ABOUT US
The Wesko Equestrian Foundation was founded in memory of Christina Knudsen and her passion for the sport of Eventing. Our aim is to bring education, training and welfare to talented young event riders and their horses and in doing so, supporting their futures.
OUR BACKGROUND
In October 2015, Christina Knudsen found her dream equestrian property – Windrush. For several years she had been looking for the ideal property where she could finally settle with all her horses. After having been diagnosed with a very rare type of cancer in November 2015, she lost her battle in July the following year. Sadly, she wasn’t able to fulfil her own equestrian dreams, but, before passing away, Christina expressed her wish of making Windrush a foundation. More than anything, she wanted to give young, talented riders the opportunity to pursue their Eventing dreams.
Thanks to the overwhelming support of a friend, Christina discovered this sport and had great ambitions for herself and for Eventing itself. This foundation is her way of carrying on those ambitions by providing much needed help and support to young eventers, helping them to sustainably fulfil their own dreams. Our aim is to honour Christina’s last wish and continue her legacy and passion for Eventing.
Although the Foundation was named in good faith, in February 2022, the board had become increasingly cognisant of the complicated history of the name, Windrush. One of the primary lessons that the Foundation is keen to teach the young riders under our tutelage is that learning is a process, and one must own and accept any wrong turns made along the way. As such, it was decided to retire the name Windrush and move forward with Wesko as the Foundation figurehead.
THE PROGRAMME
HOW DID THE PROGRAMME BEGIN?
After extensive research, we identified a gap in the support available to young eventers once they reach the age of 21: the leap between Young Rider Pathways and Senior Squads is enormous and only a handful successfully make the jump. The majority of young riders have to self-fund their training and with the world of modern eventing being so highly competitive these athletes don’t only need to be able to support themselves on board the horses but also in forging successful and profitable business too.
WHAT DOES THE YOUNG EVENTERS PROGRAMME OFFER?
The Wesko Young Eventers’ Programme offers riders between the ages of 21 and 28 the opportunity to enjoy a bespoke training and educational package with a 360º focus. Bringing physical training, both on and off the horses, a plethora of educational sessions covering a wide range of business focussed topics and an understanding of running a successful yard centred around both the welfare of the horses and the riders themselves, the Foundation aims to support the futures of talented young event riders and their horses.
Our Ambassadors
Christina was the very proud owner of Wesko, also known as Dash. Together with Kiwi event riders and former FEI World Number One Tim Price, Dash won Luhmuhlen CCI 5*L and counts multiple other top-level eventing wins amongst his achievements. A hot favourite for a medal at 2016 Rio Olympics, sadly Dash had to be withdrawn shortly before the trip due to an injury. Fortunately, Wesko has returned to eventing with Tim and the dynamic duo are now ambassadors for the Wesko Equestrian Foundation. Tim says Dash is his horse of a lifetime and he now rides and competes him as a brilliant tribute to Christina.
Following a minor injury ahead of the rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Olympics, it was decided to retire Wesko from elite level sport in the Summer of 2021. He remains with Tim and will enjoy a quieter life.
Tim Price & Wesko
In loving memory of
Christina Knudsen
Want to know more?
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMME.