Going Affiliated- when do you know you're ready?

trickivicki

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Hi all,

I dont normally post in here BUT this seems like the best place.

P seems to be rather promising and is really throwing himself into his work at the moment.

When do you make the step? How do you know if you're ready? I dont want to embarass ourselves!

I dont know anyone who has ever gone BD so its a bit daunting trying to make the jump!!!

Thoughts on a postcard....

V x
 
In my experience BD events have been really welcoming and not at all intimidating! I was lucky enough to win membership through H&H so went in very blind but had a great time. People and horses come in all shapes and sizes- some very professional, some more like me hahaha!- had a great time and learnt lots.

You can compete at BD prelim without a ticket tho to give it a try- or have a go on a ticket from novice upwards.

Good luck and have fun :D
 
i would go and do a BD prelim without a thought- V's first ever outing as a baby horse was to BD- i figure the classes are normally quieter than unaffiliated and often the other competitors are better behaved ;) plus if you get placed you might actually win some money. go for it- you have nothing to lose- you can enter the open prelim section without being a member :)
 
I'd do it if I could justify the expense, and/or thought I could qualify for something. If I get on well with my mum's new pony I intend to see how she does at BD at prelim, or novice on a ticket. If I manage by some miracle to do well (ie scores above 60%) then I'll consider my finances.

Go for it :D
 
I echo diggerbez' thoughts.....

I think as well with BD its easier to make the step up to aff because its not like BS or BE where you would do something which could frighten a horse who wasnt quite ready. The way I see it is the tests you will be doing are the same as those at unaff so really the advantages are higher quality judges, usually better venues, the chance to gain points/money/qualifications for other comps and of course a good record and value added to your horse.

as she says, you dont need to be a member for prelim so why not go do one of those first and see how you feel?
 
I see! I didn't know you could have taster comps, there should be nothing stopping me now (other than my ridiculous nerves!).

Any nice venues in the Worcestershire area?

V x
 
you can also buy a 'ticket to ride' (not sure how much they are for BD but not a great amount I imagine) and this will basically make you a 'member' for the class so you could do a few on a ticket first before making your mind up and taking the plunge?
 
I'd been doing unaff prelim for the last 3 years and was getting a bit fed up with some rather random judging, so I friend suggested I try BD which I was a bit :eek: about! But after some positive comments on here I thought why not!

At prelim neither you nor your horse need to be registered with BD to have a go you just enter the open section but you can still qualify for area festivals (you do then have to join if you want to go to them though). We have done 4 BD prelim comps in the last few months and have managed to qualify for the area festivals and got placed a couple of times.

Trust me if we can do it anyone can! :)
 
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