Is joining BD worth it?

[GinaGeo]

I'm really a frustrated (very amateur) Eventer at heart, but I definitely can't justify joining BE this year.

Have a couple of horses. One six year old - doesn't really need to aim for anything serious and wouldn't be eligible for any of the Associated Champs. It would really be experience for him - which could easily be achieved at unaffiliated. Although a Champs might be good experience for him.

And an older horse who has opted out of eventing and is working at Medium and would be eligible for the Native Pony Champs (Part-Bred Welsh) and the Side Saddle Champs. I think it would be fun to do some Dressage to Music with him too. He doesn't need to go and do anything and will do the Side Saddle stuff regardless. But it would complement what he's doing.

In the past I've lost interest with BD once we've qualified for stuff - it always seems like a long way to go for one test. But most of the Champs we'd be interested in would be within an hour's travel now. As opposed to needing to travel and stay overnight which would help.

 

[milliepops]

personally i think so, particularly at the level of your older horse. i let my membership lapse as have nothing doing any work at the moment but am planning to sign up again as soon as I'm able to compete again. for me i don't really bother with unaffiliated shows after ensuring that we can get round the ring on a cheap entry.

things i like: generally the shows are well run, i like the progression and record, the guarantee of listed judges and the opportunities for championships. i've done lots of AFs, regionals, musics, associated champs etc and enjoyed all of them so BD it is

 

[scats]

I’ve contemplated joining BD but decided it’s not really for me at the moment. I may change my mind at some point but I’m quite happy pootling out to some unaffiliated and I’m not really bothered about championships and things anymore so I think it would be largely pointless for me to spend the extra money.

 

[ihatework]

I think BD is pretty good value, they offer loads of stuff for all levels. Provided you can cope with the whole dressage diva scene ?

 

[humblepie]

I have gone the other way and not renewed but may be tempted back for the associate champs. With your horses and not going eventing I would say go for it as lots to aim at. I have also done a few free training sessions as guinea pig for judge training or exams and those were good.

 

[GinaGeo]

Thank you - I needed a shove. You’ve shoved me ?

I can dig out a navy jacket and cream stock. But can I keep my beige breeches and plain brown tack? Or will dressage land refuse me entry ?

 

[milliepops]

oh yeah, you might like doing regional activities depending on your location. i enjoyed doing the home international, english counties also do an inter-county challenge. Regional training is also cheaper if you're a member.

 

[milliepops]

beige breeches fine, i rode up to Inter 1 in mine no actual rules to say all your tack has to be black and shiny

 

[GinaGeo]

Thank goodness for that!

TBF we’re currently all mismatched. Black saddle. Brown leathers. Brown bridle. ?

Perhaps I will put black bridle on the wish list.

See it’s catching already ?

 

[Cragrat]

Thank goodness for that!

TBF we’re currently all mismatched. Black saddle. Brown leathers. Brown bridle. ?

Perhaps I will put black bridle on the wish list.

See it’s catching already ?

I think mismatched should be new matchy-matchy. I have a black bridle , with a buckle cheek pieecs and billet reins and a brown dressage saddle. It fits, the horse likes it, so I ain't changing it!

 

[LEC]

I find BD the best organised and set up of all the disciplines with something for everyone. I did the CT champs and qualifiers are coming up soon so might be something to aim for?

 

[GinaGeo]

Combined Training? That could be a fun one to do.

I definitely need something to be aiming for!

 

[little_critter]

Thank goodness for that!

TBF we’re currently all mismatched. Black saddle. Brown leathers. Brown bridle. ?

Perhaps I will put black bridle on the wish list.

See it’s catching already ?

Don’t forget to add a bling browband ?

 

[LEC]

Combined Training? That could be a fun one to do.

I definitely need something to be aiming for!

Yep qualifiers are coming up now with champs in March.

 

[GinaGeo]

Yep qualifiers are coming up now with champs in March.

Thank you - I'd better crack on then!

They're certainly offering more than they did when I was a member previously!

 

[milliepops]

yep they have done a lot to make it inclusive and inviting I think. You get people moaning about a championship for all, but if you want to be a purist you can stick with regionals and ignore the rest, and if you want to get your money's worth - go for everything!!

 

[GinaGeo]

yep they have done a lot to make it inclusive and inviting I think. You get people moaning about a championship for all, but if you want to be a purist you can stick with regionals and ignore the rest, and if you want to get your money's worth - go for everything!!

After spending three years trying to get qualified for Badminton Grassroots and the stars never quite aligning it will be quite refreshing to have things to aim for with championships being pretty forthcoming!

I'm quite surprised just how many things I could aim for with my "not setting the world alight - topped out at Medium" horse.

I'm all about getting my moneys worth!

 

[Squeak]

Yep qualifiers are coming up now with champs in March.

I was sure we'd just had the CT Champs a month or two ago so was waiting to start qualifying later in the year. My local qualifier is tomorrow - bit late now ?

Thanks for the heads up though, there are still a couple that are local enough to head to so I'd better get on that!!

 

[LEC]

I was sure we'd just had the CT Champs a month or two ago so was waiting to start qualifying later in the year. My local qualifier is tomorrow - bit late now ?

Thanks for the heads up though, there are still a couple that are local enough to head to so I'd better get on that!!

it got a bit confusing as covid screwed one lot of champs so ran Q in October/November with champs in Dec. 2022 is back on correct cycle.

 

[Xmasha]

I was pleasantly surprised when I joined . I expected a load of divas , but I found the complete opposite. A real lovely group of people who are chatty , welcoming and helpful. Even test reading for each other . I’m hoping to get out again soon .

 

[Squeak]

it got a bit confusing as covid screwed one lot of champs so ran Q in October/November with champs in Dec. 2022 is back on correct cycle.

Ahh thank you that makes sense. I've been dithering about whether BD is worth it or not too and so not really been 'on it' for what qualifiers are when.

 

[RachelFerd]

Its definitely worth it on the basis of having consistent competitions, (at least reasonably) consistent judging - and it all being very well run. And if qualifiers and champs float your boat, there is definitely something for everyone.