Long-term Athlete Development (LTAD)

Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) is a systemic approach being developed and adopted by Equine Canada to maximize a participant/athletes potential and involvement in our sport. The LTAD framework aims to define optimal training, competition and recovery program based on biological age rather than chronological age. It is athlete centered, coach driven and administration, sport science and sponsor supported.

By tailoring an athletes/participant’s sports development program to suit basic principles of growth and maturation. especially during the 'critical' early years of their development, enables him / her to:

• Reach full potential (introduction to Olympic podium)
• Increase lifelong participation in Equestrian and other physical× activities
• Improving health and well-being

This framework will set out recommended training sequences and skills developments for the participant from the Active Start stage (6 and under) to the Active for Live Stage (adult recreational). It will address the physical, mental, emotional and technical needs of the athlete as they pass through each stage of development.