What could we aim for?

[Belmont]

I'd love to have something to aim for. I’ve always competed unaffiliated as I’ve always had green horses, so other than the local dressage league, I've never had anything to aim for.

In dressage, I've only ever ridden to unaff prelim. My new horse is 17 and has over 200 BD points, up to medium, but hasn't competed since 2019. I believe if I started doing BD with him, we'd be in the Prelim Gold section. I understand why, but I'm not confident enough in my own ability yet, plus he's 4 yrs older than when he last competed, had some time out with an injury and simply won't be at that standard. We're unable to do the BRC area qualifiers either, due to his points.
I'm just starting to enjoy jumping again, but realistically won't be brave enough to do BE. I sound like a negative nelly, but just unsure what we're eligible for.

What is out there that we could take seriously?

 

[RachelFerd]

are you sure you aren't eligible for prelim silver?

he would have to have scored 68%+ at a regional/national/winter champ at Ele+ to put you out of prelim silver (https://www.britishdressage.co.uk/media/6859/prelim-silver.pdf)

full eligibility tables for all levels are here - https://www.britishdressage.co.uk/competitions/competition-rules/

seriously though, if he's competed at medium, it really won't feel much different to do a novice test rather than a prelim - you've just got a touch of medium paces, a few 15 metre circles and a hint of counter canter in the later tests. The tests are more enjoyable to ride than the prelim tests in the main too.

 

[doodle]

but it also says horse competed any levels above elem

 

[doodle]

Also counter canter is in n22.

 

[RachelFerd]

but it also says horse competed any levels above elem
View attachment 116796

I read that as 'competed at any levels higher at regional/winter/nationals' - so it may well be that the horse is still eligible for prelim silver

 

[doodle]

we will agree to differ then.

 

[RachelFerd]

we will agree to differ then.

The OP should ring BD if any clarification needed - but i'm pretty sure that the restriction is limited to competing AT regionals/nationals/winters (and not at area festivals), and not to competing at higher levels more generically.

 

[doodle]

The bd Facebook page is also good for clarification questions.

 

[Roxylola]

It's competing at the higher level at regionals, not just general BD

 

[Belmont]

are you sure you aren't eligible for prelim silver?

he would have to have scored 68%+ at a regional/national/winter champ at Ele+ to put you out of prelim silver (https://www.britishdressage.co.uk/media/6859/prelim-silver.pdf)

Thank you. Having studied his results, he got 71% in 2018 at winter regionals, class was FSMNRCS (assume that's freestyle to music, novice?!) The other regionals have all been 66/67% at novice and elementary. So perhaps I can do prelim silver? Still daunting though!

 

[eggs]

I read the eligibility the same way as RachelFerd but the BD office is very helpful if you phone them for clarification.

With a horse that has competed up to medium I would be tempted to do the odd prelim silver just for the competition riding practice and then move up to Novice silver as the tests become more interesting to ride.

Those are pretty decent scores!

 

[J&S]

Lucky you to have such a school master! I hope you will enjoy your journey with him. Can we see him???

 

[SO1]

As he is a veteran could you also do the SSADL dressage. They have big championships to aim for as well.

 

[Red-1]

Dammit, just enter the competition! It is just to walk, trot and canter a 20m circle, same as unaffiliated. Often with the same judge at the same venue! No one will be looking at you, they will be more concerned with their own horses.

I have seen sections where the gold section winning score is lower! Go and enjoy the day.

 

[Belmont]

With a horse that has competed up to medium I would be tempted to do the odd prelim silver just for the competition riding practice and then move up to Novice silver as the tests become more interesting to ride.

Those are pretty decent scores!

Ok thank you, that sounds like a plan. I had a look at the Associated champs and I need 3 scores over 60% between Jan and August, so I've left it a bit late this year, but maybe something to go for next time. Just looking at Winter area festivals and I could crack on trying to qualify for that before december, but I can't see any details on qualification. Is it 3 scores over 63% as it is for the summers? I'm looking at this page https://www.britishdressage.co.uk/competitions/championships-and-qualifiers/area-festivals/

 

[shortstuff99]

Riding Clubs does an automatic downgrade of BD 12 points for every full calendar year (jan to dec) from the end of the last year the points were gained.

If that isn't enough you can then apply for further downgrading to head office and they can asses and take them off for riding club comps.

 

[Belmont]

Riding Clubs does an automatic downgrade of BD 12 points for every full calendar year (jan to dec) from the end of the last year the points were gained.

If that isn't enough you can then apply for further downgrading to head office and they can asses and take them off for riding club comps.

That's interesting, didn't know that. Numpty question, but would they downgrade from the highest level and work down? He last competed BD in 2019. So I make that a downgrade of 36 points off his 210? So if my maths is right, just 10 at elementary in Riding clubs eyes? His points below: