Qualifying in the BD Open Sections

[happihorse]

I managed to get a few points at Medium level a couple of years ago when I got to ride a schoolmaster. I only did a few classes and didn't get very good marks.

I bought a completely novice horse a while ago and have been starting from the bottom again. However, because I am in the open section, although my percentages are pretty good (66% up), I am constantly being beaten by professionals so I am finding it really difficult to qualify. How can it be fair for someone who only has one horse and works full time to support their hobby be against the professionals, just because I got a few points a couple of years ago?!?

I missed out on qualifying for the summer regionals because of this and am now aiming to quality for the Winters at Novice, but am finding this such a problem. I've even started looking at the records of all riders in the class to see if I have a chance before the event, but it's making me fed up!

I am really please with my horse and how well he is going, but would just love to qualify for the regoinals.

We are nearly ready to move up to elementary and I understand that according to the new rules (effective 1/12/07), I may be able to compete in the restricted section, so I suppose that is one good thing!

Sorry to moan, but does anyone else have this problem?

 

[Ferdinase514]

I guess it is difficult to make the system please every one

You need to pick your venues and days carefully, would be my advice

Esp if you are gaining good scores.

 

[Tempi]

why not do the Area Festivals then? Thats what they are for, the amateur rider.

Personally i LOVE competing against the professionals, and i cant wait to get out and do some Premier Leagues next year against the 'big' names.

Regionals qualification dosent bother me, if its going to happen it will, if it dosent its not the end of the world!

I compete open novice, but when i was competing Bloss medium i made sure i did it HC as i didnt want to have to ride elementary open.

 

[CSYMolly]

It is tough I have a friend in exactly the same position as you, I'll probably be there one day too with my next horse. Does seem a bit unfair but there are loads in the same position I guess. Would be nice if they could somehow separate the people that ride for a living from the amateurs.

 

[FREESTYLER]

Know it may not be the same but Addington is having a Championships for the Amateurs now. Apparently next year they hope to make it affilliated. Have a look at Addington Dressage site! It is difficult but dont dispair

BD do as PG said have the AF and they in themselves are very prestigious!!

 

[happihorse]

Thanks for your comments and ideas. Was feeling a little dispondent earlier!

I have done the Area Festivals before and they are a great atmosphere, but I don't like to travel too far (as I only have a trailer) and there are none near me this year.

I have been sorting some stuff out this afternoon and I've decided I'm going to keep tyring to qualify for the Novice Open Winter Regional until the end of September. If I do, that's great, if I don't it doesn't really matter. Then I'm having three weeks off work ('exam leave'

) to concentrate on my boy. I'm booking an intensive training course with my trainer and then I'm going to do some Elementary tests with my horse. The plan is then to quality at Elementary Restricted in December!

I'm feeling really positive now - I feel like I have an action plan.

Off to do Novice this weekend and again, I'm against the pros! Still, it might be my lucky day and I might get through!

Thanks again for your help.