The way forward

To my knowledge BD  is one of the most progressive equestrian organizations  in the world,  during my travels in other countries I often  heard  from foreign riders how they wished their own federations  were as innovative  and forward thinking as BD. 

Planning for the future years is one BD strongest points, thinking ahead envisaging  what the sport would be like in future years is top priority  for  BD  forward planning  committee.  

I am sure that many members are a little confused with the ever changing rules and regulations  and some time a little resentful having to learn and relearn new set of rules every year. Trust me nothing is done in a haphazard  thoughtless manner,  every little details was taken into consideration to insure that in future years we will still be a well respected dressage nation. 

One of  BD high lights is the British Young Rider Dressage  Scheme  the BYRDS Program, this is where our future Carls and Charlottes are nurtured   and developed, it is from this  scheme that the next Laura is going to arrive from one day.

The high light of the BYRDS    program  is  the young professional  and talent competitions,  over the years we have seen such improvement in the qualities of the candidates ,    it hardly believable that these are only  BD young and not yet discovered  members , the knowledge and wisdom shown by these  youngsters belie their years and experience.

Senior trainer   was one of the  assessors for this year  (2025  )  super  talent finding day , he first tested the candidates theoretical knowledge and  was amazed of the in depth replies he got  to his trick question about the “ swinging back is it a myth or a fallacy? “  , the candidates ability to comment about every muscle involved  during  the neck telescoping in to the stretch was astonishing, he did raise an eyebrow when one youngsters described the hand pressure on the rein as firm as  the grip  she has  on  her boy friends,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,  Wallet .

There was not a topic relevant to dressage that these youngsters could not hold their own , from learnt behaviour to any stable management subject  they had the perfect answer to every question.

After  the extensive theoretical  exam Senior Trainer addressed the group of future BD saviours and said  “Lets put it all into practice   and lets see you practicing some dressage moves in sitting trot”

Silence no one moved out of line  “OFF you go Sitting trot and some half passes “

Sheepishly the  ten candidates looked at senior trainer then at each other then back at Senior Trainer  edging each other “you ask him, no you do it “

Senior Trainer was loosing  patience  “ASK HIM WHAT ?”  he said in a irate voice.  

Eventually one of the candidate , the guy that described in details the interaction of the  Sacroiliac  joint with  the  the abductor muscles  for  the  engagement  of the first joint of the left hind leg in the pre piaffe push off, approached Senior Trainer and quietly  asked  “excuse  us Sir but could you please explain to us what is SITTING TROT  IS”