Our Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AESE) programme is a further education option that helps young showjumping, eventing, dressage and para dressage athletes reach their full potential. AESE is run in proud partnership with British Showjumping and British Eventing and is recognised as part of British Equestrian’s Performance Pathway.
We recently spoke to Scarlett, an eventer who took part in our Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AESE) programme. Scarlett reflects on her experiences in the AESE programme, sharing how it has helped her grow as both a rider and an athlete, while also allowing her to build connections with fellow riders across different disciplines.
What inspired you to apply and take part in AESE?
Having ridden for my entire life, I wanted to keep improving my skills and my understanding of the sport after finishing school. I discovered the AESE apprenticeship and saw it as the perfect opportunity to enhance both my own abilities and those of my horses, while also gaining valuable industry knowledge.
Can you describe a specific moment or experience during the AESE programme that has helped your development?
I have found all of the riding sessions so beneficial and I have learnt lots of new ways to help improve both myself and my horses way of going. I also feel my confidence as a rider has improved massively.
Which aspect of the programme have you enjoyed the most?
I have enjoyed connecting with riders from different disciplines and making new friends. The group sessions are always friendly and sociable, which I really enjoy at the camps. The strength and conditioning assessments also helped me assess my fitness as a rider, revealing areas where my fitness weaknesses matched my riding weaknesses, which I found very interesting.
How did you find the learning experience and the specialist coaches that were involved?
The learning experiences are always positive and really helpful. They help me understand what I’m learning rather than just receiving information, which is very beneficial. I definitely feel myself improving with each camp!
If you would like to find out more about AESE, please click here.
Want to be at our next AESE camp? Apply here!
