Tiggy’s Trust Rider Development Programme 2022

Tiggy Hancock loved travelling  abroad to compete at International shows. It was an absolute passion for her and the skills learnt both as a rider and caring for her ponies were crucial to her competitive career 

💛 Under the Rider Development programme Tiggy’s Trust is offering this golden opportunity to young riders who have never before had the chance to travel – these riders will learn the skills required to travel, mind  and care for their horses whilst away in a fun and inclusive atmosphere.   

💛 Blair Horse Trials and Country Fair is a highlight of the British equestrian season offering a range of Eventing classes from 90 to 4*, mounted games, showing competitions and displays.  The young riders on the mounted games squad will compete against their Scottish pony club rivals whilst Eventers will face rival British teams in the FEI105 competition.   

💛 The Trust will organise and fund the programme.  Leading equestrian coaches will provide training for eventing and mounted games. In addition there will be educational modules  for personal development, first aid, horse welfare and teambuilding. The riders will also receive help and advice on preparing themselves and their ponies for international travel.

The Trustees’ intentions are that Tiggy’s own inspirational qualities will be hallmarks of this trip, that the riders taking part will forge lasting memories and friendships and that they acquire the skills required for further equestrian travel .

Tiggy’s Trust Rider Development programme

💛 2022 is our pilot year and has been inspired by the type of person that Tiggy was.

💛 The programme is targeted at young equestrians and is particularly focused on providing opportunities for children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to travel abroad to compete. It intends to foster Tiggy’s values of inclusivity, kindness and sportsmanship in the participants and to encourage them to express these values in their daily life.

💛 The aim is to enhance confidence and wellbeing through participation in personal, equestrian and group activities, together with a big trip to an overseas competition.

💛 We plan to empower young equestrians to make a difference, and to value and respect  people equally and to encourage the pursuit of excellence in sport through integrity and hard work.

The Programme

💛 There are 2 parts to the programme. The first part is training and education, and the second part is a group trip to Blair Castle in Scotland where each participant will compete as part of an Irish Squad.

Part 1

Training and Education

💛 This will be a group activity run on 3 separate days at Punchestown Race course. 

  • 20th July
  • 2nd August and
  • 10th August


The emphasis will be on team building and encouraging participants to develop a culture of togetherness and team spirit.  This will be achieved through a range of activities both equestrian and team building.

💛 The equestrian training will be delivered by qualified coaches in each discipline which will be Pony Club games and Eventing in 2022.

💛 In addition to the equestrian training there will be classroom based sessions to cover topics such as:

  • Personal and social awareness, and wellbeing
  • First Aid
  • Horse Welfare
  • Team Building and Leadership

Part 2

Travel abroad to compete at the Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair - 25th-28th August 2022

💛 Tiggys Trust will organise the travel of the horses and their equipment to the event in Scotland. Parents and children will be supported and mentored each step of the way by a team experienced in travelling to international events. This team will ensure that participants are confident in what is involved in travelling with their horses to an event abroad and support them and their families to ensure that everyone has a very happy experience.
💛 The horses will be stabled at the venue, and Tiggy Trust will have a basecamp for all the participants to stay together and support each other.
💛 The trip will be facilitated, as much as possible, by Tiggy’s Trust, to include coordination of travel, paperwork, accommodation, basecamp setup on site, training and competition timetable while in Scotland, social entertainment and some special guests.

In addition to the FEI classes there are classes at Blair at 90 and 100. which do not require qualifications, and if you decide to travel as an individual we will provide advice and guidance to help you get there.

Tiggy's Trust Supporters

Tiggy’s Trust has been overwhelmed by the generous support and encouragement for our programme.

Grateful thanks are due to all our coaches and lecturers for giving their time so generously.

Lecturers

  • Poppy Blandford – www.poppyblandford.com
  • Jane Davis
  • Edwina Farrell
  • Rob O’Brien


Coaches

  • Heather Coyle
  • Becky Cullen
  • Mark Ruddock
  • Sue Smallman
  • Sam Watson


and to the following companies who have so kindly offered their services and products. (in alphabetical order)