The BSJA has amended its rule regarding which riders are eligible to compete in the Great Leighs Newcomers second rounds and final.
With immediate effect, the competition is open to all riders this season, regardless of their position on the December 2002 ranking list.
However, the 2004 semi-finals and final will not be open to the top 50 on the December 2003 ranking list.
Pony rankings scrapped
At a recent meeting of the BSJA’s rules committee, it has been decided that the pony ranking lists will bediscontinued with immediate effect.
The committee felt that the list did not accurately reflect the achievements of ponies and riders, using open classes as an example. At many venues, the first prize for a 1.15m open can exceed that paid out for 1.20m or 1.30m opens.
As selection for international and Home Pony teams is made on performance in specific high-level competitions, it was also felt that a rankings list based on winnings put extra pressure on ponies and riders, who weretravelling longer distances and competing more often to remain on the list.
“The BSJA has a special duty of care to junior riders. Our policy is not to encourage children to compete on schooldays and we try not to allocate qualifiers to shows held on weekdays during term time,” says junior international secretary, Nicky Dobbins.
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