British Show Circuit Established for Veteran Horses as of 2015

Dressage

British Dressage News

British Dressage will be bringing a new competition experience for 2015. In conjunction with the Veteran Horse Society, there will be a new Veteran Dressage Championships for both horse and rider at intro, prelim and novice levels. Riders can qualify all over Britain for a Championship Final at the Vale View High Profile Show in Leicestershire, 30 October – 02 November 2015.

The Veteran Horse Championship is for horses foaled in 1999 or earlier (15 and over) and to be eligible, they, and their riders, must be members of the Veteran Horse Society. At the Championship there will be two sections; one for horses aged 15- 19 and one for the ‘golden oldies’ aged 20 and over.

To qualify for the Veteran Rider Championship, competitors must be aged 55 or over, riding horses four years and over and both must be minimum BD Associate registered.

For both Championships, qualifying and the final, horse and rider must be eligible for the level they’re competing at and will be run under BD Rules 2015.

Qualifying for either, or both, Championships is straightforward and opens this weekend, 01 November 2014 and ends 30 September 2015. Combinations require two score sheets at either intro, prelim or novice at 60% or above at regular BD affiliated competitions or Team Quest fixtures. At the Championships, combinations may qualify for multiple classes but can only compete in two. Competitors who aren’t already full BD members will be asked to join for the Championship.

British Dressage Sports Operations Manager Paul Graham commented; “Dressage is quite unique whereby both horses and riders can continue to enjoy their chosen sport into their twilight years. BD is thrilled to be working in partnership with the Veteran Horse Society to create a series that recognises that horses and riders can have a competitive career later in life. The members have been asking for this and it’s great that we’ll see a new Championship in 2015.”

The team at Vale View has great plans for hosting the Championships and the Veteran Horse Society is supporting it with lots of lovely prizes and ribbons so makes sure any of you who are eligible keep the date in your diary!