Junior BSJA

[Bazzie]

Can anyone throw any light on bsja rules/membership??


My daughter is 12 (13 in August), has a 14.2 pony and would really like to affiliate. Been on the bsja site, but its all a bit confusing

What we want to know is - what's the difference between junior and junior associate? Am i right that it seems to be that a junior has to ride a pony but a junior associate can ride a horse, which is not relevant in her case - ?

Also - in our area (Bucks/beds) bsja venues holding junior events are non existent. Does that mean she has to compete as a junior associate - and if so won't she be at a massive disadvantage against horses?

 

[Gothika]

A junior associate just means she can compete either a horse or pony, so if she's likely to get a horse within a year I'd go for that. Though I think you needed to be in they ear of your 13th birthday so she would be okay.

If there aren't any junior BSJAs near you, yes you will have to compete against seniors as a Junior Associate.
If your pony can manage the distances for the horses, I wouldn't say you'd be at a major disadvantage - there's always the tight corners which you just can't do on a horse. Good luck and if this didn't make sense, just give them a ring they're very helpful.

 

[spongebob]

just like to say ive just stated affilliating and its great fun!!!
you should be fine agaist horses as they cant do the corners like a pony can!!!!!!!!!!!!!
good luck and hav lots of fun

 

[eml]

Your daughter should be registered as a junior and the pony as a pony and yes junior competitions do need to be travelled for!!

Your daughter could register as a junior affiliate and the pony as a senior (ie horse!) but this means they would no longer be eligible for pony classes.

Ponies that do well in senior classes are rare as the striding and spreads are set for large horses. Think Stroller for the sucessful one!!!

 

[Bazzie]

Thanks everyone - think junior might be the way we have to go. Pony is a connemara but is very lightweight and only just 14.2 with her shoes on!! Might ring some local venues and ask them if any smaller ponies compete as junior associates, otherwise might have to bite the bullet and travel a bit further. Is an hour and a half to 2 hours acceptable in a trailer do you think?

 

[eml]

Yes we do that regularly. Daughter does over an hour to trainer every week.

If you are in doubt why not do a few classes on a ticket or HC. Enables you to check they are up to the BSJA courses without the outlay of becoming a member.