders. We expect this will lead to those riders also being offered world-class horses on which to compete Development: We intend increasing our focus on rider development and to encourage Areas to play a greater role in the development of riders locally. We also propose a change in the emphasis of training and competition at pony rider level, moving to a system focused on developing horsemanship and

4 2. An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway creating a greater sense of fun and enjoyment, rather than simply modelling adult competition formats. We also intend implementing a horse development pathway similar in many respects to the UK horse development pathway. The pathway provides clear benchmarks for horse development and performance, and will be of direct benefit to breeders and owners. 1.4 We ve developed a number of these strategies and proposals in more detail below, along with a series of frequently asked questions and answers (FAQs), and we re now looking for your input and support to help ensure future success. The inaugural New Zealand Universities team won Bronze for New Zealand at the 10th World University Equestrian Championships in Aachen in 2012.

5 An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Introduction 2.1 HP success is important to any national sport. It helps generate pride, raise awareness, attract new entrants, secure government support and increase the commercial value of the sport to sponsors and other benefactors. The ESNZ Jumping Board and ESNZ are jointly responsible for creating the environment that will make medal-winning performances a reality. 2.2 However, we need to be realistic. Over recent years New Zealand show jumping has failed to deliver on the world stage. One way to explain that failure is the fact the sport changed the groupings for Olympic qualification, which disadvantaged New Zealand, and we lost key horsepower through sales and ownership changes. But that is a very short-term and convenient view. The Jumping Board believes the real reasons for our failure are a lack of depth (particularly in horsepower) and the lack of a strategic approach to high performance planning our planning and investment at national level has been ad hoc and tactical. 2.3 If we are to succeed on the world stage for any reason other than through serendipity, we need a circuit breaker intervention in the way we plan and manage high performance. 2.4 The Jumping Board believes: a. New Zealand is capable of medal-winning performances at WEG and Olympic level if our riders get the support they need to perform at that level. The current HP system needs to change and be far better focused and resourced for that to happen. b. A successful HP programme for Jumping will be one that is based on: 1. Trust and mutual respect 2. Open communication and transparency (no back door decision making) 3. Clear role definition 4. A unified team culture 5. Sufficient budget to implement the strategy. c. The current HP system for Jumping can be improved upon in several key areas. This will require a closer and more constructive working relationship between the ESNZ HP team and the Jumping Board. 2.5 This plan contains proposed primary HP/Performance strategies only. Jumping Board will also look at other initiatives likely to benefit HP, including: a. Developing individual performance plans for HP athletes. b. Inviting veterinary experts to New Zealand to help educate local vets, riders and owners about international best practice. c. Working with Areas and shows to include an increased number of 2* Grand Prix classes in the lead up to 3* competitions. d. Local strategies to help improve the quality of arena surfaces and the quality of jumping courses in lower level rings at shows.

6 4. An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Unlike in previous years, our HP plan does not set out the systems and processes for managing teams in the lead up towards, or their competition at, key events. Individual performance and management plans for such teams and events will be developed as and when required, and we acknowledge for the next WEG that requirement is already more than pressing. But this particular plan is about strategy rather than the here-and-now of team management and tactical execution. The tactical plan for selecting and getting a team to WEG will need to be developed in parallel and under urgency. 2.7 This plan incorporates aspects of Performance which have not previously been considered within Jumping s HP planning. However, we believe it is important that we develop a seamless system for optimising talent development, and that Performance is therefore an integral part of High Performance planning. 2.8 This plan has benefited from the input of a number of riders and officials and has now been circulated more widely for review and feedback. In particular, from Areas (as we have proposed changes in the way talent development operates which would require a greater involvement at Area level) and senior riders past and present (as there are several key areas where their knowledge and experience might help refine or lead to the adoption of a different approach). 2.9 But at the end of the day, our sport is an expensive sport, particularly at international level. We need to identify ways to lower the barriers to success, while generating the necessary revenue streams and opportunities that allow us to acquire and maintain the horsepower and international experience we need to fuel success For the first time in our history, we believe we have the beginnings of a plan to do exactly that. It s an exciting but ambitious plan. One that needs access to the very best of international networks and expertise, and the buy in and support of High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ), ESNZ, sponsors, riders, owners and breeders With that support in place, anything s possible.

