Trouble joining the BSJA

[greath0210]

Has anyone had this situation before or know how to get round it? I bought my horse 3.5 yrs ago from a registered show jumper / dealer. My horse had been registered with the BSJA by this person. I now have aspirations to jump affiliated having tried an Intro and British Novice in the Autumn and doing quite well. The BSJA tell me I cannot register my horse as the previous owner is suspended from the BSJA membership as he owes them money. Apparently as my horse was previously registered the BSJA need to do a change of ownership whch they say they cant whilst the dispute with the previous owner is unresolved. So my horse and I are penalised but have nothing to do with the dispute. What if it never gets resolved will I never be able to register my horse. Surely this is unfair. I thought the BSJA wanted members. What can I do?

 

[ladyt25]

Does sound rather strange as it's with the horse's owner not the horse that the dispute seems to be with so not sure why that affects you unless it is they can only pursue the owner for the money whilst they are still registered as the owner?

Odd. I would ring them again to be honest and discuss it in a bit more detail as it does seem unfair you should miss out. I can see it from their point of view as I guess you could be connected to the previous owner for all they know.

Not quite sure how the person can owe them money anyway - what for? Surely they'd have only been able to register if they paid the fees or is it to do with unpaid entry fees?

 

[greath0210]

They need to complete a new ownership form as the horse was previously registered which they won't do whilst the previous owners account needs to be settled. They even asked me to contact the previous owner to ask him to settle his account! I said I wasn't comfortable with that, apart from not having contact with him since I left with my new horse, I'm no debt collector and I pointed out I thought it was their job to sort out their disputes. I am a potential new member who owns a previously registered horse what happens if a previous owner dies?

 

[measles]

That sounds like a mad situation. Could you call them and say that you could get proof that you have owned the horse for 3 years (say, from your vet or farrier) and how unfair you think it is that you are personally being penalised over something that you have no control?

This has huge implications for you as if you sold him surely the same would apply and therefore he could be worth a lot less (to some homes)? If you get nowhere I'd be calling the BHS legal helpline if you are a member.

Let us know how you get on. Good luck.