To affiliate BSJA or not affiliate BSJA- that is the question!

[Shadowdancing]

So next year we are considering affiliating my horse BSJA, but I'm wondering if it's worth it?

Can anyone give me an honest opinion? I've been on the website but found things a bit confusing, maybe it's cos I've never wanted to show jump or planned to show jump, but the horse loves it and she has a jockey now, so is doing well. She's jumping in and winning 1.05 classes and rarely pulls a pole. Has readily jumped 1m 25 at home.

What costs am I looking at as I have horse, rider and owner all separate entities by the looks of things?
Is it a really cut throat environment as we're quite liking the friendlier atmosphere of local shows and cash jumping...?
What do you see as the main benefits?

Any thoughts and advice please?

 

[ljohnsonsj]

I prefer to jump BS, even my 4yo's get registered straight away and go and jump a BN for their first show rather than going Unaff.

It just depends what you want from it really. I love the atmosphere, people I compete with are really friendly to be fair and judges and stewards are always fair.

I'm not sure how much you'll be looking at to register the horse,owner & rider but I imagine it will be well over £200.

The main benefits are the quality of the courses and the shows, so many chances to jump at great places and qualify for shows. Obviously the prize money is good so long as your horse is winning!

 

[Shadowdancing]

I prefer to jump BS, even my 4yo's get registered straight away and go and jump a BN for their first show rather than going Unaff.

It just depends what you want from it really. I love the atmosphere, people I compete with are really friendly to be fair and judges and stewards are always fair.

I'm not sure how much you'll be looking at to register the horse,owner & rider but I imagine it will be well over £200.

The main benefits are the quality of the courses and the shows, so many chances to jump at great places and qualify for shows. Obviously the prize money is good so long as your horse is winning!

Thank you very much, that does help.

 

[PorkChop]

Short answer - yes

Well built courses, decent prize money, well worth it in my opinion.

They sometimes do discounts for new members/riding club members etc.

 

[dixie]

Yes, definitely worth it.

Nicely built course, nice venues, prize money. I prefer the atmosphere and running of the shows. Lots of qualifiers to aim for too.
It does cost more to join the BS and enter the classes but then you can win prize money.

If you are a member of a Riding Club you can get good discounts in the first two years, think the horse was free or similar.
You could also jump the horse on a ticket initially if you wanted to test the waters.

 

[Chiffy]

We are really eventers but often BS in the winter. We have never found it 'cut throat' but perfectly friendly. Even when we look like eventers! i.e. Cream breeches and tweed jackets, haha!
Good courses, well run.
Jumping on a ticket is a bit soul destroying as you don't even get a rosette or any prize. Could you not attend a show on foot to see if you like it?

 

[ellie_e]

DO it!