7 An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Strategic framework for show jumping VISION: New Zealand regularly produces show jumpers of the highest international quality. MISSION: To deliver medal-winning performances at elite events (WEG, Olympics). PHILOSOPHY: Athlete-focused, coach-led, performance-driven, animal welfare mandatory. VALUES: Excellence in our people, shows and performance. Enjoyment of our sport, our horses and shows. Respect for each other, and for the health and welfare of our horses. Inclusion and removing barriers to participation in our sport for people of all ages and abilities. Strategic drivers People: Retain, develop and attract people who can provide sustained world leading support to enhance equine, coach and rider performance. High performance environment: Promote a culture of high performance excellence through our people, resources and facilities. Innovation: Be proactive in developing and applying innovations aligned to our strategic priorities to enhance our competitive advantage. Intelligence: Capture, share and leverage knowledge and international best practice across our sport. Barriers to high performance success: A general lack of horsepower. Our distance from world-class competitions. The cost of transporting horses and riders internationally. A lack of depth.

8 6. An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Katie McVean and Dunstan Delphi competing at the Kentucky World Equestrian Games 2010 Photo: Diana Dobson/Black Balloon

9 An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway

10 8. An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Key goals Goal 1. Podium performances at key events Achieving podium performance results as measured by: Top ten performances in 1.50M+ classes at international shows. Olympic qualification for A medal at WEG and/or the Olympics within two Olympic cycles. Goal 2. A sustainable HP system and environment A well funded New Zealand Show Jumping Academy established as a credible and effective system for the coordinated identification and development of talented horses and riders through to world-class performances. People with the energy, knowledge and experience in key roles and with the mandate to make things happen. If those people aren t in New Zealand, we will look to leverage appropriate international expertise. Goal 3. Long-term aspiration Show jumping will be recognised as one of New Zealand s likely medal winning sports at the 2020 Olympics.

11 An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Strategic priorities 5.1 Funding New Zealand produces riders with the talent to be competitive at the highest levels, but typically our riders lack horsepower, access to world-class tuition, and regular access to elite level competitions With no access to regular HP Sport New Zealand funding likely in the near future, together with cost, these limitations represent a fundamental barrier to success Jumping Board is working with a sponsorship specialist with proven ability to better package and promote minority sports to make them more valuable and attractive to commercial sponsors. The consultant s role will be to increase significantly the value of Jumping s sponsorship portfolio over time We anticipate this may require some change to the way we package and run certain events, create publicity and work with local sponsors. It should however, also reduce the work required of individual Shows to find local sponsors. We envisage this will be a 2-5 year process A significant proportion of those additional funds will be used to develop the New Zealand Show Jumping Academy and to part fund (initially) our involvement at an international Centre of Excellence (COE) Until we have higher levels of sponsorship funding in place, we will: Seek community development and other funds to enable us to establish the proposed Centre of Excellence. Advertise for and appoint a HP leadership team (refer Strategy 5.2.6). Continue discussions with a national broadcaster to increase the coverage of our sport on television, thereby increasing the commercial value of our sport to sponsors. Identify the preferred instructor and base for the NZ Jumping COE. Progress discussions with HPSNZ re funding a significant performance incentive for a world-class instructor to work with our elite riders towards winning an Olympic or WEG medal. Arrange for the first Academy riders to train and compete from the COE on a self-funded or partially subsidised basis.

