British Showjumping Statement

Friday 19 December 2014

We have been made aware that there have been comments on social media regarding issues over the new points system and the updating of records. 

First of all we would like to apologise for any inconvenience that this might have caused. It is perhaps inevitable that introducing any changes can bring about an element of disruption, however in responding to the concerns of the members about the lack of classes at HOYS for the weekend riders we tried our best to get the systems up and running in time for this year’s HOYS.  

In that respect we were successful, but with the benefit of hindsight we perhaps misjudged the extent that the members do not keep details of their winnings and the difficulties that this might cause.  It has always been the case that the records were updated in arrears, however we do accept that there have been, for a number of different factors, longer delays than we would have liked. 

Some members have expressed concern that the delays have resulted in a significant increase in fines.  In this respect we would like to clarify the situation by giving the following information in regard to the number of fines that have been issued since the first of April this year, split into the different categories.

Rider Not Registered – 490
Horse Not Registered – 383
Owner Not Registered – 299
Outside Points Limit – 129
Outside of Grade – 58
Horse Suspended – 38
Rider Suspended – 20
Unqualified – 5
Rider or Horse Outside of Age Limit – 2

Out of a total number of approximately 14,000 members we think that the 1,429 fines that have been levied this year are not disproportionate.  This is a marked improvement based on statistics taken during the same period during 2013 when a total of 1,971 fines were issued of which 489 were in respect of horses competing outside of their points limit and 101 due to horses being competed outside of their grade.  This shows a reduction by two thirds of fines being driven by horses competing outside of class eligibility. 

In further recognition of the concerns of the members about the potential impact of the new points system, we would like to invite any members who have been fined for jumping outside of their points threshold   to  lodge an appeal, if they feel that there are extenuating circumstances, and we will consider this  as fairly as possible.  

Once again, thank you for your support and patience.