Front Runners Performance Pathway is an elite training programme for aspiring young event riders It is aimed at ambitious riders aged 12-21 who are motivated to learn and want to compete at the highest levels Riders who are selected for Front Runners will get access to monthly training camps backed up by online training covering a wide range of topics from horse care to use of social media
Riders and their parents will be offered individual help with goal setting, seasonplanning and post-competition performance analysis Course walks and warm ups will be offered at key events. Fun, educational outings to events like Badminton and visits to top riders’ yards are also on the agenda. Additional features including an annual awards ceremony and providing support to riders to “give back” within the sport complete the package
My daughter was lucky enough to be chosen to be a part of Front Runners It has become one of the best ‘horsey’ things we have been involved in. The support, encouragement and level of coaching has been second to none - I cannot thank Jonquil and Katie enough for what they have done for C since joining, through the camps and wraparound support. And it’s not just the coaches that make Front Runners so good but the other parents and children. A really great, supportive and fun community is building that we feel very privileged to be a part of
Julie A
This is a unique, fully comprehensive package designed especially for up and coming young riders It enables them to develop their skills in a systematic way across the full range of technical, tactical, mental and physical areas so they can progress successfully and safely within the sport
We are building a community within which riders and their families support and encourage each other through the ups and downs of high performance sport and make friendships for life We want to nurture and support talented young riders through the early stages of their competitive journey to becoming elite athletes, while still providing an environment in which everyone can enjoy their sport, make friends and learn - not just equestrian skills but life skills which will improve their confidence and ability to perform in any field and thus equip them for a successful future.
Training days and camps are held approximately once a month, at a variety of locations to make them accessible - venues include, among others, Aston le Walls, Rectory Farm, The Unicorn Trust, Boomerang and Somerford Park. There are monthly group Zoom sessions on a variety of subjects, with guest speakers from time to time In addition, riders can arrange one to one sessions with either coach, either mounted or unmounted, to go through topics like skills-profiling, goal-setting, season planning and assessing performance on an individual basis, using video analysis where appropriate
Riders have access to a full support package which provides for course walks and warm ups at key events taking pressure off parents in these stressful situations
Further elements include:
Course walks at events like Badminton, with the opportunity to meet and talk to one of the competitors
Visits to top riders’ yards to learn about their routines and horse care regimes
Annual social evening and awards ceremony.
Riders (and parents) are also educated about the important role of volunteers within eventing and the need to give back to the sport, and we do so within the programme
Future plans include a FR coach-supported trip to compete abroad.
Who Can Apply?
Anyone aged from 12 to 21 in 2026 can apply to Front Runners The following performance guidelines give you an idea of the level we are looking for:
12-14 years – proven track record at BE90/PC 90; training at 100
14-16 years – proven track record at BE100; training at 1*
16-18 years – proven track record at 1*/Novice; training at 2*
18-21 years – proven track record at 2*/intermediate; training at 3*.
However, these are not strict criteria and we are more interested in your enthusiasm, attitude to training within Front Runners and ability to learn than we are in your results. So if you feel you have what it takes but don't quite meet these criteria, do send in an application anyway
Membership of Front Runners is strictly limited to ensure that everybody can access the training they want to.
We are looking for riders who want to engage fully with the programme and you will be expected to attend a minimum of three training camps and five group Zooms a year.
“What I like best about Front Runners is the sense of community as well as the amazing camps. Not only do the riders have fun together and make friends, but at the same time they benefit from really serious training. Front Runners is truly special and has become a big part of Freddie’s riding life.”
Karena, Front Runners parent
How Much Does It Cost?
There is an upfront fee of £100 to join Front Runners. In return, you will receive a welcome pack including:
Front Runners softshell jacket
Access to first Zoom session free
Access to a closed WhatsApp Community group for riders and their families
Other training sessions will be individually priced, see table below The cost of camps will vary somewhat, depending on venue and travel costs
Each 1 day camp (excluding stabling, accommodation etc)
Each 2 day camp (excluding stabling, accommodation etc)
Monthly Group Zooms (First included with joining fee)
Optional one-to-one Zooms eg competition reviews, skills profiling/goal-setting, season planning
On event support (course walks, warm ups etc)
£120-£140
£225-£280
£15.00-£25.00
£25 (30 mins)
£50 (75 mins)
TBC
“My daughter has progressed so much after being on Front Runners for a year: she has a much better understanding of her horse’s way of going and has learned to take more responsibility for that herself. She has made loads of friends through Front Runners and really looks forward to coming to camps Front Runners is really special because it is all-encompassing, focussing not only on the horse/rider partnership but also developing riders’ personal skills such as self-reflection and resilience, which will help equip them for whatever they do in life.”
Eve, Front Runners parent
Jonquil Hemming (BHSI, BECC Level 4) is BE Lead Coach, Wales and West Midlands and was GB Pony event team coach for 25 years, winning numerous gold medals at European championships and coaching many riders who have gone on to senior team and 5* success Jonquil formerly produced and rode many horses up to 5* level
Katie Williams (BECC Level 4, MSc Professional Sports Coaching) is BE Lead Coach, International Development Opportunities and recently took a party of British Juniors and Young Riders to take part in a friendly 2* and 3* team competition in Ireland Instrumental in developing The Howden Way Regional Academy programme, Katie formerly produced many horses through the grades up to 4* level.
Both Jonquil and Katie are part of British Eventing’s Youth Performance coaching team and, while they coach a wide variety of riders from grass roots up to 3/4* level, they have particular expertise in coaching young athletes Graduates of the BEF Youth Performance Coaching programme, they are specially trained in all aspects of youth coaching, from adolescent mental and physiological development to developing resilience and self-efficacy in young athletes
“Since becoming a Front Runner I have gained a lot more direction and I have been able to step up to BE Novice level which has been a great experience ”
Dan (16) Front Runner
Jonquil and Katie first started working together about ten years ago and have been running a hugely popular three day camp at Somerford Park every August for several years Finding that they share similar coaching values and approaches, it seemed a natural progression to look for an opportunity to work more closely together, and Front Runners was born!
While they use similar techniques and develop riders in similar ways, Jonquil and Katie both bring a distinct skill set to the programme and will offer slightly different insights and specialisms which will benefit riders. Their blend of skills and experience make them a powerful combination, uniquely placed to deliver a top class programme for aspiring young athletes Both coaches have horse welfare at the core of their philosophy, and believe in educating riders in how to train their horses kindly and correctly.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Front Runner over the last two years, during which I stepped up first to Advanced level and now to 4*. Katie and Jonquil’s help and advice throughout has been invaluable in helping me shape and achieve my goals. Best of all, though, has been the incredible support from other Front Runners and their families, who have been cheering me on the whole time, it has been incredibly special to be part of such an inspiring community.”
Carys (20), 2024 Front Runner of the Year
it to frontrunnerspp@btinternet com (no payment required at this stage) Riders will be notified via email whether their application has been accepted – successful applicants will be sent detailed joining instructions with full terms and conditions.
“Our favourite thing about Front Runners is the consistent training all year round, and the On Event Support Another fantastic thing is how many people we have got to know, it has been great being able to go to events and see familiar faces and say hello.”
Abi and Ellie (17) Front Runners
