Grassroots Championship

Hurrah, a brilliant idea at last from the boys at the top! 

If you haven't already heard the Intro/Pre-Novice Championship is going to be run at Badminton (and during the main event) WOOOOW!. This is the one competition every aspiring event rider  dreams of riding. 

I have to say, given the choice I'd choose Badminton over the Olympics any day. If any of the true amateurs are ever going to get the chance to experience the buzz of major event this is it. 

This is bound to engage the BE membership and give them something to aim for, and justification for all those fees. Watch out for a rise in entries and therefore balloting. Remember the vast majority of BE members don't ride above Novice.

Time to brush up my showjumping! 

 

How many classes do we need

I know an army marches on its stomach and BE is feed overhelmingly from members who don't compete above Novice level, but do we really need all these new classes like Pre-Novice Plus. Surely there's enough variety across different events to give riders suitable choice and challenge within the existing classes?

I for one would rather see the money invested in prize funds, training facilities and existing cross country courses.