Amateur or not?

[mle22]

If I work as a groom but only ride and compete on my own horses, am I still an amateur for a class that says it's for athletes who do not earn their living from horses?

 

[RideSide]

I would imagine they would mean people who earn their living from competing or training. So I think it would be safe to classify yourself under amateur.

But if you're still not confident possibly there is someone to call affiliated with the competition that can give you advice?

 

[mle22]

Thank you - that's what I thought but will check with organisers

 

[only_me]

I thought it was if you made money from working with horses (as a main job) which includes groom/rider/dealer/Physio etc. Then you aren't classes as an amateur

 

[mle22]

But a groom or a physio or a blacksmith might not even ride even though they get paid for providing a service

 

[only_me]

But a groom or a physio or a blacksmith might not even ride even though they get paid for providing a service

But they still work with horses, even if they only ride their own horses.

 

[RideSide]

But I don't think that would make them professional riders in competition. It would hardly be fair if a farrier or groom who just rides a nag and can do a basic canter has to do elite jumping or dressage in competition purely because he shoes horses for a living as opposed to his riding abilities/level.

 

[Shay]

Always best to check with the organiser if the definitions are not clear in the rule book. I can see circumstances where a professional groom would be excluded from an amateur class - showing particularly.

 

[Nappy Croc]

Pretty sure you're not an amateur by most showing rule books as a groom. Vets are counted out of many, not much riding in that job!

 

[mle22]

Will certainly check with organisers but I really can't see how mucking out stables and cleaning tack for a small private yard would turn you into a professional rider!

 

[Addicted to Hunting]

Whilst it doesn't turn you into a professional rider, if the rules are that you can't earn your wage from horses then unfortunately that also means grooms etc, is always best to check with the organisers. It's how the rule is worded and it doesn't work for quite a few people.

 

[Goldenstar]

You need to check as it means different things in different situations .
Personally I think if you're riding in your own time and not being paid you are an amateur I fell foul of this once ,was told I was not an amateur , I earn no money don't work don't sell horses on it turned out they rather arbitrarily classed me as too good to an amateur.