Jon Elliott: Stepping into the Role of Team Selector

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 4* event rider and US Olympic team selector Jon Elliott. Jon started riding at an early age and went on to develop numerous upper-level event horses and have an influential role in the eventing world. On his horse Aspen, Jon finished 4th at the Rolex Kentucky CCI*** in 1998. In addition to his long-time partnership with Aspen, Jon completed the Burghley CCI**** in England and the Rolex Kentucky CCI**** on Kilcoltrim. In 2004, Jon and his wife Suzy started Aspen Farm in Yelm, Washington, with the intent of running high level events on the west coast. Jon is a popular clinician, successful Area VII young rider coach, and team selector for the US Olympic Eventing Team. In this episode, Jon discusses topics related to his career and role as a team selector, including: • The early stages of his riding career and his accomplishments as an upper-level event rider. • The evolution of eventing as a sport and social media’s newfound influence on the industry. • His decision to move away from the east coast and build a facility in Washington. • The process and timeline of selecting an eventing team for the US. • The vetting process in the selection trials and the lead up to the Paris Olympics. Join Jon and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the team selection process.