12 10. An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Performance The New Zealand Show Jumping Academy and Centre of Excellence We intend to establish a New Zealand Show Jumping Academy, for talented horses and riders. It will be the umbrella under which we manage and develop show jumping HP. The Academy will eventually provide a seamless and integrated performance pathway for selected competitors and horses, and help close the gap between Performance and ESNZ s High Performance that has developed over recent years To help counter the barriers of distance, the cost of transporting horses internationally and a lack of depth in talent, the Jumping Board also intends to establish a NZ Show Jumping Academy Centre of Excellence in Europe and/or the USA. Rather than purchase or lease an equestrian facility off shore, the intention is to establish a virtual Academy base at an existing centre of excellence already operated by a world-class trainer who can: a. Provide tuition for Academy riders who want that input. b. Ensure Academy riders gain entry to quality Shows in Europe and/or the USA. c. Provide high quality leased horses for Academy riders to train and compete, should they not wish to transport and campaign their own horses. This would reduce significantly the cost of gaining world-class tuition and international competition experience Basing our COE at an existing facility also means we only pay for what we need when we need it, rather than have to maintain our own facility and capability each and every year. The right people in the right jobs New Zealand Show Jumping will not be able to establish and maintain an effective HP system and environment without having the right people in the right place doing the right job at the right time. With that in mind, we intend making a significant change to the way HP is currently managed At a fundamental level, it involves Jumping being far more involved in HP than previously and being accountable for its international progress and performance We therefore intend establishing the following HP roles within the NZSJ Academy: a. Performance Leader: preferably an experienced former international competitor or person of similar expertise. b. Chief d Equipe: possibly a combined role similar to that held by Erik Duvander for Eventing New Zealand. c. International selectors for WEG and the Olympics: a three person panel comprising two recognised international experts and one New Zealand based selector. The international selectors will be supported by the Chef d Equipe, ESNZ HP staff and the world-class instructor based at the COE.

13 An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway d. National Selectors: to select all other New Zealand teams. The national selectors will be supported by the Chef d Equipe, ESNZ HP staff and the world-class instructor based at the COE The Academy s HP leadership team will work closely with ESNZ HP staff to help ensure Jumping delivers on its HP mission and goals We are also intending to review the way our selectors operate. Previously, we have had Senior Selectors who select all Senior teams at National and International level and Junior Selectors who select junior rider teams. We believe that extra emphasis is required at international level, and we are therefore delighted to confirm the appointment of George Morris and Gerry Mullins as our International Selectors for WEG The review will now look at how the entire selection process should best be structured. A Breeders and Owners Club Horse breeders and owners are important to the future success of our sport. To date, we have not been great at recognizing and celebrating their contributions or successes. We want to address that failure as soon as possible We therefore intend to: a. Establish an Owners and Breeders Club for the connections of Academy horses aged 5+ years. b. Provide members with a Club Card that provides access to discounts and direct contact with international genetics expertise. c. Encourage that owners are invited into the ring as a matter of course to share the plaudits when their horses are placed in Ring 1 events at 3* Shows. d. Encourage the announcement of the names of the owners of horses when confirming Ring 1 results at 3* Shows. e. Make it easier for owners of horses to find riders for their horses by providing a standard Academy lease agreement that is fair and reasonable to both parties. f. Invite owners and breeders of Academy horses to sponsors functions and other events hosted by ESNZ Jumping.

14 12. An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway International Selectors It would be impossible to find anyone more experienced or respected internationally than Mr Morris and Mr Mullins. Their involvement on our selection panel and in our performance development plans will contribute significantly towards our goal to deliver podium performances at WEG and the Olympics.

15 An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway George Morris George Morris is an American trainer and judge of jumping horses and riders. He is considered a founding father of Hunt Seat Equitation. He also is the current chef d equipe for the United States Equestrian Federation show jumping team. We could have not In 1952, at the age of fourteen, he won the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Finals and the American Horse Show Association (AHSA) Hunt Seat Equitation Medal Final at Madison Square Garden, making him the youngest rider to do so. Morris rode on eight winning Nations Cup teams between 1958 and He went on to train numerous riders at his Hunterdon stables in New Jersey, who consistently have won in competitions on the East Coast, USA. Morris has represented the United States in many international equestrian competitions as both a rider and coach. In 1959 his team won the gold medal in the Pan American Games, and he won a team silver medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Students trained by Morris have won medals in the 1984, 1992, 1996, and 2004 Olympic Games. Morris has acted as chef d equipe for numerous winning teams, including the 2005 champions of the Samsung Super League. He fully assumed the position of chef d equipe of the United States show jumping team in He also served in that role for many Nations Cup events. He coached United States teams to individual and team Silver metals at the 2006 Fédération Équestre Internationale, FEI, World Equestrian Games. In 2008 he coached the team that won the Team Gold Medal at the Olympic Games in Hong Kong as well as the team member who won the Individual Bronze Medal. Morris also serves on the USEF National Jumper Committee and Planning Committee, and he is the president of the United States Show Jumping Hall of Fame. Originally published in 1971, and now in its third edition, Morris Hunter Seat Equitation is recognised as the definitive work on the subject. Morris also has authored several other books and videos on riding and judging. Source: Wikipedia, Gerry Mullins International Coach and FEI Tutor, Lt. Col. Gerry Mullins, has been one of the most influential participants in modern show jumping. As a competitor he excelled at the highest level, winning 10 Grand Prix, representing his country on 50 Nations Cup teams and winning over 100 individual classes. He participated at two Olympic Games and finished 4th and 7th at the World Championships in 1982 and 1986, respectively. He is the recipient of the FEI special recognition for outstanding services to equestrian sports award for his leadership and drive in the development of the Coach Education System. Long recognized as one of the most progressive and forward thinking coaches currently operating in show jumping, he was the Commanding Officer of the Army Equitation School at McKee Barracks in Ireland, and has served as Ireland s Chef d Equipe to both Senior and Young Rider show jumping teams, as well as Coach to Junior, Young Rider and Senior teams.

