How does this happen?

[abbylee]

Blockquote
If this is the same show from the other thread where they were putting people into the championship who didn’t enter, it sounds like it had significant organizational challenges.

Could someone point me in the direction of this other thread?

[trubandloki]

@abbylee

Could someone point me in the direction of this other thread?

This is the thread.

Dividing tests by rider experience

https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/lets-divide-dressage-classes-by-experience-instead-of-occupation/ I am not sure of the criteria, but I think it would be a much better division than amateur / pro . Looks like TPTB are already considering this in other disciplines.

Here is the post.

Dividing tests by rider experience

Right - and even when they do split divisions they make them A and B, instead of Amateur and Rider for example. Even at championships last week I entered Amateur (non championships) and was put in the Rider Championships class! And surprise: there were loads of pros in that class. I got uograde points but since points mean nothing to me, missing out on a red ribbon is a bummer. But pros are allowed in the Rider divisions. My question is: how do they justify it to themselves?

[FitToBeTied]

I personally think there are already too many subdivisions. I always liked that I could go in and compete against world class riders.

[Marigold]

@FitToBeTied

I personally think there are already too many subdivisions. I always liked that I could go in and compete against world class riders.

Agreed. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but the ribbon doesn’t mean much to me. Being able to watch the pros in warm-up and occasionally have one wish me good luck as they are coming out and I am coming in is much more enjoyable. I still remember from years ago a pro I admired telling me they liked my former gelding!

[Xanthoria]

Only the less commonly offered Amateur division lacks pros. Anyone can go in the Open division, and the Rider and Horse divisions are generally full of pros.

[OverandOnward]

I may not be up to date … how is a LL Rider division full of pros? Are some pros not riding above LL’s?

[trubandloki]

@OverandOnward

I may not be up to date … how is a LL Rider division full of pros? Are some pros not riding above LL’s?

Green/baby horses have to start somewhere, why does it not seem reasonable that they would start in the lower levels?

Edit to add - I am reading your question again, and you mean the rider division.

I am sure there are pros that qualify for those. But now that I read it correctly I agree with your thought.

[Janet]

@OverandOnward

I may not be up to date … how is a LL Rider division full of pros? Are some pros not riding above LL’s?

There are plenty of pros who are only competing at the lower levels (remember, Amateur is defined ONLY by getting paid, NOT by skill).

Also plenty of pros who USED to compete at the upper levels, but have not done it in more than 5 years

[Lusoluv]

I know a Pro Eventer who has a string of personal and client horses from BN thru 3*. They ride/show all of them. They CAN ride in any division (except explicitly ammy) and will usually choose the Horse or Open division. Some others do not. There are a couple rated shows near me that aren’t large enough to have those splits. They only have an Open Novice division (for example).

I give lower level dressage lessons. I am a “pro” and registered as such on USEA. However, I only started jumping (eventing) 5 years ago, and have young horses. I usually enter Open or Horse divisions when offered, although some ammies I’ve gotten to know ride made eventers and they and their horses are in full-training year round, spend the winters in FL, etc. They have a LOT more experience, training, and horses than I do! So, it is what it is and I just try to do the best for me and my horse to enjoy this great sport!

[Gardenhorse]

@Lusoluv

I know a Pro Eventer who has a string of personal and client horses from BN thru 3*. They ride/show all of them. They CAN ride in any division (except explicitly ammy) and will usually choose the Horse or Open division.

If they’re currently showing horses at 3* then no, they can’t ride in any division. They can’t be in the Rider division at Modified or below. They have to be in Open or Horse at those levels.

[pony_grandma]

I’ve placed a timer at the
1/2 mark on xc to record the time to help w time disputes.