last updated on March 29, 2010 13:21

Regular visitors to the BD website may notice a fresh new look to the site as well as some exciting changes. A new, free, web-based membership package has been launched to help increase the membership base and reach the many thousands of people who compete unaffiliated throughout the UK.

British Dressage currently has a membership of approximately 14,000 but research estimates that approximately 36,000 compete in dressage in the UK. It is hoped that the Associate Membership will enable BD to engage with many more people who love the sport, bridging the gap between the existing membership structure and the unaffiliated market.

"As the national governing body for the sport of dressage in the UK, it is vital that we engage with and represent all those who are passionate about our sport. I hope the Associate membership will enable us to do just that" said chief executive of BD Amanda Bond.

"A broader membership base will raise the profile of dressage, strengthen the work of BD and enhance the experience for all. We encourage anyone with an interest in dressage to sign up and join the conversation!"

The Associate Membership, which is free to subscribe to, offers a range of appealing and useful online content which is also available to all paying BD members. Benefits include an online “page turner” featuring elements of the BD magazine, access to online dressage videos from the Horse Hero website, access to the BD discussion forums, the ability to search horse and rider competition records for free and regular email newsletters.

A resulting growth in membership numbers will not only increase the commercial value of BD, attracting more sponsorship to the sport but will also help raise the profile of dressage, strengthen the work of BD and enhance the membership experience for all.

> Sign up for associate membership here