BSJA Intro shows

[Lucyad]

Went to my first one yesterday, it seems a really good idea! Classes were from 60cm through to 1.10m, and free 'tickets to ride' were available. There were more jumps than usual in the course, but you only jumped 1-8, then if clear went straight on to jump 8 - 14 against the clock. This kept things moving really quickly - it was very efficient and well organised. The jumps seemed bigger, wider and spookier than riding club 70cm and 80cm (the classes that I did), but actually jumped fine! The only drawback seemed to be that non affiliated hore and riders didn't actually get placed - not even the rosette, never mind the cash prize - despite how well some of them did.

It definately made BSJA more accessible, and made me want to attend a few more to get to jumping 1m courses happily before taking the plunge and affiliating (though it was very scary to start off with!).

We got one down in each class, so unfortunately didn't make it round the jump off sections, but had a great day, despite the heat! (it was indoors).

Are these type of competitions being held anywhere else? It is my first experience of them. I thought standard BSJA started at more around 1m?

[helenc]

Glad you enjoyed it.

BSJA courses usually start with British Novice which is 90cm

The reason that people don't get prizes if they're not registered is that they haven't paid the registration fee. If I could still win prizes BSJA without having to fork out for mine & my horses membership fees then I'd be more than happy to do so :)

[Palomino Mare]

ooo you went too??wish i had come and watched now!

i'm glad you enjoyed it!!tiffany went too and never in a million years did i think she would do bsja so it just shows you. not sure why it started at 60cm though, this is encouraging i think however as it really opens the bsja up to anyone.

[eml]

There is a great deal of controversy about both BSJA and BE doing these low level competitions along side unaffilliated and 'trailblazers'

The essential difference is in the technical complexity and yes the spreads in both.

I used to build courses for a local RC and was often critised for making the fences too wide. On the whole local courses even up to height are not demanding enough to prepare for BSJA so I welcome these Intro shows to school people on.

But yes you have to get used to the idea you are unlikely to get a rosette even when you affiliate as often there will be more than 60 in a BSJA class.

If you are consistantly winning at your club at 1m plus try low level BSJA but don't expect to go from club 70cms to BSJA 70cms without issues.