Jumping Victoria Youth Squad

Overview of Jumping Victoria Youth Squad Program 

The Jumping Victoria Youth Squad is a Jumping Victoria initiative providing a development pathway from our youngest riders through to high performance. This development program brings together the best Children, Junior and Young Rider Jumping athletes from around Victoria to train with well-respected coaches and learn valuable off-horse education. The program run by Jumping Victoria, invites riders <21 years old to apply for selection for the 2026 program. The program has a long history of supporting development of successful world class athletes and developing riders to state and national levels.

The Jumping Victoria Youth Squad caters for Equestrian Victoria young members who wish to pursue the Jumping discipline. The program provides a pathway from our youngest riders (Squadettes) through development squads (80 – 120cm Jumping heights) through to the High Performance squad for the top youth riders in Victoria. The squad provides riders with high quality coaching both on and off their horses together with the opportunity to have a lot of fun and form friendships for life. Riders are also able to join at any of these 3 levels.

2026 is shaping up to be an excellent year with many new initiatives and ideas coming in from the committee to inspire and create a squad that is desired by all. The aim is to inspire these young riders to set goals and create pathways to achieve those goals along with the support needed to succeed in those goals.

Application Process

Applications are invited for the 2026 Jumping Victoria Youth Squad and Squadette Program.

The Victorian Jumping squad is selected on an annual basis. Selection is based on a horse-rider combination. Riders are only able to apply with one horse/combination. There may be opportunities at training events to enter a second mount or alternate horse (if space allows) however the rider may be allocated to a different level training group based on the ability and performances on the alternate horse.

The Development Squad program is performance-based, requiring minimum performance standards for each rider/horse combination within the past 12 months. Riders apply for the program and acceptance is confirmed by Equestrian Victoria prior to the commencement of the program.

High Performance squad selection is conducted by independent selectors representing Jumping Victoria and is based on each rider’s top performances over the last year. While EV office staff, Jumping Victoria Committee members, and the Squad subcommittee handle squad organisation and communication, they do not participate in the High Performance selection process.

The top Children, Junior and Young Rider combinations will be selected for the High Performance State Squad (based on the selection criteria and EA competition results from the previous 12 months ). All other riders will be allocated to a Development or Squadette group with Horse-Rider combinations of similar ability.

If a rider has applied for the High Performance Squad and are not selected in 2026, they will be allocated a place in the development squad with combinations of similar performance/jumping level. Riders < 12 years old may apply for Development Squad based on 2025 performances, but, if unsuccessful, will be allowed a place in Squadettes with similar level riders.

Riders are reminded that they must be a current EA member to enter the squad program. All applicants will be expected to agree to an Athletes Agreement which sets out certain criteria and obligations which need to be met.  Please read and accept the agreement below.

For more information please see the Jumping Victoria Youth Squad Format

All riders within the program will need to agree to an athlete’s agreement upon registration that outlines their expected behaviour and commitment. This agreement is to be followed by members wanting to be apart of the program each year.

Applicants under the age of 18 years must have parent or legal guardian consent to apply.

2026 SQUAD FEES

The annual registration fee for 2026 is $200. This registration fee is paid up front at application time and is non refundable. The registration fee is applied to offset the cost of each of the 4 x squad training sessions. Ie in 2025 $50 x 4 sessions = $200.  This will reduce the financial impact of fluctuation/change in rider numbers for each training session and reduce risk of cancellation due to low rider numbers.

For 2026 the Squadette registration and rider fees will be aligned with the development and high performance program. The program will run across two days and group size will be capped at 4-5.

The squad training event fee will be reduced to $135 including GST. This fee excludes venue fees including horse/rider charges, camping/stabling/yards.

Important Dates

Applications Open: 12th January 

Applications Close: 1st Feburary 

Squads Announced: Mid Feburary 

 

SQUAD DATES:

May – Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th - Boneo

June – Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th - Boneo

July – Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th - WPNEC

August – Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th - WPNEC

Squad Show - December TBC

Volunteering/Helper Duties:

As per any sporting discipline volunteers are relied upon for ensuring our squad training weekends run smoothly. Part of becoming a squad member both rider and the riders parents commit to providing help at every squad training that they are attending. This help comes in the form of set up and pack up of show jump courses across the rings, catering for the coaches throughout the two training days and helping with any off-horse activity relating to the squad being catering breakfast, lunch or dinners and helping with set up and pack up of rooms/tables/chairs etc…

The end of year show also requires volunteers to run and co-ordinate which involves helper duties such as set up, pack up, poles, pencilling, gate marshalling.

Providing help throughout the year to squad is compulsory and is expected.

The 2026 squad will be announced before the end of Feburary, to provide squad members with time to enter for the first training session in May.

Enquiries:  Sami Bell

E: jumping.squads@equestrianvictoria.com.au 

 

SECTION A - Personal Details 

If the applicant rider is under 18 years of age, please go to Section B.

If the applicant rider if over 18 years of age, please go to Section C.

