BYRDS - Am I good enough "/ & How to Join

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Ellie2893

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Hi HHO's.


i really want to join BYRDS a its been a goal of mine since I started this stressage lark but I don't think I'm good enough and ill be a laughing stock on my typically un-Dressage type horse :(

we are registered and have competed at about 4-5 BD shows (I've been injured recently so off for about 3 months) placed 1st-4th in them all and qualified for winter nationals from PetPlan at the last one but only at prelim...

We will be moving up to novice restricted once we've been to the winter nationals.

He's competed up to elementary & medium so he 'can' do the lengthening/lateral work etc but he is a 14.2hh cob x appy so it's not expressive like a 16.3hh warmblood!

I want to join so...

how do i do it?
Are there Forms I need to fill in? (I know about the progress chart!)
Ita 3 sessions to go forward for selection - is that right?
Im south west (Wiltshire) when are selection/ squadding days and what are they like?

i really don't want to be laughed at - I just want to be more involved in BD and focus on getting into a team even if its just for the u25s but the home international would be incredible!

Thank you (& sorry for my pathetic plea!
 
In terms of how to join - get in touch with your RDO and they will be able to answer any questions, I'm sure you will have lots so speak to someone who can answer them properly rather than us lot who are guessing most of the time! Here is the link to yours:
http://www.britishdressage.co.uk/your_regions/south_west_region

As for are you good enough, I dont see why not! Most horses (providing they stay sound) can get up to medium and with the right training can go beyond that as well. So dont rule yourself out just because he is not a warmblood! If you were part of the BYRDS team you'd have access to good trainers so that would help your progress.

There is absolutely no harm in trying, after all you dont know until you give it a try! Speak to the RDO to find out when the next selection day is and take it from there, getting to the nationals at any level (even Prelim) is no mean feat, in fact Prelim is one of the busiest levels so you have beaten a heck of a lot of people to get there, that is something to be very proud of and dont talk it down - be proud and get yourself out there! Even if you dont make it into BYRDS, at least you know you have tried and can focus on your individual competition, or perhaps join a RC's dressage team instead which may be slightly easier to get onto yet would give you the same 'team' mentality and to experience some big team competitions.

Good luck!
 
Horses used for BYRDS range from small ponies upwards at all levels so don't feel you aren't good enough. It is about learning and meeting like-minded people.
 
GlamourDol said:
Have a look at Under 21's UK as well.
Lots of training, and competitions.
http://www.dressageunder21s-uk.co.uk/dressage.htm
Click to expand...

Your'll be fine both. You should definately join Under 21s dressage, doesn't matter what level your horse is and under 21s is really friendly.
They put you in groups according to the level your both training at and your age group.

I'm not sure how BYRDS works now as I did Byrds years and years ago and it was just forms to fill in. Must have changed now. Back then there were all shapes and sizes. I went on a 12.2 show pony and was competing Elem. Ended up in a group with a girl on the FEI team!!!Most of the squad type riders are in seperate groups so there'll be lots of people the same level as you.

Have fun!
 
BYRDS is for everyone and there is even a section called Fledglings for the real tinies.

It is great fun and gives you easy access to good training and the chance to be on a team. There three levels within each age group (16 & under, 18 & under and U25's) to give A, B and C groups.
The A group can also be put forward for central training which is for people being considered for the high performance squads.

Tests are based more on how you ride than on what your horse is capable of. The system is about developing the rider and not just about horse power.

My eldest did BYRDS for 2 years (from 12 - 14yo) on a 13.2hh ex-showjumper who had no idea how to go in an outline when we bought her. That little mare went up to novice level, although she was solid at elementary with some of the medium level work when we sold her.
She went on with them on her just backed 4yo Russian Orlov x mare from then up to 18yo when she went off to University. She did occasionally pinch my advanced horse (a 7/8 TB) if hers was out of action or she needed something with a bit more experience. She learnt loads and made a lot of friends whith whom she is still in contact despite no longer riding due to a severe allergy (she can't even get in my car and I have to change clothes before going near her!)

If you are doing that well already you should not be worrying about being 'good enough'.

Contact your BYRDS organiser and get going.
 
I am in the South West BYRDS ...my last year this year :( only 2 months left and I am then a senior. I started back 2 years ago with my 14.1hh pony at Prelim Level, worked my way up, and went to a few training sessions, then we became Champions at the SW BYRDS Festival. The selection/training/squadding it is much more relaxed than you think and not scary at all. Helen Griffiths is fantastic with ponies & horses and I really enjoy her sessions. I find the test riding is really helpful and I have heard the BYRDS Camp is very good - at hartpury.
I would recommend you join, introduce yourself to Helen who is BYRDS Rep and she will be able to send you more info and let you know which sessions are coming up.
If you go onto BD website then click on regional then SW all the BYRDS info is on the calendar and if you scroll down the page.
 
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