Bd Scotland - Talent Development Series 2013

BD SCOTLAND - TALENT DEVELOPMENT SERIES 2013

INFORMATION SHEET

1. AIMS AND BACKGROUND

British Dressage in Scotland is organising a Talent Development Series in 2013. This will be run in conjunction with the Pony Club in Scotland, and will comprise 7Qualifiers, and a Final to be held in October 2013. Further information on the dates and locations of both qualifiers and final is given below.

The aims of the series are:

To identify young riders with talent and enthusiasm for dressage;
To advise them, and encourage correct training; and
To give them the opportunity to meet others with similar ambitions.

The ultimate aim of the Series is to help talented young riders on to the pathway of the Sportscotland Performance programme, which is currently administered by Horsescotland.

The Series, which ran in a trial format for 2012, was very successful, and will now be rolled out as a further 4-year programme from 2013.

2. DATES AND VENUES FOR QUALIFIERS/FINAL

The venues for the Qualifiers have been chosen to cover as wide an area of Scotland as possible. This should allow most potential participants to attend a qualifier within a manageable drive from their home base.

The dates and venues for Qualifiers and the Final are as follows:

Qualifiers2013

25 May Market Stance, St Ola, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1TW

15 June Barstobrick, Ringford, Castle Douglas, Dumfriesshire,DG7 2AU

22 June Easter Rattray Farm, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 7HQ

23 June Fountain EC, Hill of Goval, Dyce, Aberdeenshire, AB21 7NX

28 July Scottish Equestrian Hotel, Lanark Race Course, Lanark, ML11 9TA

8 August SNEC, Ecclesmachan, West Lothian, EH52 6NH

8 September Rowallan Activity Centre, Fenwick, East Ayrshire, KA3 6AY

FINAL

26 October SNEC, Ecclesmachan, West Lothian, EH52 6NH

3. ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE

The Series is open to any rider aged 8 – 25 years. Entrants need not be members of British Dressage, the British Dressage BYRDS Scheme, the Pony Club, or a Riding Club in order to participate, since one of the aims of the Series is to encourage any young rider with talent and enthusiasm for dressage.

However, riders who are currently on the Horsescotland Performance Squad, British Dressage Scotland DevelopmentProgramme, and those who have been awarded a GB pocket badge, are not eligible to take part.

Only riders resident in Scotland can participate.

4. QUALIFIERS

Entrants to each Qualifier will be allocated to one of four sections, depending upon their age and whether they are riding a pony or a horse. These age groupings are broadly consistent with the current British Dressage rules applicable to young dressage riders, as follows:

Section 1 Fledgling Riders aged 8 – 11 years riding ponies only

Section 2 Pony Riders aged 12 – 16 years, riding ponies only

Section 3 Junior Riders aged 12 – 18 years, riding horses only

Section 4 Young Riders aged 19 – 25 years, riding horses only

Within each Section, and depending on numbers of entries, riders will be divided into small groups of around 4 participants.

5. FINAL AT SNEC 26 OCTOBER 2013

The Final, at SNEC on 26 October 2013, will follow a similar format to the Qualifiers, with the exceptions that thetests ridden by Junior and Young Riders will be different from those ridden at qualifiers, and prize-giving ceremonies will be built into the programme for the day.

6. ENTRIES

Entries should be made on the attached Application Form, and accompanied by the correct entry fee. Entry fees for 2013 have been set as follows:

Area Qualifier £40 per rider

Final £45 per rider

Cheques should be made payable to “British Dressage”, and sent with the completed application form to Cecilia Gladwyn, BD Regional Development Officer, at the address shown on the form.

7. RESULTS AND AWARDS

All riders at the Qualifiers will receive their score sheet, a certificate of attendance, and a commemorative rosette.

The winner from each Section at each Qualifier will qualify for the Final at SNEC. This will result in 7 riders in each age category progressing to the Final. (Please note that it is the rider and pony/horse combination which qualifies for the Final. No substitution of pony/horse will be permitted between the Qualifiers and the Final.)

At the Final, rosettes will be awarded from 1st – 7th place in each Section, and the highest-placed riders will receive sashes and valuable training grants.

In addition, the winner of each Section will be invited to take part in the BD Scotland BYRDS Development Programme, administered by BD Scotland. This will include receiving subsidised training from Charlie Hutton of theTalland School of Equitation, who holds regular BYRDS clinics in Scotland. They will also be eligible to attend, again at a reduced rate, any Sports Science Seminar organised by British Dressage Scotland.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Qualifiers. Good luck!

BD SCOTLAND - TALENT DEVELOPMENT SERIES 2013

NOTES FOR APPLICANTS

1. QUALIFIERS

1.1 Assessors

At each Qualifier, as well as at the Final, two Assessors from the British Dressage BYRDS Rider Test Judges Panel will work with, and assess, the riders.

Assessors will try to avoid assessing any pony/horse and rider combination with whose training they have been regularly involved. An Assessor in this position will declare their interest at the start of the day, and withdraw from decision-making in respect of that combination. For avoidance of doubt, this information will be clearly posted at the venue.

