News
Your stories: It’s never too late to get involved with BD Youth
- Written By: British Dressage | Maddie Hinchliff
- Published: Wed, 07 Oct 2026 18:00
A chance riding lesson and a willingness to try something new opened the door to a whole new world for Amy Tate. Joining BD Youth in her final eligible year, the event rider discovered a welcoming community, valuable training opportunities and a renewed passion for dressage, proving it's never too late to get involved.
When Amy Tate first joined the BD Youth programme, she was stepping into a world many riders experience much earlier in their equestrian journey. At 24, she found herself at the upper end of the youth age bracket, joining a pathway where many riders have already spent years developing friendships, experiences and ambitions. But Amy's story proves that there is no "right" time to get involved.
Coming from a predominantly eventing background, Amy had previously focused much of her competitive career on British Eventing. Dressage had always been part of the picture, but it wasn't until a chance opportunity last winter that things began to change.
"I actually won a lesson with Emma McGurk in a riding club raffle," Amy explained. "I'd never really trained with BD coaches before, and after that lesson she suggested that the Youth Inter Regional Championships might be a great fit for me."
Riding her much-loved 15hh Connemara, Amy wasn't immediately convinced. While her horse may not be the type that catches everyone's eye with extravagant movement, the emphasis on rider effectiveness within the BD Youth pathway appealed to her: "He's not the sort of horse that's going to produce huge medium trots," she said. "But the Youth Inter Regionals is about the rider as well as the horse. It's about how you're helping the horse and presenting them at their best."
What followed was a whirlwind introduction to the BD Youth system. Between assessment days, rider tests and navigating the various championship pathways, Amy admits there was plenty to learn. However, with support from BD staff, coaches and regional volunteers, she soon found her place. Alongside discovering the opportunities available through BD Youth, Amy also found herself increasingly drawn towards dressage competition.
"The cost of eventing has increased a lot, and the ground conditions this year have been challenging. Dressage has given me another way to compete and enjoy my horses," she said. "I've always enjoyed dressage. I'm definitely not someone who just gets through the dressage to go jumping."
Regardless of all the other factors, one of the biggest surprises for Amy was the positive atmosphere she encountered: "I'd always heard the stereotype that dressage can be a bit intimidating, but I've found the complete opposite. Everyone has been really friendly and welcoming. Whether it was the regional coaches, area representatives or other competitors, people have been genuinely supportive."
That welcoming environment became even more important when Amy arrived at the Inter Regional Championships; "I was the oldest rider on my team by quite a long way," she laughed. "At first I did think, 'Oh my goodness, I'm ancient compared to everyone else!' But once everyone started chatting about their horses, none of that really mattered." From helping younger teammates celebrate their successes to sharing conversations with riders and parents from across the country, Amy quickly discovered that age wasn't a barrier. "We all had horses in common. That's what brings everyone together. Whether someone is 10, 16 or 24, you've all got that shared passion."
Now looking ahead to the Area Festivals and future senior team opportunities, Amy feels her experience within BD Youth has given her more than competitive goals. "I've learned so much about British Dressage through the Youth programme. I've made connections with coaches and volunteers that I know I'll carry forward into senior competition, and I feel much more confident about where I fit within the sport."
For riders wondering whether they're experienced enough, talented enough or perhaps joining a little later than everyone else, Amy has some simple advice: "Just give it a go. You don't need the flashiest horse. Accuracy, partnership and good riding count for so much. You might surprise yourself."
And for those still eligible for BD Youth?
"Take advantage of every opportunity you can. The team experiences, camps, training and friendships are something really special. As you get older, opportunities to be part of a team become rarer, so make the most of them while you can."
Get involved with BD Youth
Amy's journey into BD Youth may have started later than most, but her story is a reminder that opportunities within British Dressage are open to everyone. Sometimes all it takes is one lesson, one conversation and the confidence to give something new a try. Are you ready to give it a go? Find out what opportunities might be available to you via the button below:
Share your story
Do you have an inspiring dressage story that you would love to share? No matter where you are in your dressage journey, whether you've recently made your test debut, overcome the odds, or have been a long-term member progressing through the levels, we would love to hear how you fell in love with the sport and why you chose to join British Dressage!
For a chance for your story to be featured on our website and social media, please email us at communications@britishdressage.co.uk.
