BSJA Membership Poll

[Doncella]

Back to my post as regards area. This is a poor BS area in so far as the competitions do not come up as far up the county as I live, nearest OD 50 miles away, upto 100 miles away, no training and nearest indoor 70 miles away on A and B roads including over the mountains and to cap it all the unaff scene is totally SH$T.

 

[dieseldog]

Sorry, little rant there...

But my reason for putting 'other' is that I think BS still need to make amateur classes for AMATEURS! I know the technical definition is someone who is not doing it as a profession, and some HORSES are discounted due to the money they've won, but there is no such rule for riders. I think (and I could be wrong but sure I heard it somewhere) that in BE, as a rider, if you've won a certain number of points you can't compete below a certain level, which I think is great. For riders with young horses, but who are very experienced and likely to do well, I don't see an issue with them going BN, Disc, Newc, Fox etc., but in terms of the amateur classes, I think the rider winnings should be reviewed as well as the horses'.

I know some people will say that that's not fair, as if you have more than one horse you will have more winnings as a rider, but why not rank the riders' winnings by the classes in which they were won, e.g. winnings from BN/Disc are not counted towards competing in the 90cm/1m amateurs, winnings from Newcomers and below aren't counted towards eligibility for 1.05/1.10 amateur classes, from Foxhunters and below aren't counted for 1.15/1.20's and so on... That way, people can do the amateur classes at a level where they can be competitive and not be competing against 1.20/1.30 horses.

Just an idea, but I think it's both workable and sensible, to give real amateur riders a chance!!

Sorry for the long email.... double choc chip muffin and hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream to those who got this far!!!

Amateur Classes are done on rider winnings and not horse winnings. The Top 450 riders can not enter the 90cm or 1m classes. This basically means anyone who has been placed just once in a 1.25+ class on a Grade A will be on the Top 450 riders list and therefore can not jump these classes. The 1.10 and 1.15 is limited to the top 150.

 

[stencilface]

I put more grassroots, as many places near us rarely do many 90cm open etc, which I what I mean - not a 60cm class - that would be crazy for a horse at an aff comp imho!

I have won £215 act £93 notional over a period of 4 years (but I prob only do about 8 comps a year - absolute maximum) so am still eligible for BN. My sister has won £128 act and £123 notional (or similar) over a period of 15 years - her horse is now 19 and is not really going to go past 1.0m classes now. He has done about 3-4 newcomers in his time, but not for years. What I don't get is why she is not allowed to downgrade to jump BN again, given that in recent years, I don't think she has won much (if any) money. Finding places that have a 90cm or less class is a pain, and if they have only one arena, she is unable to jump HC in the BN, and then be competitive in the Disc. She doesn't feel confident going straight in at Disc most days.

Why can't they introduce a downgrading system like BE have? My sister is not a pot hunter, just wants to jump well constructed rounds that aren't out of her comfort zone.

 

[meardsall_millie]

I'm probably going to be in the minority here but I don't really have any problems or issues with BS.

I'm an Eventer at heart but am also a BS member with both horses and really enjoy my forays over to 'the dark side'.

I guess I'm lucky in that I live in an area with (generally) plenty of good show centres to choose from, although I wouldn't be able to find something every weekend even if I wanted to. I certainly don't think we have as many centres up here as there are 'darn sarf'!

My horses are at slightly different levels - one is jumping BN/Disco and the other Newcomers but I like the fact I can stick them both on the lorry and go and jump consecutive classes. Yes there is sometimes a bit of a wait if it's busy but I enjoy watching others and there's usually a decent cafe for a cuppa.

I don't think it's that expensive either to join or for the classes. To be honest I'd rather pay that little bit more and be assured of well built courses, etc. I also think there's plenty for the lower level riders to aim at with the normal 2nd rounds, the Amateur Champs, Blue Chips, etc. In all honesty I think the options narrow as you move up the levels.

I'll go and hide now shall I?

 

[stencilface]

I don't have many bug bears with BS, I'd rather not wait as long for classes, as it means more time spent in the cafe.....

 

[natalia]

My main gripe with BS is that every time I buy a new horse I have to reregister it in my name. This means I have to pay a years sub on each horse (£70 +) every time, when I only intend to keep each horse for a month or two. EXPENSIVE! I would love to be able to join horses as 6 month subs, as it would be farrrrr cheaper! (currently they only let you join a horse for 6 months if you are a 6 month member also)

 

[CrazyMare]

I would join BS if they had adults on pony classes, even just at the lower competitions. I don't fancy taking my 13hh fell to compete against 16hh or 17hh hand horses even though she can comfortably jump the heights.

I do - Mine isn't a native, but shes only 13.1h.

Atm shes off games, so its not in question.

My confusion is all the types of classes, what you can qualify for and what heights they are etc etc.

I see people talking about derby classes which I'd love to give a go, but no idea how.

 

[Natpillai]

Just seen Diesel dog's reply - now I think of it I realise they limit the lower classes to the top 450/150 but that, to me, isn't enough. Given the thousands of BS members there are, I don't think cutting out the top 450 riders for a 1m amateur is really enough - there are plenty of riders out there who would still be eligible but, in my opinion, take away from it being a truly amateur class...

But, aside from all my rants on here, I actually do love BS - these are just small gripes I have (which I seem to manage to turn into a million-page rant!). But you asked a specific question so I focussed on what I see as areas for improvement.

But I'll always be a show jumper at heart!!!