1.2 Rider Groupings

Section 1 Fledgling Riders aged 8 – 11 years, riding ponies only

Section 2 Pony Riders aged 12 – 16 years, riding ponies only

Section 3 Junior Riders aged 12 – 18 years, riding horses only

Section 4 Young Riders aged 19 – 25 years, riding horses only

1.3 British Dressage Ruling on Age

The British Dressage rules on age apply to this Series. These state that where a lower or upper age limit applies, the applicant’s age is their age on their birthday within the current calendar year. For example, for Section 1, the Fledgling Rider section, riders must reach their 8th birthday during 2013 to be eligible to take part, and at the upper end, they can compete in the Fledgling Rider section provided they do not reach their 12thbirthday during 2013. The age rules for Sections 2, 3 and 4 are applied in exactly the same way.

Riders who have reached their 17th birthday, or who turn 17 during 2013, and wish to ride a pony, may still take part but must do so hors concours (HC), and will only be allocated a place if there is spare capacity at a venue of their choice. Applicants will not be eligible for prizes or awards, or to take part in the Final at SNEC in October.

1.4 Qualifier Format

There will be a maximum of 24 riders at any Qualifier due to the time constraints involved in assessing all riders fairly. Within each Section, and depending upon numbers, entrants will be split into smaller groups of around 4 riders each.

The assessment of each rider will consist of 2 elements:

A Training Session

Initially, all riders in an allocated group will be brought into the arena to undertake a short training session with the Assessors. The purpose of this session will be to allow the Assessors an opportunity to work with each rider, and gauge their level of feel, and their ability to influence their mount.

Although riders will begin this session on their own pony/horse, they will be asked to swap ponies/horses at the Assessors’ discretion. NO RIDER WILL QUALIFY FOR THE FINAL WITHOUT FULFILLING THE REQUIREMENT OF SWAPPING RIDES WHEN REQUESTED TO DO SO.

During the training session, riders may be asked to perform a range of movements, but this will be at the Assessors’ discretion, and in accordance with the rider’s ability. Riders will also be given constructive feedback, which will help them with the second element, the ridden test.

A Ridden Test

Following the training session, each rider will be asked to ride the test allocated for their Section, as follows:

Section 1 will ride the British DressageFledgling Rider Test 1 (2005), in both the Qualifiers and the Final
Section 2 will ridetheBritish Dressage C Squad Rider Test 1 (2010)in the Qualifiers and the Final
Section 3 will ride the British DressageC Squad Rider Test 1 (2010)in the Qualifiers, and theBritish Dressage B Squad Rider Test 1 (2011)at the Final
Section 4 will ride the British Dressage B Squad Rider Test 1 (2011) in the Qualifiers, and theBritish Dressage A Squad Rider Test 3 (2004) at the Final

Copies of alltests can be purchase direct from British Dressage. The test sheets are protected by copyright and must not be reproduced in any form or means without the prior permission of British Dressage. Tests are available to purchase online at or by sending a SAE with 50p per sheet to BYRDS Assistant, British Dressage, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RJ.

The purpose of this element is to allow the Assessors an opportunity to see how effective the rider is, and how they influence their pony or horse. Riders should therefore not worry unduly about how they think their pony/horse is going, and should finish the test, as marks will be awarded for everything the rider does. If a rider gives up, no marks can be awarded.

The marking scheme for all British Dressage Squad tests involves four elements:

Rider’s Seat and Effectiveness of Aids (3 x 10 = 30 marks) This covers the following: relaxation and suppleness; poise; balance; security; rider straightness; lower back/hips going with the movement; position of head, shoulders, elbows, arms, hands and legs; harmony with rhythm of horse, especially in transitions; effectiveness of the aids.

Rider’s Influence on the Way of Going (2 x 10 = 20 marks) Here the Assessors will be looking for evidence of some understanding of the following as they relate to the pony/horse: rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, self-carriage and throughness.

Rider’s Control of Movements in the Test (2 x 10 = 20 marks)These marks are for the preparation, accuracy, and correctness of movements performed.

D. Trainability and Practical Application (4 x 10 = 40 marks)

This makes a total of 110 marks available for each test.

The Assessors will jointly judge the test, unless one has previously declared an interest in a participant, in which case the rider will be judged by one Assessor acting alone. The Assessors will share one writer during the course of the day.

Once both sessions have ended, the Assessors will give constructive feedback to each rider. Parents and trainers will be invited to listen to this assessment, and are welcome to ask questions.

Riders are encouraged to sit and watch when not actually riding, as a great deal can be learnt from watching other riders being taught.

1.5 Composition of Groupings within Sections

Depending on the numbers coming forward for each Section at each Qualifier, it may be necessary to have one or more composite groups of applicants. In order to ensure fairness, applicantswill only be integrated into a group with those from the Section immediately above or below their own, and rider ages will be taken into account in deciding these groupings. Qualification will still apply to the Section entered, and the test to be ridden will also be unaffected, with all applicants riding the test applicable for their Section.

