Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan A pathway to equestrian excellence

1

Introduction

As a lasting legacy of the equestrian events of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games being staged in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Jockey Club committed to long-term support towards developing equestrian sport for the people of Hong Kong. The Club’s support of equestrian athletes is ever evolving, and to ensure ongoing excellence and success, the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan has been developed. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, the plan is designed to provide structured support to top athletes with the aim of achieving success on the world stage. This performance based programme will challenge athletes to reach their sporting potential, through support, education and teamwork.

Identify… talent

Develop… potential

Deliver… success

2

Programme Summary

The Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan (HKEPP) provides a structured development programme to high performing equestrian athletes within the three Olympic disciplines; dressage, eventing and show jumping. The plan will provide support and guidance to athletes who demonstrate commitment, have proven competitive success and have the potential to deliver success for Hong Kong at championship level. The principles of the HKEPP are to Identify, Develop and Deliver:

1. Identify talent

2. Develop potential

3. Deliver success The programme will be supported by equestrian professionals who will mentor athletes, monitor performance and seek improvements where they can be found. Working with the home teams already in place around the riders and horses, the HKEPP personnel will provide individually designed support programmes to help improve performance.

3

Programme Summary HKEPP encompasses a developmental structure, with incremental stages to allow athletes to progress along the pathway to success. Junior Equestrian Training Squad (JETS) Young talented athletes, aged 14 – 21 years may benefit from the Junior Equestrian Training Squad (JETS). This programme provides training to young riders based in Hong Kong who compete both nationally and internationally. Development Squad For those athletes competing regularly on the international circuit and demonstrating potential for future inclusion in the senior team, the Development Squad provides mentoring and support. The aim of this support is to bridge the gap and help those with the talent to make the transition on to the Elite Squad. Elite Squad For athletes with potential of representing Hong Kong in major Championships, this squad takes a no-compromise, performance driven approach.

Elite Senior Squad

Development Squad

Junior JETS Squad

Hong Kong Based Riders

14 – 21 years

Participation programmes

(Hong Kong based activity enabling riders to develop their skills)

4

Behind every great team…

Performance Plan approved by HKJC & HKEF Management

Amanda Bond

Performance Director

Corinne Bracken

Performance Manager

Show Jumping

Nick Burton

Performance Manager

Eventing / Dressage

Additional Support Staff

Veterinarian

Farrier

Physiotherapist

Sports Psychologist

Doctor

Performance Assistant

5

Performance Manager - Show Jumping CORINNE BRACKEN Corinne ran a competition livery yard for 20 years, which included breeding and producing top level showjumpers. Following a successful international riding career Corinne took over the management and coaching of the British Young Rider Squads in 2006. Following a period of restructure these squads went on to win 32 medals at European Championships over the next 9 years. When integrating the youth teams into senior Nations Cups they went on to win 5 senior nations cups with Corinne as their Chef D’Equipe. Corinne has also been responsible for the success of the Showjumping Equine Pathway, where young horses are identified and produced to Nations Cup level. The Key Performance Target of two new Nations Cup horses per year has been exceeded every year since 2010. European nations have requested Corinne to Chef D’Equipe the European Team at the last 2 Youth Olympic Games. This was a successful post as Europe has taken the Team Gold on both occasions. Having taken the role of Communications and Administration assistant to the Performance Manager for British Showjumping in 2006, Corinne attended the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong as liaison to the Riders and Owners. In 2012 Corinne was responsible for heading up the front of house team in the Sports Office at the London Olympic Games. Corinne is a graduate of the UK Government's Elite Coaching Apprenticeship Programme, has a Medal of Honour from the British Equestrian Federation for services to Showjumping and holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Sporting Excellence.

