| Author |
Message |
    
Ian Gilbert
| | Posted on Thursday, 3 September, 2009 - 6:29 pm: | |
Progression to the Advanced Singles Class.
The Competitions Committee wish to thank everyone for their input and we have been paying close attention to your comments a suggestions here on the website.All of these suggestions will be considered, along with the numerous emails received from competitors.
We intend to reach a conclusion and make a recommendation for the Council to consider at their next meeting on the 23rd September.
Ian Gilbert
BHDTA Competitions Committee |
Fiona Powell
| | Posted on Friday, 28 August, 2009 - 10:56 am: | |
I agree with Sharon and Janet's comments about close competition: it's "the buzz". However classes are tending to be smaller: it's nice to have about 8 - 12 in a class, IMHO.
I would not wish to pay more to compete in an advanced class (LOL). |
Sharon Redfern
| | Posted on Thursday, 27 August, 2009 - 4:56 pm: | |
I agree with Janet, I am just starting to get to grips with my pony and her dressage,we are finally getting it below 55 (on a good day!) the last thing i need now is to be moved up to the advanced where once again I'll be struggling. Maybe 45 and below is more realistic, or at the very least 50? a hard one to sort out, but if its not, then yes we'll all be in the advanced class.
I've had great year in the open, i love the close scores and feeling that we all stand a chance, isnt that how it should be? |
Julie Hoskyns
| | Posted on Wednesday, 26 August, 2009 - 11:12 pm: | |
I agree with Janet and Jackie that all advanced classes should be for those seeking international selection and/or competing abroad. If the entries were say £20.00 higher, that money could be creamed off at source for the 'team fund' and instead of declaring your intention to go for selection you would automatically be on the list.
To take it a step further you could do away with selection events but be allowed to take your best four scores (regionals not included). |
Jackie Herd
| | Posted on Wednesday, 26 August, 2009 - 3:51 pm: | |
As I will be moving to advanced next season along with Janet, I would like to say that I think the idea of the advanced class being for competitors who are keen to compete internationally is a brilliant idea! In 2007 I competed in two nationals and then won the championships at Catton - out of 4 competitors. This year I have done only three nationals and won one, although spread over three years, as I had last year off, I feel moving to the advanced has come a little quickly. As ever, it will not be easy to find a solution that everyone is happy with and I do not envy the competitions committee that task! |
Janet Pilling
| | Posted on Wednesday, 26 August, 2009 - 10:53 am: | |
Martyn, I agree the class structure is better now but it looks like we will all end up in the Advanced class very soon and be right back where we were a couple of years ago.
This season we have seen some really exciting competition within the Open Pony class - there have been some tight scores at events with different winners every time and this makes it good fun. That is what I'm in this sport for. |
Martyn Willis
| | Posted on Tuesday, 25 August, 2009 - 4:51 pm: | |
Patti,
Sorry you can't opt to progress you are forced up if one of your two wins has a dressage test score that is better than 60. Except if as the announcement states one of the wins is at a "Regional"
The reason grading is on the driver is because we are the only sport that a "Driver/Rider" can use upto 4 horses at any one time so the common denominator is the "Driver/Rider"
The class structure is fine we just need to sort the progression issue and there is a strong case to have the advanced classes for those who are international candidates. |
Patti Atkinson
| | Posted on Tuesday, 25 August, 2009 - 4:14 pm: | |
The idea behind splitting the classes and progressing through the different levels is a good one - but - it probably comes down to the usual problem... we are the only horse sport (I think) that is graded by the driver/rider and not by the horse.
I agree with Janet that the 60 dressage score is too high.
Martyn, I think a driver can 'opt' to move up a level after 2 wins so presumably winning at Regional would allow you to move up but not force you to.
It is very difficult to get a system that suits everyone - I dont envy the committee! |
Martyn Willis
| | Posted on Tuesday, 25 August, 2009 - 3:58 pm: | |
Further to the announcement on the fron page.
I think it strange that whilst you can accumulate points for the National Points league albeit reduced. You do the same dressage test and looking at the entries at one of the regionals effectivly have the same competitors in the class that have competed all season at a "Full" National, but the win does not count towards progression.
Yet you still pay the "Start Fee" and even Qualify for the National Championships.
There are a number of issues with the progression system and I think Janet is right. And yes there will be a submission put in to Ian |
Jane Wilson
| | Posted on Tuesday, 25 August, 2009 - 12:24 pm: | |
An interesting topic Janet - I'm surprised that no one else has jumped onto it! Progression from one class to another is a thorny issue in such a small sport and I guess it's difficult to pick a system which suits all. What would your ideal be? |
Janet Pilling
| | Posted on Monday, 24 August, 2009 - 10:19 am: | |
Good to see that the progression from Open to Advanced Singles classes is going to be looked at - personally I feel that the qualifying dressage mark needs to be at a much more respectable level than 60 - a 50 or even consistant mid forties would be more realistic. No-one wants to be shoved up into a class where they just pad out the bottom, we all want to enjoy good competition within our own level. I also feel that the Advanced class should be for those who are seeking selection for the teams, otherwise competitors should be left in Open. What do others think? Don't miss this opportunity to have your say, contact Ian Gilbert before the 2nd. |