BLM vs GAIG and what's necessary to qualify

[firstlevelhopeful]

Hello all,

New member here and newish rider to the world of dressage. I’ve been a GMO member with a local club and I’m trying to learn more on BLMs and GAIG as far as qualifications go.

My first question is what’s the difference between BLMs and GAIG. By qualifying for one, are you qualified for the other? Or do they require 2 entirely different registrations/qualification processes? And what does that qualification process involve? How many scores of the required percent in your respected test need to be had to qualify?

Next, I’m looking for the break down on what all is needed to qualify as far as registration and memberships go. It seems like horse and rider both need to be usdf and usef active members. As well as the rider needing to be registered with a GMO? What else am I missing?

I’ve tried researching this stuff by myself and just end up going down a rabbit hole of information that needs to be dumbed down for me evidently.

Thank you all in advance for any information provided.

Cheers!

[egood]

My first question is what’s the difference between BLMs and GAIG.

GAIG is the Great American Insurance Group Regional Championships. It’s the qualifying show for the US Dressage Finals in Lexington Kentucky.

BLMS is a USDF recognized show that is sort of the “championships” for riders that are members of participating GMOs. Those GMOs are here: http://www.bglongaker.com/2015CBLM/GMOs.htm

By qualifying for one, are you qualified for the other? Or do they require 2 entirely different registrations/qualification processes? And what does that qualification process involve? How many scores of the required percent in your respected test need to be had to qualify?

No, you need to qualify for them separately.

GAIGs require two qualifying scores, from two different judges, at two different USDF recognized shows in the third test for the given level you want to qualify for. You also have to pay an extra “Gaig Qualifying” fee for your entry if you want your score to count towards qualifying you for GAIGs. The qualifying score differs based on level and if you show as an Adult Amateur or a professional. You and your horse must both be active members of the USDF and USEF.

The qualifying scores can be found in this document: https://www.usdf.org/docs/ShowFlash/…CRules2018.pdf

BLMs you need a single qualifying score at a CBLM qualifying competition, in the second test (or I think musical freestyle) for the given level you want to qualify for. The prize list should say that the class you’re registering for qualifies for CBLMs. Qualifying scores are here:
http://www.bglongaker.com/cblmain.htm

Next, I’m looking for the break down on what all is needed to qualify as far as registration and memberships go. It seems like horse and rider both need to be usdf and usef active members. As well as the rider needing to be registered with a GMO? What else am I missing?

For GAIGs you don’t need to be a member of a GMO, but yes you and the horse both need to be active members of the USEF and USDF. For BLMs I believe you just need to be a member of a GMO.

[yaya]

For GAIG, if you are not the owner of the horse, the owner must have active/participating memberships of USEF/USDF as well.

[firstlevelhopeful]

@egood

GAIG is the Great American Insurance Group Regional Championships. It’s the qualifying show for the US Dressage Finals in Lexington Kentucky.

BLMS is a USDF recognized show that is sort of the “championships” for riders that are members of participating GMOs. Those GMOs are here: http://www.bglongaker.com/2015CBLM/GMOs.htm

No, you need to qualify for them separately.

GAIGs require two qualifying scores, from two different judges, at two different USDF recognized shows in the third test for the given level you want to qualify for. You also have to pay an extra “Gaig Qualifying” fee for your entry if you want your score to count towards qualifying you for GAIGs. The qualifying score differs based on level and if you show as an Adult Amateur or a professional. You and your horse must both be active members of the USDF and USEF.

The qualifying scores can be found in this document: https://www.usdf.org/docs/ShowFlash/…CRules2018.pdf

BLMs you need a single qualifying score at a CBLM qualifying competition, in the second test (or I think musical freestyle) for the given level you want to qualify for. The prize list should say that the class you’re registering for qualifies for CBLMs. Qualifying scores are here:
http://www.bglongaker.com/cblmain.htm

For GAIGs you don’t need to be a member of a GMO, but yes you and the horse both need to be active members of the USEF and USDF. For BLMs I believe you just need to be a member of a GMO.

Thank you so very much for taking the time to run that down for me! You have been incredibly helpful.

[soloudinhere]

Adding on, as this has never really been relevant for me - can I qualify for my regions championships by showing in a different region? In other words, can I qualify this winter in Florida?

[yaya]

Does not matter where you show to qualify. However, if hou want to do the championships in a region other than your own, there is a deadline to declare a change of region (usually in July I think).

