2026 Absorbine/NEDA Symposium ~ Demo Riders
2026 Absorbine/NEDA Symposium featuring
~ JAN BRINK ~
Demonstration Riders!
NEDA is soliciting demonstration riders for the Absorbine/ NEDA Symposium with Jan Brink.
The event will be held at Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley, MA on October 17 & 18, 2026.
On-line Demo Rider applications open July 1, 2026 and close August 10, 2026. Applicants must be (or become) a NEDA Member to apply. The selection committee is looking for all levels of horses from young 5 and 6 year olds to Grand Prix. All applications will be reviewed by a panel of no fewer than three people, at least two of whom will be either USEF ‘S’ or FEI Judges. That panel will make their recommendations to Jan Brink, who will approve of the final selection of horse and rider combinations, including reserve spots. Applications will be accepted through an online process only. Riders may apply for a spot in the symposium on multiple horses as we strive to find a diversity of talent to fill the slots with a variety of horse types. We will welcome riders from adult amateur, young rider and seasoned professional ranks. Riders should have third level competitive experience or equivalent and be open to the challenge of riding in front of a crowd. The quality of your video will greatly impact your application!
If you are thinking of being a demonstration rider, we highly suggest that riders, owners grooms and guests should purchase tickets as soon as possible. If you are selected, two tickets associated with your rider application will be refunded within 2 weeks of the rider selection process being completed. Make accommodations now with your favorite hotel, VRBO or B&B as the weekend is already booking up.
We are looking forward to seeing your submissions. Please apply on July 1 and thank you for your support in making the Absorbine/ NEDA symposium a great success. We could not do it without you!
CLICK HERE for DEMO RIDER APPLICATION
About Jan Brink:
Competing for Sweden, Jan Brink had a hugely successful career as a dressage competitor. He competed
in five World Equestrian Games, the first in Rome on Bjorsells Fontana, and the rest with his great partner, the stallion, Bjorsells Briar.
With Briar, he competed in three Olympic Games: 2000 (9 th ), 2004 (7 th ) and 2008 (12 th ). Jan also was
seven times international medalist, seven times Swedish Champion, eight times finalist in the World Cup and winner of the Aachen Championship in 2005.
Jan Brink retired from international competition in 2009, to focus on running Tullstrop Dressage Stable, a very successful training, education, sales and breeding barn that he built from scratch and developed since he was in his early 20s. At Tullstrop, Jan trains both horses and riders from a young age up to the highest level of the sport. He has an eye for finding young horse prospects and develops them with good horsemanship to become future Grand Prix stars. Jan’s training and teaching is all about making happy athletes. He develops both horse and rider to their full potential and focuses on finding the right future competition partner for each individual.
Jan himself trained with Kyra Kyrklund for nearly 30 years during his competitive career and is now
hosting Kyra at Tullstorp once a month for his training group riders in Knytkalaset.
Thank you to our 2025 Symposium Sponsors!
