Professional riders competing at unaffiliated events

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My Boys M&D

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I have just got home from a lovely (if long!) weekend at the Trailblazers dressage championships. I am really pleased with my boy, he behaved perfectly and we have come home with a handful of ribbons :D

However, I was watching the Prelim final prize giving and it transpired that the lady who won the prelim also won the novice (on the same horse). Purely out of interest I googled her name and it transpires that she is an international dressage rider, has represented GB on several occasions, is a BD Regional Trainer and a List 3 judge.

I don't want to take anything away from her, her horse was perfectly schooled and she rode it beautifully. However it did make me feel a little sad that Trailblazers is no longer a chance for true amateurs competing at unaffiliated level to go and compete at a championship.

I completely understand when pros bring their youngsters to unaffiliated shows to get experience etc. On the days I am against a pro who gets an amazing score I just put it down to bad luck and am chuffed if I am not too far behind! I do feel it's slightly different competing at a championship final though- there are points restrictions for the horses but not the riders so there is technically nothing to stop Charlotte Dujardin competing on Bob the Cob (and probably winning!).

Does anyone else feel this is a little unfair? Just to clarify, I was competing in different classes so this isn't a case of sour grapes! :) I was just interested in what the general consensus was?
 
Nope I don't after this weekend - I was at an unaffiliated ODE and Imogen Murray was entered in the 90cm class (I think?) - she went round Badminton this year. She had a pretty difficult round with (I think) 2 or 3 stops. As a friend said to me, horses are a great leveller :)
 
I googled and think they are two different people with similar names, the pro has an i in her name, the trailblazers winner does not, I cannot see a pro rider taking part in prelims at that level but if they are allowed then that is down to the organisers who are probably more interested in making money and gettnig the entries in than anything else.

Low level eventing is a chance for the pros to get green horses started, many prefer to go to good unaff venues so they don't have anything on record with youngsters, it is also far cheaper than BE and they can only do 90 HC so even more reason to go unaff.
 
Also googled... a case of mistaken identity I think... phew!
The trailblazer s winner only has BD points at prelim :wink3:
 
As long as it's within the rules then it's acceptable. Is trailblazers particularly marketed as an amateur series? I Thought is was but it doesn't seem to mention it on its website.

Having said that I think a professional particularly at the level you describe comes across as rather pathetic having gone right through to the championships when I'd have expected them to be doing Regionals and Nationals at affiliated.
 
be positive said:
Low level eventing is a chance for the pros to get green horses started, many prefer to go to good unaff venues so they don't have anything on record with youngsters, it is also far cheaper than BE and they can only do 90 HC so even more reason to go unaff.
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Exactly 😊
 
Ahhh that would explain it then :D In that case, congratulations to the winner and I shall withdraw my application for google sleuth :D
 
There used to be a SJer in our area who did that - pot hunting at small local shows on a regular basis. When his lorry turned up most people knew and he was really unpopular. On one occasion when his horse ditched him (I imagine he was as ruthless with his horses) everbody cheered :D
 
I have seen Hoys horses compete at intro bd quest, which is aimed at those just starting out. Inter discipline though so not much can be done about it. They of course did well at that level. I guess it's a nice way for the horses to try something new.
 
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