paddi22
Well-Known Member
I think people should attain 'pro' status through results. Ie once they have reached a certain level with a particular horse they compete as a pro or HC. That's how they do it in triathlon - it is hugely prestigious to be able to race in the 'elite' waves of a triathlon and not with the age groupers.
That's a really interesting theory, and can totally see the logic in it.
The yard owner one is a line that had to be drawn, There would be no way of deciding between who the 'good' and 'bad' riders were in yard owners. There is also the idea that even if they aren't good riders they DO have access to arenas, facilities etc much easier than someone who has to commute an hour after work or pay for arena hire.