Jennie Loriston-Clarke’s first annual general meeting as British Dressage (BD) chairman, held at the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham on 7 June 2008, was punctuated by fervent debate.

 

Summing up the 10^th BD AGM, Jennie said: “There are a lot of topics which have been raised and need reviewing. Lively discussion is important to improve our sport. I am always open to ideas; I’m here to listen.”

 

The most controversial subject was the special resolutions, which, if introduced, would mean that the board of nine directors would choose the successor from among their own and members would no longer nominate or vote for the chairman.

 

Jennie exercised her right to demand a postal ballot, which will be sent out to all members with the next British Dressage magazine. After discussion, it was agreed that the reasons for and against making this change are also published in the magazine. For the resolution to be passed, 75% of those voting have to be in favour of the change.

 

Sara Green, the director in charge of rules and fixtures, asked the audience to give her feedback on the proposed rule changes for 2009, which have been posted on the website (click here to view) and in British Dressage magazine.

 

“I had my tin hat well-and-truly battered after our last qualification change,” said Sara, before explaining how the system to bring about alterations has now been improved to allow more time to make sure the full implications have been assessed. “We have listened,” she said.

 

Sara assured members: “This is a short-term fix. A long-term strategy is being worked on. With more members and horses than ever competing, we need to broaden our whole competition structure and a working group has already started looking at this.”

 

Chief executive David Holmes gave an update on the 2007-2013 strategic plan, which you can view by clicking here, specifically designed to look beyond the 2012 London Olympics.

 

Three new directors were elected. Nick Burton takes over as director for international teams, Penny Pollard has taken on the marketing director’s job and, after a two-year absence, David Hunt is back on the board, this time as training director.

 

During the question time, trainer, competitor and breeder David Pincus raised his concerns about the fast-track judging system, which was introduced to encourage trainers to become judges.

 

“We need transparency in our sport and no judge should be training,” said David.

 

This resulted in a discussion about the need for more judges, who mainly only receive mileage expenses, and remunerating them in some way.

 

The meeting finished with award presentations.

 

These award winners are based on nominations made by the readers of British Dressage magazine. It is made on the basis of the important contribution they make to the dressage scene through their hard work and often-unsung efforts.

 

Barbara Gibbs

Nereide Goodman

Sara Green

Sandy Laflin

Mary Thornley

Carolyn Evans

Margaret Gibbins

Jeanne Hooper

Dr Moira Lafferty

Geoff Simpson

Carol Simpson

Tina Marriott

Shona Morton

Chris Jarvis

 

Georgie Guest

Emily Voss

Samantha Collins

Chloe Whitney

Jess Griffith

Tristan Jennings

 

 

Also based on nominations from British Dressage magazine readers, they are awarded on the basis of atmosphere, efficiency, including the speed at which results are put up, and the quality of facilities.

 

Arkenfield Dressage

Aintree Equestrian Centre

Field House

Patchetts

Stilebridge

REC Events

Broomyard

Merrist Wood

Tall Trees

 

 

Anne-Marie Perry won this award, which recognises the highest-placed under-21 rider in the small tour rankings during the previous year.