BD v unaffiliated - can anyone sell me the advantages of affiliating?

FestiveSpirit

FestiveSpirit

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I'm doing a couple of BD prelims on a ticket in May as there is no unaff running on the weekends I want to compete (got to have a ticket as the venues are only running Q classes) :( I've got the tickets today, and have looked through the BD magazine, but I cant really see the benefits of someone like me (doing prelim and novice) bothering to affiliate :confused:

Can anyone 'sell' me the benefits of affiliating? Or shall I just go with my gut feeling that I am not good enough :p:D:D:D

I am used to eventing, where the benefits of affiliation have always been quite tangible for me mainly in the form of better built XC courses (although even that is becomng less of an issue now so many BE venues run unaff events too!)
 
Many of the BD venues also run unaffiliated series from Prelim to GP. They are just as popular and competitive. If you were thinking of selling your horse on a some point then BD points would maybe be an advantage. Try out the BD comps you have on a ticket and then compare with the unaf comps you have done.
 
Consistently marked tests. Being a member gives you access to clinics and camps in your area for both byrds (U25s) and adults. You can gain points (novice and above) and can qualify for the regionals and nationals or Petplan champs.
 
Well I suppose it depends whether you are doing dressage for it's own sake, or just practising for BE dressage. Around this area, a lot of the unaffiliated dressage is on decent surfaces with listed judges, (and often at the same venues as the affiliated), so no real advantage from that point of view to go affiliated. If you just want to get some practice in before going eventing then you will probably be happy to stick to that.

However, if you are interested in dressage for it's own sake, then it is likely you will want to try and qualify for things like the Petplans and the Regionals, and also to gain some points, and for this you need to join BD. Plus as said above, it entitles you to participate in the BD training schemes.
 
I joined because I started to realise that some of the people judging at my local venues had not ridden at a higher level than I had.... The comments I now get at aff are far more constructive than what I was getting at unaff.

My trainer encouraged me saying we were good enough and although I was never winning or anything unaff I have been placed Aff and have got points, so to me it is worth it.
 
I did lots of unaff dr with my old horse but with my new youngster I've just gone straight to BD. I'm not bothering with unaff anymore unless it's for my riding club. I figured that if Im putting in the effort to train my horse properly I may as well compete properly!

I don't notice the standard as being massivly different tbh but it's nice to know the judging is consistent and the shows are really well run. They are held on good surfaces and not the local sand pit!

It's not an awful lot to join really and it's nice knowing that if you do well, you really have done well and that it's on your record. You won't be out of place at all, my TB more than holds his own. There are some beautful warmbloods granted but I've seen natives and Irish horses as well :).

Go for it, I think you will enjoy it :) at the end of the day I bet you will be prouder getting 60% at a BD show than you would unaff :)
 
D'oh, been back and read the rule book again and have bought the tickets for no reason! I had convinced myself that because the class was a qualifier I had to have a ticket, completely misread that one :D

Anyone want two BD tickets? :p Only £7 each with no P&P charged :D
 
Gazehound said:
According to the website you do :confused::confused::confused:

ETA - or thats what I thought it said :confused::confused::confused:
Click to expand...

I know, the website is really confusing!

I dont think you need a ticket but ring the organisers to ask. They will know.

If you dont need to use a ticket then dont waste it on a prelim

From what I could work out (from the website LOL!) if you want to qualify for petplans you have to be on a ticket. It really is vague.
 
Glad it isnt just me Dozzie, I have read it over and over and have got different interpretations every time :o:D:D I'll give the venue a ring tomorrow :)

I have been convinced that affiliation is a good thing BTW, thanks very much for all the feedback it is much appreciated :):):) Just need to afford the fees now :p:D
 
You definitly don't have to be registered or on a ticket to enter the open section in a Prelim. My friend has done it.
 
Gazehound as you have your tickets then you could use them and enter the Restricted section.

If you won the classes with scores of 65% or more you would then be qualified for the Regionals in the summer.
 
JLav said:
Gazehound as you have your tickets then you could use them and enter the Restricted section.

If you won the classes with scores of 65% or more you would then be qualified for the Regionals in the summer.
Click to expand...

:eek::eek::eek::eek:

mutters weakly "well yes, that is true....."

I could try I suppose :D
 
Dont use your tickets for Prelims...save them for when you start at novice.

You can qualify for petplans with sheets even if you and horse are not registered.
http://www.britishdressage.co.uk/uploads/File/Petplan Equine Area Festivals.pdf

If you want to have a go at qualifying for the regionals then you can join but dont need to register your horse until you have qualified (I did this last year)
http://www.britishdressage.co.uk/up...9 Summer & winter reg champ qualification.pdf

The other advantage to you joining is that you can ride in the restricted section, and your horse does not need to be registered at prelim

I know it all seems quite complicated, but once you get into the swing of things you soon get the hang of it.

Good luck
 
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