Young riders
British Young Riders Dressage Scheme
British Dressage offers opportunities for all young riders from the age of six to 25. Primarily, British Dressage offers structured training opportunities in the regions taken by suitably qualified and approved instructors. It is not necessary at the outset to become a member of British Dressage; there are a number of opportunities to compete in order to get a taste of the sport.
Essential Information
The BYRDS & U21’s International Co-ordinator at British Dressage is Karen Ryder, who is assisted by Ann Morton and Sharon Weir. The office address is British Dressage, National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RJ. Tel: 02476 698840 / 698834.
Email: karenryder@britishdressage.co.uk or byrdsassistant@britishdressage.co.uk
You are encouraged to join British Dressage. For the majority of activities, unless otherwise stated, you must be a full member of British Dressage with a registered horse or pony. For Regional Training sessions, you do not have to be a member for your first few sessions, but you are then encouraged to join as a non competing member.
BYRDS covers all aspects of Under 25’s training and competitions under the remit of the British Dressage BYRDS Committee.
Riders who want to take part in Regional Training sessions on a regular basis need to join British Dressage as a non competing member. Riders will receive personal liability and accident insurance, a copy of the British Dressage magazine every six weeks and other member benefits. Membership can be upgraded at any time if you wish to compete in affiliated competitions or as part of a Regional Team. Ponies/horses do not need to be registered for Regional Training. Riders from 6 – 25 years will be welcome and encouraged to take part in Regional training.
If you wish to take part in Regional Training and compete in affiliated dressage competitions or are chosen to compete for your region in competitions as part of a team, you will need to become a full member of British Dressage and register your pony/horse. Membership and Horse Registration with British Dressage is rolling – so will run for 12 months from the date of joining. Riders who are full members of British Dressage will not need to pay extra to take part in BYRDS Regional Training.
BYRDS Online
Don’t just take our word for what British Dressage can offer Young Riders – get it straight from those who know. Take a look at what just a few of our Young Riders have been doing…
o Claire Gallimore’s blog and website.
o Therese Smyth, 2009 winner of the British Dressage Young Professionals Award website.
o Anne Marie Perrie’s blog and website.
o Melissa Beer’s blog.
o Georgie Somerset’s blog.
Keep up with all the latest news, photos and dressage videos through our facebook, twitter & youtube pages.