16 14. An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Horsepower We have riders capable of competing successfully at the highest international level. However, the lack of horsepower is a key barrier to New Zealand s HP success We therefore intend to implement the following strategies (in addition to establishing a Horse Development Pathway): (i) Short-term focus a. Encourage Academy riders to utilise the proposed COE so they can gain international competition experience. This may be on their own horse(s) or, where it is more cost efficient, they will be offered the option of leasing horses through the COE so they can gain international experience without having to transport and campaign their own horses. b. Through the COE, increase the profile of New Zealand riders in European and or USA competitions with the expectation that owners of quality horses in those markets may offer their horses for our riders to compete at WEG and/or the Olympics c. Utilise the COE to help develop a NZ Team culture amongst our elite riders. d. Actively promote the owners of Elite level horses both internationally and in NZ so that they feel like a valued part of the NZ Team. (ii) Long-term focus a. Implement the New Zealand Horse Development Pathway. b. Provide financial incentives for anyone importing a mare that is certain to be an Academy-level horse for an extended period. This may be via subsidies or commercial sponsorships for services. c. Invite international breeders to New Zealand to share their views about breeding a modern show jumper and what might be needed to improve the horsepower in New Zealand. d. Publish articles and other information produced by international breeders about how to breed for the characteristics a modern show jumper and what is needed to improve New Zealand s homegrown horsepower.

17 An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Development Rider development There is a presumption that young athletes showing above average talent for their age will be the most successful in the future. This is not supported by the facts. For example: a. The vast majority of young people identified as talented do not go on to elite, or even sub-elite, careers (Abbott et al, 2002); b. Many adult elite performers were not identified through the standard talent pathways, nor were they precociously gifted as young children (Bloom, 1985) Research also suggests: a. A young athlete who performs better than another young athlete may not hold the most potential but rather may show who has received the most opportunity or training, or in our sport, who has the more advanced horse(s) to ride. b. An effective development system will identify and develop those with the potential to develop and be successful at the senior level (not identify and select those who have the talent now ). c. There should be an emphasis on fun at an early age. This implies we might need to build a better working relationship with Pony Clubs and riding schools, and to look at the nature of the events we host for competitors riding ponies. d. There is a tendency for developing athletes to over compete and under train (and for adult training programmes to be imposed on developing athletes). This is almost certainly true for our sport in New Zealand The current rider development system has been enhanced over the last two seasons, but still favours a select few, largely those who have access to better coaching and superior horsepower and so have been successful in national competitions. This system has the potential to disadvantage late developers, those who might not have access to regular instruction, or who have no choice but to ride less competitive horses, those who are not able to travel outside their Area to compete, or who (or their parents) have other commitments (such as sibling sports, study or work commitments) We intend to broaden the talent development base in New Zealand for all levels below the pre-elite level by encouraging and working with Areas to develop and implement a system focused on age-appropriate development (and not identification). We wish to increase access to rider development opportunities by encouraging Areas to involve a larger number of riders in self-selecting rider development programmes at Area level. The system at Area level will almost inevitably have to be user-pays until we have the resources to help off set some of the costs of instruction etc.

