We have known for some time that groups of the membership have felt frustrated with the limiting nature of the current competition structure. We’re also aware that there are some barriers for new people coming in to the sport and we often hear of BD being too ‘elitist’, ‘complicated’ or ‘restrictive’ which doesn’t fit in with the basic principles of BD. It’s now time this was addressed.
Below is a summary of the main points of the proposals but there is a more extensive document which you can download and read. What we're presenting to you now is not the finalised article - what we're looking for is your feedback in principle to the concept and comments on what's missing, what you like/don't like, etc. See the bottom of this page on how to give feedback.
Main points
- The new system is based on the results of a combination, not the level a rider may have achieved in the past. Plus, it allows combinations to stay at a level so that they can continue to be competitive without the risk of being forced to go up a level.
- Rider groups will be simplified to just five levels one to five according to the level at which points are won.
- Group 5 – points won up to Novice level
- Group 4 – points won up to Elementary level
- Group 3 – points won up to Medium level (including FEI pony)
- Group 2 – points won up to advanced medium (including FEI Junior) advanced, prix st georges (including FEI YR) and intermediate I
- Group 1 – points won at intermediate II, intermediate A & B, U25 grand prix or grand prix or have competed in a CDI at small, medium or big tour.
- No more open and restricted sections. Under the new system, there will be three sections; gold, silver and bronze which enables combinations to move sideways as opposed to up the ladder. Bronze will be for those who are new to each level up to 50 points, silver is the middle ground, up to 150 points and gold is for horses who’ve achieved more than 150 points at any level but they can stay at this level forever. Group 1 riders will have to ride in gold sections at all levels.
- Horses won’t be given grading levels but their records will show the number of points won at each level to determine gold, silver or bronze status.
- Downgrading and training sections no longer exist.
- In terms of Championships, bronze combinations will head to Petplan Equine Area Festivals, silver can elect for Area Festivals or Regionals and gold will qualify for Regionals. So combinations aiming to qualify for regionals each year will need to enter the silver section.
- Combinations can move up or down the levels at any stage according to the points thresholds. So you may be riding at silver novice level but then when you try some elementary tests, you’ll be elementary bronze. If you should win 15 or more points at elementary, you’ll be promoted to gold novice but you have up to 50 points at elementary before you move up to silver. You can continue to move up the scale but if your horse is injured or as he ages you can always go back down the levels at gold – even prelim!
- Combinations will be able to compete in anything they qualify for provided they are eligible. So if you’re lucky enough to qualify for the Petplan Area Festival Championships and the Winters, you’ll be doing both at Hartpury.
- Prelim will be part of this system so points awarded as per levels above.
- If you get a new horse or for any other horses you ride, you’ll be able to compete at any level in the section corresponding to the combination’s points total.
- Points will be awarded on a rolling scale from 60% as previous. However, as 80% is the new 70%, points will be awarded for all +60% scores up to 100% at one point for every 2% increment. So, a score of 76.7% will give you nine points as opposed to a maximum of six under the current rules.
- Points will be awarded to horses competing at CDIs in line with other classes.
If you want to read a more detailed document with more information, diagrams and examples, you can do so by clicking here or request a printed copy from 02476 698845.
Members who are able to attend the members' meeting on Thursday 10 April at Hartpury as part of the NAF Five Star Winter Championships will have a presentation on the concept and the opportunity to ask questions.
How to give feedback
We’ve devised a simple on-line questionnaire for your general impression and feedback – just click here and complete by Friday 06 June. There is opportunity for you to make your own comments using this method.
We look forward to receiving your feedback!