What are the benefits of joining BE and BSJA?

[Bluecat]

Im thinking of joining either BE or Bsja. My horse would be great at either. Im leaning towards BSJA as appears alittle cheaper entries etc and more events closer and more frequent to where we are in Devon.I just wondered what others thoughts on expenses etc of the two and how much they get out of being a member of either. Thanks

 

[ladyt25]

I think unless you want to seriously event there is little point actually joining BE to be honest as it is sooo expensive! You can compete on a day ticket (still very expensive in my opinion) if you really want to have a go but, in my experience and certainly up where I live there are many unaffiliated ODEs either run by the event owners or by riding clubs that use BE courses but it costs half the price (at least) to enter. Ok, so you don't get BE points but, as said, unless you really want to do eventing seriously they don't mean an awful lot anyway.

I actually thik much the same about BS(JA) as well these days to be honest BUT if you do want to work your way up the levels i think it's better cost wise as (a) you don't have to enter before the day (so don't lose out if say your horse is lame etc) (b) the event is very unlikely to be cancelled due to ground/weather etc so you don't lose a % of your entry fee (c) you can feasibly win back the cost of your entry for the class if you get placed. There is little chance of that in eventing and actually I don't think they even give monetary prizes at the lower levels even though you've paid an extortionate amount to enter!

IF you are not fussed about moving up BSJA grades then to be honest you'd be better off altogeher competing at trailblazers - benefits are NO membership fee, courses are built to BSJA standards and the same rules apply, you can win prize money, you can qualify for the finals etc etc. I think it's great if you have no aspirations to be jumping say any higher than 1m20 odd classes.

 

[Bluecat]

Thanks its just i find if i do unaffiliated sj that i end up waiting all day for the 3ft and above classes that then hardly anyone goes in or their cancelled due to it being 2 late in the day.also id like to be able to compete against horses rather then the nippy 13.2hh that wins every time. Not saying im a poor loser just that id like to stand abit of a chance with my big 16.2hh who isnt as nippy on the turns as the ponies. so think i will go down the Bsja route and maybe just do the odd BE event on a day ticket as really not sure how people afford to do it!Please let me know if im wrong in this tho.