Member update: BD Test changes from 1 July 2024

With the new tests operational from the start of the new season on Monday 1 July 2024, here’s a useful reminder to members on how we will be managing the transition over the coming months, to help you prepare for a busy season of summer championships and winter qualification.

New BD Tests

The new BD Test structure will be implemented from 1 July 2024 onwards for all affiliated dressage competitions, to coincide with the start of the new winter qualification period. Changes for Quest will come into effect from 1 September 2024, following the conclusion of the current Quest qualification period.

New test qualifying status

From 1 July 2024, all new tests will have qualifying status. If you’re aiming for the Winter Area Festivals, qualification rules remain the same, with three scores required at the percentages stated in the BD Members’ Handbook. Winter Regional qualification rules have been updated to reflect the changes: please refer to the relevant section from page 242 in the BD Members’ Handbook to ensure you are aware of the full revisions.

Due to all tests now being marked as qualifiers, results gained in a competition where a judge dispensation has been granted will maintain their qualifying status.

MEMBERS' HANDBOOK

Purchasing the tests

Written test sheets are now available to purchase online from the BD shop in both A5 and A4 (large version) printed format, on coated, weather-proof stock. You can also purchase tests individually for download, so you can choose to view on your computer or mobile device or print at home.

There are also new additions to the diagrammatic versions of the BD Test Plans, including large text versions, as well from the judge’s view from C, available on printed stock or as a digital download. These can be purchased individually, by level, or in bundles. Please visit the BD shop for the full range of options available.

BD SHOP

Summer championship tests

Members are reminded that the tests in use for all BD summer championships are outlined in the Annexes in Section 5 of the BD Members’ Handbook, from pages 242 to 247, with the qualification tests used remaining in place for the championships.

In addition, all venues have been allocated a Pick Your Own (PYO) class for each level (excluding FEI tests) to allow practice in a competition arena with the previous tests to support preparation for the summer championship season.

Pick Your Own tests

PYO tests come into effect from 1 July 2024 for regular BD competitions and from 1 September 2024 for Quest competitions. The PYO tests are offered as practice for those who have qualified for the following championships:

Quest Semi Finals
Quest Championships
Summer Area Festivals / Area Festival Championships
Summer Regionals / National Championships
Sheepgate Individual Championships
Senior and Youth Home Nations
Associated Championships

Intro to Advanced Medium PYO tests will be marked as ‘Training’ on your competition record and do not count towards any further qualifications or grading points. Please note that prize money is not applicable for these PYO tests and organisers are not obliged to provide rosettes.

PYO tests will be offered until 26 October 2024 for regular BD competitions, and 10 November 2024 for Quest, in line with the final competition opportunities for the relevant championships. Please refer to pages 242 – 243 of the BD Members’ Handbook to view the full lists of tests in use for PYO classes. Any tests not listed, or the use of new tests in specified PYO sections, will be void upon receipt of results and removed from members’ competition records.

Please note that PYO classes for FEI and para dressage will remain the same, to provide opportunities for riders in these categories, and should be entered as normal.

Horse Welfare

Due to the increased number of tests and range of opportunities available for both qualification and practice, all members are reminded to refer to Rule 119 (on page 146 of the BD Handbook), concerning the maximum number of tests that a horse is permitted to perform in a day. This includes any HC tests.