18 16. An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway To allow the Academy to focus its efforts on elite and pre-elite (under 26) rider development, we therefore intend implementing the following talent development structure: (i) Elite level (National A and B Squads) a. Provide a significant success bonus for a world-class instructor to work with our elite level riders. The bonus will be paid to the instructor on winning an Olympic or WEG medal in the next two Olympic cycles. b. Individual performance plans developed in association with the HP Leader for all A and B squad members two years out from targeted key events. c. National squad campaign development at the COE or otherwise as appropriate (depending on the location of key competitions). d. World-class tuition at the COE between campaigns at the rider s discretion. e. Trans-Tasman competitions. f. 1.50m+ competition on own or leased horses while based at the COE. g. International trainers invited to New Zealand to teach talent development squad members twice a year. (ii) Pre elite level National squad, Under 26 years The Academy will focus on those relatively few riders who have already proven capable of performing at a high level, shifting the focus from Young Riders to pre-elite riders under 26 years of age to help those riders transition to world-class athletes. Members of the Under 26 squad will receive: a. A financial subsidy for jumping and dressage tuition by nationallyrecognised coaches. b. Access to schoolmasters with Grand Prix-level experience in Jumping and Dressage to train on. c. Second only to Elite level riders, preferential access to the COE and the COE s leased horses. d. Trans-Tasman competitions. e. International trainers invited to teach talent development squads in New Zealand twice a year.

19 An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway (iii) Development level Area Academy Squads (horse riders 15+ years) Research has proven it is not always possible to identify emerging talent, and therefore that investment in a select few at a young age may not be in the best interests of the sport. We want to fuel junior rider enthusiasm and help make training and tuition available to a much wider group of riders. We intend asking each Area to offer rider development opportunities for any local horse (not pony) riders aged years willing to put in the time and effort (ie the squads are self-selecting subject only to sustained commitment). Areas will be asked to provide those squads with regular training from a nationally recognised instructor. Our hope is that Areas will eventually be able to select representative sides for an inter Area competition (yet to be developed). Area Academy Squads (Pony riders) For pony riders the focus will be on training (ahead of competition), with an emphasis on generating interest, developing horsemanship and stimulating enjoyment. Training Ring tuition Shows will be asked to operate a Training Ring when the necessary space and resources are available. This need not be at an Area s main event for the season but could be incorporated into a twilight jumping evening or at winter training shows. The objectives are to demystify our sport, encourage riders to participate, and to develop their skills. The Training Ring is to be attended by one or more local instructors whose services are available on request of the rider at no additional charge (riders will typically have to pay to use the Training Ring however). We believe this is a good way to help with (horse and pony) rider development at an early stage, while also making the sport safer and, at the same time, help build a potential client base for the local instructor(s). Horse development We intend to implement a horse development pathway for New Zealand s Jumping horses similar to the UK Horse Development Pathway (suitably modified) in time for the season. A copy of the proposed Horse Development Pathway for New Zealand Show Jumping is attached (Appendix 1) Any New Zealand horse that performs at the appropriate level for its age will be considered an Academy Horse. The pathway provides clear benchmarks for horse development and performance. Our expectation is it will also create demand for Academy Horses, which is good for breeders and owners, and will eventually help ensure Academy riders are teamed with the best horses.

20 18. An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Conclusion 6.1 New Zealand riders have the potential to win Olympic and WEG medals but this will require more effort and investment than has been available in the past. 6.2 The New Zealand Show Jumping Academy will provide the umbrella for a smarter, coordinated, targeted and effective HP capability. It requires significant financial backing and access to world-class instruction, horses and competition. 6.3 Getting the right people in place to do the right job at the right time is essential for any successful HP programme. 6.4 Broadening and opening up the talent development pathway by engaging with keen and committed riders at Area level will remove barriers to rider development and increase the number of elite level riders in future years. 6.5 The Horse Development Pathway will set clearly defined performance standards for horse owners and riders. 6.6 We are confident we can raise the necessary financial resources, and we believe we can provide an appropriate cash incentive for a world-class instructor to want to work with our elite riders in the pursuit of a medal winning performance at the next two WEGS and or Olympics. 6.7 All it needs is the willingness to take a bit of a risk, hard work and the support of everyone involved.

