Global Amateur Tour Mexico announces new Children’s Categories for international youth riders

Global Amateur Tour has expanded its 2026 Mexico Competition Tour, launching new FEI-aligned Children’s Categories to meet growing international demand and give talented 12–14-year-old riders a safe, professional pathway into overseas competition with family support.

Podium celebrations highlight the next generation of international riders at the Global Amateur Tour Mexico Competition.

In response to growing international demand from riding families seeking high-quality overseas competition opportunities for junior riders, Global Amateur Tour (GAT) has launched a dedicated Children’s Category at its 2026 Mexico Competition Tour. The expansion reflects GAT’s ongoing commitment to developing talent across all ages while maintaining its trademark standards of performance, safety, and international opportunity.

In line with FEI Children’s category criteria, applicants must be aged between 12 and 14 years. This division has been carefully structured to align with international standards while providing young riders with a safe, professional, and high-quality introduction to international competition.

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Annabel Noakes, 13, of South Africa in action at the Mexico leg of the Global Amateur Tour. Annabel was the highest-performing Under-15 rider at the 2025 Competition finishing 8th overall.

The Children’s Category will be offered at two heights:  

• Children’s 1.00m  

• Children’s 1.10m  

Both categories are open to all nationalities and are intended for experienced young riders who are already performing consistently on their national circuits and are ready to progress within a supported international environment.

To ensure appropriate skill matching and horse welfare, riders must be currently competing with results at a minimum of 10cm higher on their own horses than the height they nominate to jump during the GAT Mexico competition. This requirement mirrors GAT’s existing standards across all divisions and ensures a positive, confidence-building experience for young competitors.

“This is a really exciting step for GAT,” said Lucy Olphert, Co-Founder of Global Amateur Tour. “We have seen a growing number of talented young riders coming through our programmes alongside their parents and supporters. The dedicated Children’s Category allows us to offer these riders and families a safe, structured introduction to international competition while maintaining the quality and professionalism GAT is known for.”

Mexico is one of Global Amateur Tour’s most popular and well-established destinations, known for its safe, professionally run competitions, high-quality borrowed horses, and family-friendly environment. GAT has delivered successful Mexico tours since 2018, with carefully selected horses, elite coaching, and experienced staff on the ground, supported by a proven operational structure that sets it apart from newer, untested offerings entering the market.

New Zealand rider Zaria Carter, 15, celebrates her first international victory at the 2025 Global Amateur Tour Mexico Competition alongside her family and GAT co-founders Christian Lopez Redetzki and Lucy Olphert.

As the largest and longest-running international tour of its kind, Global Amateur Tour continues to set the benchmark for premium international competition experiences for amateur riders worldwide.

The 2026 GAT Mexico Competition Tour will run from the 28th May – 8th June, combining elite training, international competition, and a family-friendly programme designed to support both riders and supporters.

Applications for the GAT Mexico Children’s Category are now open. Places are strictly limited, and selection is subject to experience, results, and suitability.

Expressions of Interest close on 9 February. (Use the button below)

Expression of Interest

You can also apply directly using the button below.

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