6

Performance Manager - Eventing & Dressage NICK BURTON Nick is a former International Three Day Event rider and British Team member. Nick is a Grand Prix dressage judge in the UK and is also one of the World Class Development Programme Dressage coaches, specialising in delivering education, mentoring and performance profiling for international riders up to senior and championship levels. As an FEI International Eventing Judge he was on the Ground Jury at the London Olympic Games in 2012, European Championships in 2011, as well as Badminton and Burghley and many other high profile events. Nick was Chairman of Selectors and Director of International teams for British Dressage 2008 - 2012. During the tenure of this position, success included: • 2009 FEI European Championships - Team Silver, Individual Bronze • 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games – Team Silver, 2 x Individual Silver • 2011 FEI European Championships – Team Gold, 3 x Individual medals • 2012 Olympic Games, London – Team Gold, Individual Gold & Bronze Nick is also a judge trainer and examiner for British Dressage, as well as an FEI Course Director for International Eventing officials. He also coaches international riders on an individual basis to Olympic level.

7

HKEPP Elite Squad

The HKEPP Elite Squad programme will commence in January 2016. Athletes will be invited to apply in October 2015 and will be selected against a set of published criteria, largely based on competition results. Places will be available to all athletes who reach the entry criteria across each of the Olympic disciplines – dressage, eventing and show jumping. The Elite Squad will be divided in to three levels, dependent on the athletes recent competitive results. Athletes will receive funding support in the form of a basic athlete award, with the amount dependent on their level. Once on the squad, athletes will undergo regular sessions with the Performance Manager to set goals, identify support needs and monitor performance. This regular mentoring will also include two formal performance reviews, where athletes will be assessed against their pre-agreed targets. On successful achievement of the targets, further funding payments will be made. Again, the funding amount is dependent on the level of the programme. Athletes who do not reach their targets will not receive target awards. They will be assessed by the Performance Manager and depending on the circumstances, may be removed from the programme. Allowances may be made in exceptional circumstances for athletes who have not reached targets due to horse issues, such as lameness or illness.

8

HKEPP Elite Squad – Athlete Award Payments

Award Amount (HK$) Timing Comments

Basic Athlete Award Level 1 $200,000

Annually paid in February

Awarded on successful appointment to programme,

dependent on selection criteria

Level 2 $400,000

Level 3 $600,000

Target Payments

Level 1 $150,000 x twice yearly = $300,000

Two payments in line with quarterly review, paid in June

and October

Will be paid upon successful completion of targets

Level 2 $300,000 x twice yearly = $600,000

Level 3 $450,000 x twice yearly = $900,000

Medal Bonus An overall budget (shared between the disciplines) of $2 million will be made available for

medal bonuses. Events identified at start of year.

9

HKEPP Elite Squad – Athlete Award Summary

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Funding Available

$200,000 Basic Award $300,000 Target Award

$400,000 Basic Award $600,000 Target Award

$600,000 Basic Award

$900,000 Target Award

Total available annual funding if all targets met

$500,000 per athlete

$1,000,000 per athlete

$1,500,000 per athlete

Payments will be performance awards and not reimbursement against expenses. Therefore no receipts are required to be submitted.

10

HKEPP Elite Squad – Selection Criteria

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Dressage

Competing consistently at FEI CDI2* or CDI3* Small

or Medium Tour achieving min of 4 scores at 67%

(not including Freestyle)

Competing consistently at FEI CDI3* Big Tour achieving

min of 4 scores at 65% in GP or GPS

(not including Freestyle)

As for Level 2 but also

with qualification for World Cup Final, WEG or Olympic

Games

Eventing

Competing consistently and completing

FEI CCI /CIC 1* achieving MER on at least 3

occasions

Competing consistently and completing FEI CCI / CIC 2* achieving MER on at least 3

occasions

As for Level 2 but also

with qualification for WEG or Olympic Games

Show Jumping

Minimum of 4 first round clear rounds over

minimum 1.40m tracks (FEI CSI shows)

Competing regularly and consistently at CSI2* or

above.

As for Level 1 but also

Minimum of 4 first round clear rounds over minimum 1.45m tracks (FEI CSI shows)

As for Level 2 but also

with qualification for World Cup Final, WEG or Olympic

Games

Qualifying results must have been achieved since 1 January 2014 In addition: • athletes must have nationality status that allows them to compete for HKSAR in

Olympic or Asian Games • athletes must have continued access to horsepower to compete at the level • athletes must be registered with HKEF and not suspended from FEI

11

HKEPP Elite Squad - Support The philosophy around the HKEPP is to support athletes (both human and equine) and their home teams to identify ways in

which performance can be improved. The programme then aims provide a range of potential support options depending on the individual needs of horse and rider. The programme does not replace the home team support; moreover works with the home team to help where help is needed. Areas of support available may include: Coaching The programme will work with home coaches to ensure that athletes are getting the very highest level of coaching. Support will be available to coaches to ensure they are able to develop the athletes with a view to them achieving their aims. Human Sports Science Athletes will be offered assessments to identify ways in which their own health and fitness can be improved, enabling them to become more effective riders. Interventions may include: • Strength & conditioning • Nutrition • Physiotherapy • Clean sport - medical advice Owners & Sponsorship Acquisition Athletes who wish to seek sponsorship or new owners will be given guidance on how to develop effective proposals.

Equine Sports Science Just as for the human athlete, a range of consulting support services will be available to athletes and their home teams if they need advice and guidance on the health and fitness of their horses. Interventions may include: • Veterinary support • Farriery Support • Nutritional advice

Sports Psychology To enable athletes to be mentally strong, the services of a professional sports psychologist will be available. Strategic competition campaigns Performance Managers will be available to work with athletes on developing the most effective competitive campaigns, enabling them to reach their goals.

12

HKEPP Development Squad

Around the world, it is well recognized that the jump from being a Junior rider to breaking in to the senior team is very challenging. The HKEPP recognizes the challenges faced by athletes who are in the first few years of competing internationally and trying to establish themselves as professional riders. To assist these athletes, the Development Squad Programme aims to support riders with the potential to be future senior championship team members. Support includes mentoring, competition planning, coaching and educative events, as well as financial support.

13

HKEPP Development Squad – Selection Criteria

Minimum results required

Dressage

Competing consistently at FEI Pony, Junior or Young Rider Tests or PSG with min of 4 scores at 64%

(not including Freestyle)

Eventing

Competing consistently and completing FEI CCI or CIC 1* and achieving a minimum of 1 x MER

Show Jumping

Minimum of 4 first round clear rounds over minimum 1.35m tracks (FEI CSI)

Competing regularly at CSI2* or above shows

Qualifying results must have been achieved since 1 January 2014 In addition: • athletes must have nationality status that allows them to compete for HKSAR in Olympic

or Asian Games • athletes must have continued access to horsepower to compete at the level • athletes must be registered with HKEF and not suspended from FEI

14

Development Squad – Athlete Payments

Award Type

Amount HK$ Timing Comments

Basic Athlete Award

HK$100,000

Paid annually in February

Awarded on successful

appointment to programme, dependent on selection criteria

Target Awards

HK$100,000 x twice yearly

= HK$200,000

Two payments in line with quarterly review, paid in June

and October

Paid on successful performance

reviews

Total available funding

HK$300,000 per year

15

Development Squad – Support

The Development Squad is designed to support up and coming international athletes, nurture their talent and provide a structured, progressive pathway in to the senior team. Athletes will be provided with ongoing mentoring by the Performance Manager for their discipline, as well as help with competition planning, coaching support and where appropriate, access to the following services: Human Sports Science* Athletes will be offered assessments to identify ways in which their own health and fitness can be

improved, enabling them to become more effective riders. Interventions may include: • Strength & conditioning • Nutrition • Physiotherapy • Clean sport - medical advice

Equine Sports Science* Just as for the human athlete, a range of consulting support services will be available to athletes and their home teams if they need advice and guidance on the health and fitness of their horses. Interventions may include: • Veterinary support • Farriery Support • Nutritional advice

* In 2016, support services only available to those athletes based in Europe

Should Development Squad athletes reach the entry criteria for the Elite Squad during the year, they may be included within the Elite Squad at that time, without waiting for the next available intake.

16

Application Process

Programme runs annually, and assessment of eligibility will take place each year. Applications Open Monday 19 October 2015 Application process and selection policy to be notified at this time

Applications Close Wednesday 18 November 2015 Athletes will be notified by Monday 30 November 2015 Programme commences Tuesday 1 January 2016

N.B. Selection criteria and funding awards detailed in this document are for 2016 programme only and are subject to change in future years.

17