This is a minefield!

Here is the link to the BHS table of eligibility but it is worth asking and checking for every event.  Make sure you ring the BSJA or British Dressage to clarify your horse's winnings as obviously these can change from week to week (hopefully anyway!).

One pitfall in the rules is that if you have competed at certain other levels or competitions in the same year (in some cases the year before), you may be ineligible. For example if you have competed in an unaffiliated Open horse trials (ie 3ft6+), this may make you ineligible to do the Intermediate or Novice horse trials qualifier. You might think they will never find out... but you only need one jealous rider on another team who recognises you and you will be eliminated so don't do it!!

Disclaimer: while team managers do their best to keep abreast of the rules, it is ultimately the rider's responsibility to check their eligibility and to make the manager aware if there is a problem. Do not be afraid to say if you think you have made a mistake - we may still be able to enter you as an Individual and there are usually people ready to fill in for you.

In summary:

For Novice competitions your horse may not have any BSJA/BD/BE points (in the relevant discipline)

For Intermediate competitions there are limits on winnings/points.

For Open competitions there are high limits on winnings/points.

WITHDRAWAL FROM CHAMPIONSHIPS

We do stress that competitors who enter team events should be willing to attend the Championships if they qualify. It can be disappointing for the people who DO want to go if other team members let them down, and in some cases substitutions cannot be made at all so no one would be able to compete.

Perhaps more importantly, Riding Club rules state that British Riding Clubs can take disciplinary action against anyone who qualifies for a Championship and does not compete without good reason (ie vet/doctor certificate). This could be a fine but more likely will be a ban from competing at qualifiers or official Riding Club competitions for a year... which none of us want!

Most years we have gained sponsorship to attend the Lincoln Championships which meant it did not cost our team a penny, so do not be afraid of the distance and go for it if you get in!