21 An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Appendix 1: Proposed Horse Development Pathway for New Zealand Show Jumping Proposed performance/selection criteria: For 5 year olds Short-term goals: To be confidently jumping double clear rounds in 5-year-old classes. Long-term goals: Must have jumped 4 double clears in 5-year-old classes. For 6 year olds Short-term goals: To be confidently jumping double clear rounds in 6-year-old classes. Long-term goals: Must have jumped 4 double clears in 6-year-old classes. For 7 year olds Short-term goals: To be confidently jumping double clear rounds in 7-year-old classes. Long-term goals: Must have jumped 4 double clears in 7-year-old classes. For 8 year olds Short-term goals: To be confidently jumping double clear rounds in classes of 1.40 and above. Long-term goals: Must have jumped 4 double clears in classes 1.40m or above. For 9 year olds: Short-term goals: To be confidently jumping double clear rounds in a Grand Prix. Long-term goals: Must have jumped 4 double clears in any Grand Prix. For 10 year olds and above Short-term goals: To be confidently jumping double clear rounds at 2* Grand Prix or above. Long-term goals: Must have jumped at World Cup Qualifying level. For 11 year olds and above Short term goals: To have jumped clear rounds in World Cup Qualifying classes. Long term goals: To jump in 3 World Cup qualifiers with 4 faults or less in the first round. To maintain a place on the Pathway this horse should show the potential to be a medal winning horse both in a team and an individual situation. This horse would have represented the country at top level producing consistent counting rounds for the team.

22 20. An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Appendix 2: FAQs Are you intending to buy a horse property in Europe or the USA? No. The intention is to form a contractual relationship with one or more internationally recognised show jumping instructors and to use their facilities and expertise. Why isn t the Centre of Excellence going to be in New Zealand? Some of the biggest problems faced by our pre-elite and elite riders based in New Zealand are the cost and logistics of gaining international competition. We believe an off-shore COE, operated by a world-class trainer who can provide a base and instruction, ensure our riders gain entry into quality events, and source competitive horses on which to compete, outweighs the advantages of having the COE in New Zealand. The Jumping Academy will also continue to provide local support for horse and rider development for NZ-based squad members. Will Academy riders have to train at the Centre of Excellence and with that particular trainer? No, riders can and should be able to choose their own instructors and where they wish to base themselves unless they are part of a specific NZ campaign (in which case they will at some stage in the team development process for the campaign be expected to be based with, and to train as part of, the team). However, the Centre of Excellence will be a cost-effective option for Academy riders should they wish to use it, even if just as a friendly and professional base when competing their own horses. Where will the COE be located? If we establish a Centre of Excellence it will likely be based in Europe or the USA, or perhaps at times we will have a base in both of those regions depending on the qualification requirements for targeted key events. The location of the COE will only be decided if there is general support for the concept with elite and emerging riders, although we do expect that the choice of initial location might suit most, but not all of our elite riders. How can we afford it? We are planning on significantly increasing our sponsorship revenues and we are working with a specialist in this area to help ensure our sponsorship expectations and proposals are realistic. We are also looking at providing the COE instructor with a significant financial incentive if they can work with our Olympic and WEG teams and win an Olympic or WEG medal within two Olympic cycles. The financial incentive will be funded by specialist insurance cover and/or HPSNZ funding. HP Sport NZ has indicated informally that it thinks the concept is innovative and one it is likely to support. We plan to work with ESNZ HP staff to develop a formal proposal for HPSNZ s consideration and endorsement. What will it cost? At this stage we ve not yet fully modelled the total cost of the COE as we have yet to determine its location and extent. However, we do have a good idea of some of the likely costs to lease horses and for training (with a world-class instructor) and accommodation in Europe for an individual