 

SECTION B - Parent or Legal Guardian Details

After completing Section B, please go to Section D - Coach Contact Information

 

SECTION C - Emergency Contact

SECTION D - Coach Contact Information

SECTION E - Performances

Performance Level - High Performance State Squad 

Minimum Skill Requirement One

Children (14 and under) : 3 clear rounds in classes at or above 110cm in height over the past 12 months

Junior (18 and under): 3 clear rounds in classes at or above 120cm in height over the previous 12 months

Young Rider (16 to 21): 3 clear rounds in classes at or above 125cm in height over the previous 12 months

Minimum Skill Requirement Two (If numbers require)

Children (14 and under) :Top 5 placing in an open class at or above 105cm in height over the past 12 months

Junior (18 and under): Top 5 placing in an open class at or above 115cm in height over the past 12 months

Young Rider (16 to 21):Top 5 placing in an open class at or above 120cm in height over the previous 12 months

 

Performance Level - Development Squads 

Minimum Skill Requirement One

Riders >12 years - 3 clear rounds in classes at or above 80cm in height over the previous 12 months

 

Performance Level - Squadettes 

Minimum Skill Requirement One

Squadettes : Riders <12 years old who have completed 3 jumping rounds in classes 50cm or above (unassited) at either Pony Club or EA events.

Please provide up to 5 competition results from the period December 2024 – Decemeber 2025 to support your application. Submit your best clear rounds to support the selection criteria for the squad selected. Preference will be made to EA Affiliate Competitions. Clear round results at PCV/Interschool Performance may be submitted and reviewed for applicant eligibility under the discretion of the Jumping Victoria Youth Squad Committee.

 

Squadette Applications: Riders under 12 may apply for consideration for Development squad where the rider meets the development squad criteria and should indicate this preference on their application.

2026 ATHLETE AGREEMENT

JUMPING VICTORIA YOUTH SQUAD

ATHLETE UNDERTAKINGS: (Parents & Guardians Included)

I acknowledge and agree that, during the Term, I will comply with:

• The athlete’s Code of Conduct, EA Member Protection Policy, EA/EV Social Media Policy and EA Anti-Doping Policy;
• All policies and procedures of EA and EV as notified to me before or during the Term;

I represent and agree that:

• I am a current member of EV and will retain my membership throughout the calendar year;
• I will comply with attendance requirements at Squad activities (see below);
• I will wear at the request of EV an official uniform or logo when representing Victoria during training, competition or official functions.
• I will immediately advise the selectors if the horse on the squad is sold or becomes unfit to participate in squad activities, or if for some reason I cannot ride for an extended period.
• I will attend at least 3 training sessions throughout the calendar year and indicate to squad committee when I am unable to attend.

MEDIA AND PUBLIC STATEMENTS:

• I acknowledge and agree that as a member of EA and EV, I am at all times bound by their Constitution, Policies, By Laws and Codes of Conduct and will not bring EA or EV into disrepute;
• I agree that I will raise any issue or concern that I may have in respect to selection, selectors, selection policies, training and squad/team policies and management or conduct of another Athlete and any related matters, only through the National Performance Manager or Chair of EV;
• I agree that nothing in this clause prevents me from factually representing that I am a member of the squad/team and from publicly discussing my and my horse’s athletic performance.

GENERAL TERMS:

• Abide by the principles of the FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse at all times.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of fellow riders, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and spectators.
• Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealing with others including coaches, parents and officials.
• Do not tolerate acts of aggression or harassment towards people or horses.
• Respect the talent, potential and development of fellow riders and competitors.
• Be proactive in assisting other Squad members and be aware that they may be in a different stage of their equestrian experience.
• Care for and respect the equipment provided to you as part of your program.
• Always acknowledge and respect sponsors and their involvement in the Squad and our sport.
• Understand the Social Media Policy of the organisation and any ramifications that may arise from breaches of that policy. To view the policy in full: https://www.vic.equestrian.org.au/constitution-bylaws-policies-and-more
• Conduct yourself in a professional manner relating to language, temper and punctuality, be courteous, kind and always set a good example in dress and high personal behaviour standards.
• Learn and abide by the rules of our sport and respect the decision of the officials making all appeals through the formal process and respecting the final decision. Always operate within the rules, if you or your parents don’t understand, ask for help.
• Be honest in your attitude and preparation to training. Work equally hard for yourself and your fellow riders. Be prepared to set goals to help you achieve your aims and ambitions.
• The rider or their guardian will support squad training sessions and events by providing volunteer support at each event

 

EV SQUAD & CLINIC CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

•  EV or the Organising Committee may cancel the event due to catastrophic conditions, disease or force majeure, or for any other reason at its absolute discretion.
• If the squad or clinic is cancelled prior to commencement, including as a result of COVID-19 requirements or restrictions the entrant may be entitled to a refund of the entry fees paid less the processing fee charged by the Ticket Sales platform i.e. Trybooking. Any such refund will be determined at the absolute discretion of EV, having regard to the direct or fixed costs for the event.
• Entrants who have provided with their entry an email address and/or mobile phone number will be notified of event cancellation by email and/or text message.
• If the event is cancelled after commencement or during the event any refund will be determined at the absolute discretion of Equestrian Victoria.

 

BY SELECTING 'I AGREE' BELOW, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT, AS THE APPLICANT NAMED ABOVE (RIDER NAME), HAVE READ AND ACCEPTED THE TERMS & CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.

SIGNATURE 

Please provide your printed name and signature.

If the applicant is under 18 years of age:

• The applicant must have the permission of their parent or legal guardian to be able to apply. An application will automatically be considered ineligible where parent or legal guardian consent has not been provided.
• The parent or legal guardian must provided their printed name name and signature below on behalf of the applicant. 

If the applicant is over 18 years of age:

• Please provided you printed name and signature below.