[atr]

@soloudinhere

Adding on, as this has never really been relevant for me - can I qualify for my regions championships by showing in a different region? In other words, can I qualify this winter in Florida?

Yes, you have to declare for a region by a certain date. I can’t remember all the mechanics off the top of my head, but here in Utah in the heart of enormous Region 5, Region 6 Championships are sometimes in Idaho and more accessible to us. So depending on where things are happening in any given year, we just switch regional affiliations by sometime in July, I believe it is.

[soloudinhere]

@atr

Yes, you have to declare for a region by a certain date. I can’t remember all the mechanics off the top of my head, but here in Utah in the heart of enormous Region 5, Region 6 Championships are sometimes in Idaho and more accessible to us. So depending on where things are happening in any given year, we just switch regional affiliations by sometime in July, I believe it is.

Thank you! Trying to get qualified for region 8 before coming back in April because it is so much cheaper to show in FL.

[joiedevie99]

One other thing to consider - not all GMO’s are participating GMO’s for CBLMs. Make sure you are a member of one that participates.

[SarahandSam]

Also be aware that GMO memberships generally give you group membership with USDF, but you have to additionally buy a participating membership with USDF to do GAIG qualifying classes–group membership isn’t enough. Your horse also needs lifetime registration with USDF and USEF and as mentioned, the owner has to also be a USEF/USDF member if you aren’t the owner.

[Silverbridge]

@atr

Yes, you have to declare for a region by a certain date. .

But you only have to declare for a DIFFERENT region by a certain date.

If you plan to show in your “home” region’s GAIG champs, then, you don’t have to make any declaration at all. The USDF automatically lists you as qualified there, once you earn the scores.

[atr]

True that, Silverbridge, thanks for pointing that out! So what’s soloud’s “home” region going to be considered, if she lives in the Midwest but is qualifying in FLA?

[soloudinhere]

@atr

True that, Silverbridge, thanks for pointing that out! So what’s soloud’s “home” region going to be considered, if she lives in the Midwest but is qualifying in FLA?

My home region is region 8, since that’s where my mailing address is, or at least that’s my understanding.

[right_horse_at_the_right_time]

@yaya

For GAIG, if you are not the owner of the horse, the owner must have active/participating memberships of USEF/USDF as well.

Isn’t there some sort of allowance if there is a lease on file with USEF/USDF?

[yaya]

@right horse at the right time

Isn’t there some sort of allowance if there is a lease on file with USEF/USDF?

If a lease is on file (forms filled out, fees paid), the person leasing the horse is considered the owner, so they sign as owner and use their memberships.

[right_horse_at_the_right_time]

@yaya

If a lease is on file (forms filled out, fees paid), the person leasing the horse is considered the owner, so they sign as owner and use their memberships.

Got it, that’s what I remembered. Thanks!

[atlatl]

OK, I’ve figured out that BLM is NOT Bureau of Land Management in this context, but had to google it! Nice concept.

[rideastar]

When and where are the 2019 CBLM championships? I can’t find any information at the CBLM website or USDF

[Empressive_Award]

I believe BLMs in 2019 are going to be in Lexington, VA as I was told by another AA who is in the same boat as me trying to figure out when and what to try and qualify for. I believe BLMs and GAIGs alternate every other year in location, but I am not sure if thats 100% I imagine after year end stuff is complete this month, schedules will be released soon since most GMO memberships and other memberships renew in December.
I belong to a GMO in NOVA, and spent last year just learning the ropes in the schooling shows, and this year will be doing 1st level with a goal of BLMs.
Best of luck to you! I recommend just picking one or the other, with BLMs being the easiest to qualify for as long as you belong to a participating GMO and pick BLM qualifier classes to show at throughout the year.

[Puddin_Pie]

And for the BLM, both owner and rider have to be GMO members of a GMO that is part of the BLM network (for lack of a better word). Then you must proactively send in the score (show secretary will sometimes provide a reporting sheet) and copy of your test to BLM coordinator, Bettina Longenecker ( apologies if I spelled her name wrong). It is a “peer to peer” competition, the level you have competes thru determines if you are an A or B rider.

For instance, I have shown thru 4th Level and was considered a B rider for Training Level this past year with my young mare. So I played with the “big boys and girls” in the Training Level Championship. The BLM website does explain this.