New for 2017, British Dressage is proud to present the Thoroughbred Dressage Championships. Riders of these fabulous horses will now have the opportunity to qualify for a prestigious championship final at Houghton Hall in Cambridgeshire on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2017.
This Championship is in addition to the hugely popular Retraining of Racehorses series, the difference being that this one’s a dressage opportunity for riders of all Thoroughbred horses, including those who’ve never set foot on the racetrack.
Best known for their ability on the track, the talent of these hot-blooded athletes doesn't stop there! Though blessed with great speed, they're courageous, sensitive and intelligent too, making them great dressage partners with the right training.
What levels do they run at?
- Intro
- Prelim
- Novice
- Elementary
- Medium
Who can compete?
- Open to any horse who holds a full thoroughbred passport, DNA test or breeder’s validation.
- This is open to current Full and Club members. People who have never competed BD before are welcome.
- They are run under BD/Quest rules and combinations must be eligible for the level at which they wish to compete.
Who do I need to be a member of to be able to qualify?
- To qualify for the Thoroughbred Championship riders need to be a minimum of a Club member (£30). Horses must be a minimum of associate registered. Associate registration is free of charge.
- This allows the combination to compete at Intro and Prelim levels. Novice will require class tickets to compete unless you are a full BD member. BD will provide two free class tickets to anyone who is not a full member who would like to try and qualify.
- For the final, riders need to be a full BD member on an associate (free) horse with BD.
How do I qualify?
- Qualification period is between the 1 January 2017 and 30 September 2017.
- A horse and rider combination needs to achieve three scores at 60% or above in regular BD or Quest competitions at the level they wish to compete at.
- All horses and riders must be eligible for Bronze or Silver at the level they wish to qualify in accordance with BD rules.
- By achieving the three scores this gives direct qualification to the championships.
What shows can I get my scores at?
- Scores can be gained in any regular BD affiliated competition or BD Quest Competition. To see a list of competitions please visit http://schedules.britishdressage.co.uk/default.aspx
- Score sheets from Area Festivals, Regionals, Winter or National Championships, and Quest Regional or Quest National Championships, may not be used towards qualification.
Can I compete at different levels?
- Combinations may compete and qualify at different levels but can only compete in two levels/classes at the final.
How do I know when I have qualified?
- Once you’ve achieved your three qualifying scores, you need to log your qualification with BD.
- Please send an e-mail to karen.beaumont@britishdressage.co.uk or a write to Karen Beaumont, British Dressage, Meriden Business Park, Copse Drive, Meriden, West Midlands CV5 9RG stating where and when you achieved your three scores to qualify.
- You will then receive an invitation to the final after the qualifying period has ended.
What happens at the final?
- The final will take place at Houghton Hall, Cambridgeshire 18-19 November 2017
I still have questions, who should I contact?
- Karen Beaumont at British Dressage: karen.beaumont@britishdressage.co.uk; 02476 698909