23 An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway and independent rider. Our intention is to confirm the preferred instructor and location as a priority, and then determine what services can be provided at what cost at that location. Our assumption is those costs will be significantly lower than the costs for an individual rider. As we have also noted, initially the COE might need to be operated on a user-pays basis. However, needless to say, it will still be a highly cost-effective option for those wanting to compete in Europe or the USA (depending on where the COE is located) to gain experience or exposure, but who do not want to have to transport their own horses to and fro each and every time. Who can use the Centre of Excellence? Any Academy rider. However, other riders approved by ESNZ Jumping will also be able to apply to the Centre to self-fund tuition and leasing horses. The Centre itself will decide if it has the capacity to host non-academy riders. Are Show Hunter riders and horses involved? At this stage the system is primarily focused on show jumping, simply because Show Hunter currently has no international representation opportunities. However, show hunter horses can be Academy Horses if they meet the performance criteria. Show Hunter riders can also apply to ride and train at the proposed Centre of Excellence if that is something they believe will help in their development. Why are we leasing horses? That s not in the best interest of NZ breeders. We envisage Academy riders might wish to lease horses while at the COE for several reasons. Firstly, leasing horses reduces the need for riders to transport horses to international competition. It also makes it far more affordable for pre-elite riders within the Academy to take the next step in their development and gain vital international experience. We also expect that once our riders are competing more often outside New Zealand, they will come to the attention of owners of world-class horses that may have not been selected for their own national teams. It is likely that NZ riders will be offered some of those horses to compete on/purchase in the future. Why do you want NZ riders to compete on horses bred outside NZ? The reality is they already do. Ideally, we would always have NZ-bred horses representing New Zealand. But we also have to accept that currently we are short on horsepower compared to most other countries. The fastest way we can improve our international performances is to compete on the very best horses we can get. In the long-term, that s good for everyone associated with our sport. So what are you doing about helping NZ breeders and owners? The proposed Horse Development Pathway is a key initiative. Breeders with horses on the pathway should be able to sell their horses at a premium. Academy riders will be encouraged to purchase or to get the ride on Academy Horses. We are also looking at providing breeders and owners with an import incentive for any quality

24 22. An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway show jumping mares that are likely to immediately become Academy Horses, and to help ensure easier access to the latest thinking around breeding modern show jumpers by asking international breeding and genetic experts to visit New Zealand and write articles about breeding for better performance for publication here. How can we develop world-class jumpers given the state of our grounds and arena surfaces? This is a valid concern. We have implemented a course builder mentoring programme and helped fund some Shows to host international course builders. We have also helped fund several course-building workshops when those international course builders have been in NZ, and we have implemented a mentoring system for less experienced course builders building in lower rings. We intend continuing to invest in this important area. The quality of competition surfaces is a real concern. We are looking for support within the sport to host more shows at fewer venues. This will allow us to concentrate our resources more effectively and therefore fund better surfaces and yards etc. How are riders selected for the Academy? The current Young Rider squad and the New Zealand A and B squads will automatically become Academy Riders. The High Performance Leader, in discussion with national selectors, may add other riders to the Academy from time to time. How are horses selected for the Academy? All registered show jumping horses in New Zealand will qualify for Academy status subject to their continuing achievement of the performance criteria set out in the Horse Development Pathway at each age level. This means a horse may cease to be an Academy Horse at any time in its career. Similarly, a horse may be reinstated or become an Academy Horse at any time in its career. ESNZ Jumping will confirm the list of Academy Horses for the following season at the end of each preceding season. Owners of a horse recently imported and with recent and proven Academy-level performance can apply to ESNZ Jumping for their horse to be added to the Academy list at any time. Will moving from a Young Rider Squad to an Under 26 squad mean there will no longer be Young Rider teams representing New Zealand? No, we will still select a Young Rider team for any competitions involving a Young Rider team. What do you mean by a self-selecting rider development programme? If it s not possible to identify emerging talent at a young age, it would be a mistake to deter any riders willing to put in a sustained effort to improve their riding. Therefore, we are proposing offering rider development opportunities to any riders willing to make the commitment and put in the necessary effort to be part of a Area Academy Squad. They effectively select themselves.

25 An Improved Show Jumping Performance Pathway Is all of this already decided? After a period of consultation, we have begun to implement this plan, however, the plans and strategies within it are always open for constructive discussion, challenge and alternative suggestions. It is important that elite and emerging riders believe the Academy and Centre of Excellence concepts in particular will add value. We also anticipate that this plan will continue to evolve dependent on the success of the plan and feedback received. However, one thing we are sure of change is required. We ve underperformed as a sport over a number of years at Olympic and WEG level and we are determined to do whatever we can to help our riders succeed in the future. Medal winning performances are achievable.

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