BYRDS
Whether you just love having a go at dressage and are keen to improve, or you are hoping to make it to the top of the sport, the British Young Rider Dressage Scheme (BYRDS) is for you. While BYRDS is often the platform from which talented riders first step up to the national and international teams, it is also where a lot of ‘ordinary’ riders have a lot of fun and learn a lot.
The aim of BYRDS is simple – to provide quality affordable training while also building team spirit, through socializing and having fun with like-minded people. The scheme was set up in 1989 by businessman Egon von Greyerz and his daughter’s dressage trainer Dane Rawlins. At the European Young Rider Dressage Championships they noticed how the teams from other countries were enjoying working and socializing together while the British riders, their parents and trainers barely knew each other – they decided this had to change!
How BYRDS works
BYRDS is for riders aged 8-25 years and is split up as follows:
BYRDS Regional training
This is for riders aged 12-25 years with Fledglings catering for the 8-11year-olds. You can attend these training sessions just for fun or look to be ‘squadded’, when you put yourself forward to potentially ride for one of the regional teams. You will then be placed in either A, B or C squad depending on your current riding level. You can then work up the squads (from C to A) before potentially moving up to the National team. Alternatively, you might be ‘spotted’ by your Regional Development Officer and put forward for a National Training Viewing Day.
For more information:
o BYRDS Regional training system
o BYRDS for riders 12-25 and Fledglings
o To find out what is happening in your area, look up your region in Training & Events.
BYRDS National training
For outstanding riders aged 12-25 years, who are have the talent and potential to compete at National level in their appropriate class ie. Pony Rider, Junior Rider or Young Rider. The aim is to develop these riders for the Under 21s international squads and ultimately for the Olympics.
For more information:
o BYRDS national training for riders aged 12-25
BYRDS Team/Squad training
For Pony, Junior or Young Riders up to 21 years, who have been selected to ride for their squad or even represent their country.
Other resources
TASS
If you would like help to make it to the top, you might like to apply for the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS). It is for anyone aged 15-25 who is a student of some kind. Click here for more details. There is also more info on the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) website.
SPORTS AID
SportsAid nominations are now open in an effort to financially support talented young sports individuals and help them achieve sporting success. Riders will be nominated by their NGBs and cannot apply directly. The criteria as set by SportsAid and the NGB’s states that nominees must:
1. Be a member of the GB/England team or squad member
2. Live and train in England
3. Be between 12 and 18 years old (up to 25 for Para Dressage)
4. Not be in receipt of any other funding such as a TASS or Lottery Award
5. Not earn over £8,000
6. Meet the minimum competitive criteria as follows:
(For Dressage) Pony Training Squad (FEI Level) - achieving 68% at Medium or Pony FEI. Junior Training Squad (FEI Level) - achieving 68% at Advanced Medium or above.
To view the full SportsAid Framework for the British Equestrian Federation click here
