last updated on June 11, 2009 09:49

Despite the challenging economic climate there was a positive buzz at the 11th BD AGM held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on Saturday 6th June 2009. Described by many as one of the most successful meetings of recent years there was a tangible air of openness and transparency as the directors and CEO summed up the previous 12 months activities.

Sara Green was voted in over Jeanette Watson to stand for a second term of office as director of rules and fixtures and both Clare Williamson-Cary and Stephen Clarke were duly re-elected as Finance director and Judges director respectively.

Clare Williamson-Cary then went on to discuss the accounts, opening her report with heartening news and speaking of the real growth of dressage during 2008 backed up by increased turnover and a steady membership. “The accounts represent BD as a vibrant and diverse organisation; it’s good for us as a company and for our sport” she said.

A similar theme of prudence and optimism followed in presentations from each of the directors. International teams director Nick Burton talked of the increasing quality and consistency of our top horses and riders who are making a name for GB on the world stage. This sentiment was backed up by last year’s Olympic and Paralympic results where both teams are to be congratulated on outstanding results achieved.

Judges director Stephen Clarke described the pressure organisers are under to book judges for the 7,700 affiliated classes we run per year in Britain – despite having more listed judges than any other country (bar Germany). He feels that the revised system and developing education system is working to attract the right sort of people. 208 judges came forward for upgrading in the last 12 months, a significant increase in previous years and the committee have been satisfied by excellent pass rates across the levels.

Rules and fixtures director Sara Green took the opportunity to pose several potential new rule changes to the audience that could have significant impacts on our sport;

• The option to change championship qualifications from placings to a points based system was put forward. This would reward those consistently scoring well but suffering from ‘seconditis’ and so preventing riders form achieving qualification under the current system.
• The option to allow experienced riders who had previously ridden at a high level and subsequently taken a break from the sport to downgrade to a lower rider group after a set number of years.
• The idea of running a new Novice Elite Championship to accommodate grand prix and intermediate riders not currently eligible to ride at novice or elementary level.
• A process to look at the selection and de-selection of venues so as to give BD room to bring good new centres on board.

Green invited feedback from members on all these changes which will be consolidated into the review. “We can’t promise to please everyone but we will listen” she said.

Both marketing director Penny Pollard and CEO Amanda Bond instilled immeasurable confidence with their reports on the commercial capabilities of BD and the actions being taken to safeguard the company through the recession. “Membership is currently tracking 0.8% down on 2008 figures” said Bond “as 42% of our income comes from subscriptions these are difficult times; we are cautious but we also don’t want to stand still.”

Pollard presented a strong and commercially viable brand and both unveiled new initiatives in line with BD’s Strategic Plan to increase participation and maximise on potential earnings. But money is not the only factor; moves are also being made to engage with the wider dressage community and a new free associate membership is in the pipeline to fulfil this objective.

Leaving the AGM it was reassuring to feel that BD is in safe hands for the next 12 months. “We had a wonderful insight into BD at the AGM. We went home very much inspired, thank you” commented BD member Jackie Coultas. One forum member summed up saying: “An excellent AGM. All the directors spoke very clearly and informatively. Amanda Bond gave a super presentation and left little room for questions - she had answered them all.”