AFFILIATED & NON-AFFILIATED

[sbsmiths]

As I'm new to competing, can someone please explain exactly what affiliated and non-affiliated means. Does is just mean you're not a member of a club? Also, how does the "points" system work? I often see adverts which say the horse has x number of points. thanks, Jane

 

[Eriskayowner]

Affiliated means that the competitions are run under very strict rules, and that the horses and riders are members of whichever associated. It costs to become a member of the different affiliations, and a fair amount to enter the competitions.

Regarding the points, it depends which discipline they have competed in.

 

[scarson]

Not sure what discipline your interested in but it is expensive to affiliate so really you have to be serious about it. There are stricter rules when affiliated to. Aswel there is the issue of height for eventing it starts at 3ft sj, 2"9 xc so you obviously have to be able to jump this height, (bsja also 3ft). Points system for eventing you dont need to worry about until Novice level (any horse with points cant compete any lower unless in a open class) they get points according to where they have come in the class.

 

[MagicMelon]

Unaffiliated is basically locally run "fun" type shows, all riding club and pony club is also considered "unaffiliated". Affiliated means that you are a member of the BSJA, BD or BE etc. which generally are a higher level of competition. For example, unaffiliated eventing tends to go to a max height of 3'6 whereas at BE, you can go way beyond that (think Badminton, Burghley etc. they are "BE" type events).

At affiliated, you get prize money and also points on your horse which helps make him more valuable

 

[sbsmiths]

Thanks Magic-Magpie that's much clearer