What you have all been waiting for...

Download the Academy 2008 Application form here.

After three months the wait is now over and the 2007 Blaze Academy has now been chosen.

On 22nd November our twelve finalists were put through their paces at Patchetts Equestrian Centre in Hertfordshire – and an amazing day was had by all.

The twelve finalists that attended the selection day were:

Dressage

• Vicky Pengilly, South Wales
• Katie Dartnell, London
• Ashleigh Hill, Kent
• Holly Bates, Oxon

Show Jumping

• Chloe Reynard, Co. Durham
• Nicki Denton, Bedfordshire
• Tracy Holder, Thirsk
• Alison Cahill, Hertfordshire

Eventing

• Emily Philp, Shropshire
• Abbie Hughes, Devon
• Laura Shears, Warwickshire
• Claire Boumphrey, Devon

The day kicked off with a welcome talk from Blaze Clothing's Managing Director, Gary Yates, before the first four riders mounted for the first training session of the day, Show jumping with Tina Fletcher. This was followed by the event riders receiving a lesson from Sam Jennings, and last but by no means least, the dressage riders had their turn with Judy Harvey. Alongside this, each group of riders had a detailed discussion with Bailey's nutritionist Emma Case who helped them all get to grips with their horse's diets.

The day was packed full of advice and the passion and enthusiasm that shone through from each and every rider was overwhelming. "The decision was so tough and we would have liked to give each and every one of them the sponsorship – they have all done so well to get this far as we sent out over 3,000 application forms and the standard of entrant was very high," says Gary Yates. However a decision had to be made, and after the judges had spent some time with the riders a verdict was reached, and at 4pm the announcement was made.

Two riders from each discipline were chosen – although a unanimous opinion from the judges was that the standard was exceptional and the choice was almost impossible.

The six riders will represent Blaze for the following 12 months, as well as receiving a £500 training bursary, an endless supply of clothing, three months worth of Baileys feed, a year subscription to Horse Deals, and products from Groomers and Airowear.

Our Blaze Academy dressage riders are:

Holly Bates lives near Banbury in Oxon and has a host of achievements including winning the under 21's British Dressage Talent Spotting finals in 2006. She hopes to compete at the National Dressage Championships and gain a National title, as well as representing Great Britain internationally – although she is realistic and realises that she may have to be patient as she is bringing on two young, but talented horses. Holly was thrilled to be one of the six Academy riders, "I had a great day and found the training really helpful. I am very excited – it has been a great birthday present for my mum! I am so grateful to my horse's owner, Anne Taylor for giving me the ride!"

Ashleigh Hill is based near Tonbridge in Kent and has a long list of achievements including second place in the National Young Rider Derby U25 Championships at Sheepgate along with helping her team Southern TALK to achieve their highest every placing at a BYRDS competition. Ashleigh is clearly passionate about her horses and her aims include riding on the Great Britain Young Rider team internationally, as well as having her own training and livery yard in the future. Ashleigh is extremely excited to be given the opportunity, "It is a fantastic idea, to help young people improve – my lesson with Judy was great and I am looking forward to receiving more training, which I wouldn't have been able to afford!"

Judy Harvey was very impressed with the overall standard of riders, "It was a very tough decision to make – all the candidates were hard working and dedicated, and the type of person that should be given the opportunity to progress. Holly and Ashleigh were very sound in their basic knowledge but most importantly they had a real feel for the balance of the horse. Obviously there is a certain amount of luck in this sport but I think they should be very successful."

Representing Blaze on the show jumping circuit will be:

Chloe Reynard is from Crook in County Durham and has a long list of international successes to her name from novice level up to Grand Prix. Amongst her many ambitions, she hopes to jump the Derby, make a senior Nations Cup Team and qualify for HOYS in 2008. Tina Fletcher was impressed with Chloe, "She has a good technique and is obviously very dedicated, as well as working very well under pressure. Hopefully she will go on to do very well at national and international level."

An enthusiastic Chloe said, "I am very proud to be representing Blaze – I feel very lucky to be here and it is going to be such a big help with my training!"

Tracy Holder is based in Knayton, Thirsk and is a full time graphic designer. However horses are her passion and she has bought on her two young horses who are now Grade B and jumping well at 1.25m and 1.30m level. Her aims include getting to the Sheffield Open and HOYS Young rider classes in 2008. Tina was pleased with the way Tracy responded to the training session, "Tracy has a really good attitude and learns quickly. She is very receptive to what you tell her and has a good head on her shoulders. I think she has a great future."

Tracy, who couldn't stop smiling, said, "This is a fantastic opportunity – I can now get some top class training to further my riding – I feel extremely privileged."

Eventing next season with the help of Blaze will be:

Emily Philp from Bridgnorth in Shropshire, who has been consistently winning across the levels from Intro to Intermediate level. Her aims for 2008 are to compete at Advanced level and eventually progress to international competition and be on the senior teams. Sam liked Emily's natural aptitude to being trained, "She had a very good balance and a lovely attitude – I can see her being very successful."

An overjoyed Emily said, "I am over the moon! The training was wonderful and I am so pleased for my trainers and owners who have been supporting me – and extremely thankful to the lady who suggested I apply!"

Abbie Hughes is based in Colyton in Devon and rode at the Weston Park 1* JRN championships as well as consistently competing at Novice level in 2007, she was also the winner of the 2006 British Dressage National Talent Spotting competition. Her goal is to ride at the Olympics and represent Great Britain, as well as compete at Burghley and Badminton, and most importantly produce successful, happy horses! Sam was impressed with Abbie's attitude to learning, "She was extremely enthusiastic to be trained, and listened to the advice and adapted her riding – her passion shone through and I feel that she will definitely use the training bursary to progress."

An excited Abbie said "It is an amazing achievement to be selected. I am so proud of my horse and how she did and am very much looking forward to working with the team at Blaze for a successful 2008!"

All six riders were overjoyed to have been selected and Gary Yates is looking forward to working with them over the next 12 months. "All the girls made such a huge effort, and each one shows extreme talent and ambition. I am very proud to have them representing Blaze Clothing and hope to make a real difference to their riding."

None of the riders went home empty handed – the six riders who didn't make it through to the Academy each took home £150 worth of Blaze Clothing as well as Baileys vouchers, products from Groomers and Airowear and a years subscription to Horse Deals.

Look out in the local and national press for news on the Blaze Academy, and keep checking the website for regular progress reports.