News

TGCA Championships - all you need to know

  • Written By: British Dressage
  • Published: Fri, 16 Feb 2018 17:17 GMT

Open to horses and ponies registered with the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association (TGCA), this championship is becoming more and more popular for owners and riders of this much-loved breed.

Originally bred by the Romany Gypsy families to pull their wagons across the length and breadth of England and Ireland, the Traditional Gypsy Cob had to be hardy, fearless, intelligent and powerful, yet docile and patient enough for the whole family to handle. These horses were bred for many generations solely in the UK and Ireland for their temperament, stamina, strength and versatility. 

Over the years, they’ve gradually found their way into the hearts of many people who recognise their practicality and no-nonsense approach to life. This lovely temperament, coupled with intelligence and eye catching, active paces makes them a great choice for those wanting an honest, hardworking dressage partner.

What levels do they run at?

o Intro
o Prelim
o Novice
o Elementary
o Medium

Who can compete?

o Open to any horse or pony registered with Traditional Gypsy Cob Association (TGCA). 
o At the championship there will be one section for purebreds and one section for Part breds TGCA Horses each level. 
o This is open to current Full and Club members. Those who have never competed BD before are welcome. 
o They’re run under BD/Quest rules and combinations must be eligible for the level at which they wish to compete.

Which organisations do I need to be a member of to be able to qualify?

BD membership/ registration to qualify:

Level Horse Rider
Intro - Prelim Bronze Club/Full/Ticket/Trial Club/Full/Ticket/Trial
Prelim Silver, Novice and above Full/Ticket/Trial Full/Ticket/Trial


For the final:
- All horses and riders must be full BD members.
- All horses and riders must be registered with TGCA http://tgca.co.uk/

How do I qualify?

o Qualification period is between the 1 December 2017 and 31 August 2018
o To qualify directly for the final for the championship, horse and rider combinations must achieve three scores of 60% or above, gained between 1 December 2017 and the 31 August 2018. 
o Horse and rider combinations must be eligible for Bronze or Silver sections for the level they wish to qualify in accordance with BD Rules

Please note: The winning combination at each level at the final will not be eligible for the same level or below in future years and must compete at a higher level.

What shows can I get my scores at?

o Scores can be gained in any regular BD affiliated competition or BD Team/My Quest competition. To see a list of competitions please click here. 
o Score sheets from Area Festivals, Regionals, Winter or National Championships and Quest Regional or Quest National Championships, may not be used towards qualification. 

Can I compete at different levels?

o Combinations may compete and qualify at different levels but can only compete in two levels/classes at the final. 

How do I know when I have qualified? 

o Once you have achieved your three qualifying scores, you need to register your qualification with BD. 
o Please fill in the qualification form and then send an e-mail to fixtures@britishdressage.co.uk or post to: British Dressage, Meriden Business Park, Copse Drive, Meriden, West Midlands CV5 9RG, stating where and when you achieved your three qualifying scores.
o You’ll then receive an invitation to the final with all the championships details. 

Where and when is the final?

o The final will take place at Solihull RC in the West Midlands on Sunday 4 November 2018. 

I still have questions, who should I contact?

o Christina Stuart at British Dressage: Christina.Stuart@britishdressage.co.uk 02476 698909
o Andrea Betteridge at the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association: meadowfarmuk@aol.com07725 832192