BHDTA Competition Class structure
Updated: 05 April 2008

The progression caters for different people’s diverse aims; for example to compete at club level or national level, single or multiple, and so provides multiple paths through the classes. As well as that, it caters for people dropping down in levels when they start with a novice horse or pony, or an animal less experienced than their ‘advanced’ horse.

The rules for qualifying for the National Championships have been rationalised so these are consistent across classes and bearing in mind that more classes may mean smaller entries.

Novice Qualifiers – now National Novice (Level 2)

Many people found the Novice Qualifier standing presentation too demanding for the level and felt it favoured buying presentation equipment inappropriate for this level. Novice standing presentation judges will judge marathon harness or 3-phase vehicles on an equal basis with presentation harness or equipment. In addition, the judges will not insist that a novice competitor reach the same standard as competitors at the higher levels.

Also to make this level less daunting to people progressing in the sport, the National Novice events are held at club events, the cones speed is reduced, and the number of marathon obstacles and gates restricted.

Open class

Many drivers found the transition to National Open meant they were in the lower part of a very large class with little chance of competing for the top few places which were taken by international standard drivers. Even some experienced drivers in the lower half of the open class did not feel they had a competitive chance, perhaps because of the time they wish to spend training or the nature of their horse. Top drivers in open class wanted more challenge; to use advanced dressage tests and compete at the highest level to prepare for international competitions. To meet the needs of these three groups we have three classes:

• Intermediate (level 3) – introduces newly qualified novices to National events
• Open (level 4) – provides good competition for national drivers
• Advanced (level 5) – provides high level competition for the premier drivers.

CLASS CRITERIA, QUALIFICATION and PROGRESSION

To National Novice Singles (Level 2) or appropriate class at Club events.

You must progress at the end of the season after winning this class on TWO occasions, either to National Novice Singles (Level 2) or the appropriate class at Club Events.

You may progress at any time after completing three events without elimination, at the discretion of the club.

Competitors wishing to enter National Novice Single (Level 2) qualifying events must have a  BHDTA competence certificates signed at three events with a 3 section marathon, either in the current or the two previous seasons.

To Intermediate Singles (Level 3)

You must progress at the end of the season after winning this class on TWO occasions or finishing in the top 50% at the National Championships.

You may progress at any time after qualifying for the National Novice (Level 2) Championship or finishing in the top three at an approved qualifying event on 3 occasions with a minimum of 4 in the class, either in the current or the two previous seasons.

All competitors who have qualified in 2006 or in previous years for the Novice National Championships and who have not yet competed in the Open Class at National Events must progress to the Intermediate Class or the appropriate class at club events.

PROGRESSION to Open Singles (Level 4)

You must progress to Open Singles at the end of the season after winning this class on two occasions or finishing in the top 50% at the National Championships.

You may progress at any time after qualifying for the National Intermediate (Level 3) Championships or finishing in the top 3 in the Intermediate Class on 3 occasions with a minimum of 4 in the class, either in the current or the two previous seasons.

Notes:

A competitor from the Advanced or Open Single classes with a Novice horse or pony may compete in this class, but will not be eligible for qualification to the Intermediate class at the National Championships and must return to the Open Class after one win.

A Horse/Pony that has competed in the Advanced or Open Single Classes or in a Multiple Class at a National Event is not eligible to compete in the Intermediate Class, except when driven by an Intermediate Driver.

To Advanced Singles (Level 5)

You must progress at the end of the season after winning this class on TWO occasions with the same horse or pony, with a Dressage score of 60 or less at one of these events. You may progress immediately if you wish, after your second win.

Notes:

This is the only route to advanced singles (Level 5). Competitors from the Advanced Class cannot voluntarily return to the Open Class and compete with same Horse or Pony used to qualify for the Advanced Class.

Open competitors who have previously registered their intention to compete for selection to the 2008 Single Horse World Championship team may compete in the Advanced Class at the discretion of the council.

Notes:

A competitor who has not finished above the last two places in the class during the season, (when there are 5 or more competitors in the class) MUST return to the Open Class.

A competitor must only compete in this class with Horse/Pony used to qualify for the Advanced Class.

An Advanced competitor who does not compete in this class during two consecutive seasons MUST return to the Open Class and re-qualify.