Application Form

Where: Wellington, Florida

Program Objective: The Canadian Youth Equestrian Mentorship Program is designed to inspire equestrians between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one from the dressage and hunter/jumper disciplines by bringing them to the largest, competitive equestrian venue in North America, and providing opportunities for them to engage with leading, Canadian and American riders. The exposure that program participants will get to the daily routines, competition preparation, training. and horse management of top international equestrians will be unique and impactful in helping to foster future equestrians in the sport.

Program Outline: Eighteen participants (12 Canadians both dressage and hunter jumper) will be selected via lottery to travel to Wellington, Florida. Wellington is the epicenter of both international dressage and hunter/jumper competition during the winter months and is the seasonal home to some of the world's top equestrians. Participants will be separated into two groups based on discipline, each group will focus on specific discipline related mentorship with top competitors and show grooms, educational discussions, barn tours, and networking activities. This program does not include any riding opportunity.

While in Wellington, accommodations and ground transportation are provided.

Program Managers will be onsite specifically to provide leadership and supervision for the group and will accompany each group to activities and events throughout their stay. Two managers will be available to drive and organize group activities and events.

Expenses: Each participant is responsible for his/her own airfare, meals and spending money. Ground transportation and accommodation in Wellington have been generously donated by Jill Irving. There are no costs associated with any of the activities, or attendance at any of the events planned for participants, outside of the food and spending money referenced above.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 21 (no exceptions will be made);

  • Participants must be a member in good standing of Equestrian Canada and of their Provincial Equestrian Association;

  • Participants must have competition experience in the discipline (dressage or hunter/jumper) that they wish to participate in; competition may have been at any level;

  • Participants must provide proof of travel insurance;

  • Participants must have a valid passport for travel into the United States

Arrival and Departure Schedules

Participants will need to make their own travel arrangements. Palm Beach International Airport is the closest airport to Wellington, FL. Fort Lauderdale International Airport is the next closest airport and is approximately 1 hour from Wellington, FL. Specific arrival and departure dates and times will be available at a later date.

To apply please complete the provided application form below.

Qualifying participants will be selected via lottery and will be notified of selection via email. If a selected participant declines their invitation, another qualifying participant will be selected.

Questions and Contact

Direct all questions to rsvp@jdirving.com.

Note: successful applicants will be informed via phone call