last updated on September 30, 2009 13:18

In collaboration with British Riding Clubs, British Dressage is launching a new membership category, the Riding Club British Dressage membership. From October this year, any member of a British Riding Clubs affiliated Riding Club can enjoy six months of affiliated winter dressage competition with the added advantage of full British Dressage membership.

For the special price of just £30 for membership and £30 for horse registration, Riding Club members can compete between 1st October and 31st March with all the benefits of British Dressage membership. They will have the opportunity to qualify for regional and combined training championships and those wishing to compete at Preliminary level only, needn’t even register their horse.

This package, which is exclusive to BRC members, will provide Riding Club members with access to affiliated competitions where they can be assured of great facilities and the right environment to fine tune their dressage before the summer. Other benefits include access to training at all levels, copies of British Dressage magazine, access to the members’ areas of the BD website and the monthly email newsletter.

Stoneleigh Riding Club member Lucy Bell is also a member of British Dressage and frequently takes the opportunity to compete in affiliated dressage. Lucy is an active Riding Club member, regularly competing in show jumping, eventing and dressage with her club. She explains that getting out to affiliated dressage is a vital part of her horse’s education and really complements the other disciplines.

Lucy says: “I joined [British Dressage] initially to improve my dressage with a particular horse at the time. That was four years ago and I’ve been a member ever since. I find it really keeps me motivated through the winter and regular feedback from the judges is a huge help. It gives me goals to aim for rather than just schooling at home.”

Talking about the initiative, Sarah Phillips Senior Executive of British Riding Clubs says: “This is really a great opportunity for our members to benefit from British Dressage membership without having to pay a full year subscription, and in this current financial crisis, every penny helps. This collaboration is just one more reason why all riders should become members of British Riding Clubs.”

British Dressage Chief Executive Amanda Bond says: “We are just delighted that our ever-strengthening relationship with British Riding Clubs has resulted in this new joint venture. It is great that we can assist then in offering yet more benefit to their members. I am sure it will be extremely popular – just as it proved to be with British Eventing.”

To view and download a membership form please click here