BSJA Amateur Classes

[StaceyTanglewood]

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" I think you just have a case of sour grapes tbh. Get over it is all I would say as our sport is riddled with rich people buying success. You can't and won't change it...

I am sorry but we are having a light hearted chat about these classes, and i think the above comment is very Unnecessary, i havent got sour grapes at all, i was just intrested in peoples comments.

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My reply was to StaceyTanglewood, not you, and I believe her comment warranted it.

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and you shouldnt comment on something you have no idea about either !!

 

[Joules]

I think this is a good debate... when is an Amateur not an amateur... for me its when they work on a professional yard, earning money out of competing!!!

I think im a true amateur.. I work full time and fund my horses, I have two horses that I compete BSJA on a weekend, and if im really luckly the odd show at Bicton, although we do well we aint ever going to be a world beater... but hey I enjoy it and thats the main thing! I compete in the amateur classes but refuse to go to the championships because there will be professional horses with 2nd line jockeys... whats the point?! However I do do well with the amateur classes as for the 2nd year running I have won our regional points on my 21 year old horse!!!!

I dont think anyone is jealous or being sour, its just annoying when you spend your money on taking your horses to a show which is aimed"amateurs" to then have to compete against these class horses and riders who are far from Amateur!!!!!

 

[Rambo]

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I think this is a good debate... when is an Amateur not an amateur... for me its when they work on a professional yard, earning money out of competing!!!

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Well, actually, i think the answer is even simpler than that tbh...

An amateur is not an amateur (in the context of these classes anyway) when they break the rules permitting entry to said classes.

There are many different 'amateur' classes offered throughout the year. The Hickstead Amateur Champs are open to anyone who is not competing at 1.30m or above at the Derby Meeting. The BSJA National Am Champs are open to anyone who is outside the Top 250 (or Top 450 for 1m and below classes) in the rankings, and also anyone who has represented their country in the past x years. The Towerlands Amateur classes have another set of criteria again and so on. The bottom line is there are rules to be adhered to, and in general people do follow them. Obviously if people break the rules then there isa case to be answered.....