1.6 Results and Test Sheets

Riders from morning sessions will be able to collect their score sheet, rosette, and certificate of attendance, at the end of the lunch period. Riders in afternoon sessions will be able to collect theirs at the end of the day.

1.7 The Final

The Final at SNEC on 26 October 2013 will follow a similar format to that described above, but for Section 3 and 4, Junior Riders and Young Riders, the tests ridden will be different from those ridden at the Qualifiers. In addition, formal, dismounted, prize-giving ceremonies will be built intothe day.

1.8 Wild Cards

Over the Series, 7 riders will qualify from each Section, making 28qualifying combinationsin total. If all qualifying riders do not come forward for the Final, a wild card system will be used to make up numbers. Wild cards will be allocated to the next highest scores after those who qualified directly at the Qualifiers. In the event of equality of score, all riders with the same score will be invited to attend.

2. RIDER DRESS

Correctly-fitted, secure, protective hats must be worn by allriders at all times when mounted at aQualifier or Final. Protective hats must meet one of the following standards:

PAS 015/EN1384/BSEN1384

ASTM F1163(2004) with SEI mark
SNELL E2001

Alternatively any newer standard that meets or exceeds those stated above will be acceptable.

It is not necessary to wear show dress. Sensible, tidy, riding clothes are recommended, such as jodhpurs or breeches, short or long boots, polo shirt (or shirt and tie) and sweatshirt, and gloves. Please do not wear hooded sweatshirts, fashion garments, scarves, jewellery or other fashion accessories.

Blunt spurs only are permitted, and Pony Rider spurs must not exceed 1.5 cm maximum length.

3. PONY/HORSE TURNOUT

Simple SNAFFLE BRIDLES ONLY should be worn. Double bridles are not permitted.

Horses or ponies do not have to be plaited, and if they are normally ridden in boots or bandages, these may be used.

4. SCALES OF TRAINING

It would be helpful to applicants to have some knowledge of the Scales of Training. A copy of the Scales of Training can be obtained by email request to or by sending an A5 SAE to Scotland’s Regional Development Officer at the address shown on the application form.

5. APPLICATIONS

Entries should be made on the attached application form, and accompanied by the entry fee of £40. Cheques should be made payable to “British Dressage”, and sent with the completed form to Cecilia Gladwyn, BD Regional Development Officer, at the address shown on the form.

In order to ensure all entries are treated fairly, applications will be allocated on a strictly first-come, first-served basis. Upon receipt, each application for each venue will be date stamped, and thereafter dealt with in strict date order.

Please note that the organisers cannot be held responsible for delays in the postal system. It is your responsibility to ensure your entry arrives in time to be allocated a place at your chosen venue.

Within each Section, group times will be emailed, so please ensure the correct email address is included on your entry form.

Those qualifying for the Final will receive a separate application form,together with details of the programme for the day, and the latest date for return of completed applications.

6. CLOSING DATES

Final closing dates for all Qualifiers will be 14 days before the date on which the Qualifier is due to be held. Please ensure your entries are received before these dates, as late entries will only be taken if there are places remaining at your chosen venue

7. WITHDRAWALS

Where the organisers are notified of a withdrawal before the official closing date for a venue, the applicant will be entitled to a full refund of their entry fee. Withdrawals notified after the closing date may result in a refund, but only if the place being vacated can be filled with an applicant from the waiting list.

If a withdrawal is required, please contact the organiser as soon as possible, so that your place can be reallocated.

In the event of a Qualifier being cancelled by the organisers, applicants will be notified and all cheques will be destroyed.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Qualifiers. Good luck!

BD SCOTLAND - TALENT DEVELOPMENT SERIES 2013

APPLICATION FORM

Rider’s Name...... Date of BirthAge......

Parent/Guardian’s Name......

Address......

...... Post Code......

Daytime Tel. No...... Mobile Tel. No......

Email address......

PC Branch or Riding Club (if applicable)......

BD Membership Number (if applicable)......

Rider’s Height...... Rider’sWeight......

1st Choice Date/Venue Applied For......

2nd Choice Date/Venue Applied For......

Section Applied For - Fledgling Rider 8 to 11 years  (Riding a pony only)

Pony Rider 12 to 16 years  (Riding a pony only)

Junior Rider 12 to 18  (Riding a horse only)

Young Rider 19 to 25 years  (Riding a horse only)

Name of Pony /Horse...... Height...... Age......

Competitive experience (if any)......

......

Trainer’s Name......

How long have you trained with them? ......

IMPORTANT NOTE: Riders will be asked to swap ponies/horses at the discretion of the Assessors

I enclose my £40 entry fee (cheques made payable to “British Dressage”) 

This form must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the date of the Talent Development Area Qualifier you wish to attend. You can only attend one Qualifier. Please return cheque and form to:

Cecilia Gladwyn, British Dressage Regional Development Officer (Scotland)

Clochcan House, Auchnagatt, Ellon, AB41 8TD.

Tel: 07584 147258. Email: cecilia.gladwyn @britishdressage.co.uk