BDRC Rules & Regulations/Conditions of Entry – Bromsgrove & District Riding Club

Club Title

The Club will be called Bromsgrove & District Riding Club and may also be known as BDRC. BDRC follow the guidelines and rules set out by the British Riding Club Association, however unless events are run as Qualifiers, all rules are also down to the club’s discretion.

BDRC have been around for over forty years and over the last few years we have tried to build up the club by supporting our riders so that everyone can enjoy and improve their riding. We also encourage our members, both Senior and Junior, to compete as part of the club’s teams.

BDRC are a non-profit organisation where any monies received are put back into the club.

Objective

The aims and objectives of the club will be to undertake the following:

To promote participation in horse riding as a sport and recreational activity within the local community.
To provide opportunities for coaching and competitive opportunities within the amateur sport of horse riding.
To promote good fellowship amongst riders.
To improve and maintain the standard of riding and horsemanship.
To support and co-operate with organisations that promote equestrianism in all forms.
To concern itself with any matter which will benefit the horse and horse user in the local community.
To provide suitable facilities to further the aims of the club

We pride ourselves on being a positive and supporting club who strive to achieve a friendly atmosphere at any event/training session. We are committed to promoting the wellbeing of all our members and strongly encourage every member to show respect and understanding to all participants of our club and other BRC clubs.

Sports Equity

The club is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition of sports equity: “Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society.”

The club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.

The club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.

All club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.

The club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to club disciplinary procedures.

If a horse is out of work/competing for a period of time and the owner/rider wishes to compete at lower heights than previously competed (regardless of wins) the horse/rider combination will have to enter as HC at the lower height.

If a member would like to downgrade a horse, they should email the Club Secretary (bdrcterrie@gmail.com) requesting the downgrade. There must be a valid reason/vets note attached to the email and the Committee will make a decision as soon as possible. The member will receive notice within 7 days of the request and should be aware that a downgrade will be in effect for 12 months. The owner of said horse can then request a review of the downgrade.

Membership

Membership of the Club is open to anyone interested in joining. The committee may refuse membership only for good cause, such as conduct or character likely to bring the Club or the sport into disrepute.

The Committee may expel from membership of the Club any member who has breached any of the rules of the Club, or who has in the opinion of the Committee have been guilty of any conduct derogatory to the character or prejudicial to the interest of the Club, provided that before expelling him or her the Committee shall allow the member to appeal the decision to the members and provide an explanation of his/her conduct and allow a proper opportunity of answering the allegations against him/her.

All members will be subject to the regulations and by joining the Club will be deemed to accept these rules & regulations that the Club has adopted.

Finance

The Club Treasurer will be responsible for the finances of the Club.

The financial year of the Club shall commence on the 1^st January in each year. All surplus income or profits are to be reinvested in the Club. No surpluses or assets will be distributed to members or third parties.

AGM

The Annual General Meeting shall be held in around December of each year and will include the following:

A review of the Club’s Accounts.
A run down of all activities and training throughout the year.
Fill any vacancies within the Committee.
Provide information for upcoming events.
Suggestions from members.

Rules (The following applies to all who attend a BDRC event):

Follow all guidelines laid down by BRC and BDRC.
Any horse & rider combinations that are BD/BS registered may only compete at their BD/BS level or higher, and MUST be in the Open section of their BD/BS level.
Any horse & rider combinations that compete at Area level may only compete at their Area level or higher, and MUST be in the Open section of their Area level.
Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
Be respectful of the rights of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background or religious beliefs or sexual identity.
Keep to agreed timings for lessons and competitions or inform their coach, instructor or organiser if they are going to be late.
Any fees must be paid for in advance unless otherwise agreed.
Smoking is not allowed whilst riding.
Alcohol is not allowed to be consumed while competing for the club or while taking part in club activities.
The taking of drugs of any kind is not allowed while taking part in club activities.
All riders and competitors MUST wear the correct attire, and all safety equipment (i.e. hats) must comply with the current BRC guidelines.
No horse or pony under the age of four may compete and it is recommended that horses/ponies are up to date with their influenza vaccinations in line with the BRC Rule Book.
Horses may compete in no more than three classes per day subject to the rules within the show schedule.
Do not abuse officials, however much you disagree with their decision.
Encourage all riders and applaud their efforts.
Do not ridicule opponents for their mistakes or criticise their horses.
Do not applaud or encourage foul play.
Do not use foul, racist or abusive language to riders, officials or other spectators.
Do not ever use physical violence or threaten anyone.
You are subject to the Rules of the sport. You can be cautioned, reported or sent away from the competition if this Code of Conduct is breached.
Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.
Encourage participants to value their performances and not just results.
The Club does not accept responsibility for any loss, damage or injury, etc which may be sustained by persons, horses or ponies, vehicles or property, servants in connection with, or arising out of the event. It shall be deemed a condition of entry that these rules have been accepted and each competitor shall agree to indemnify the organisers against any such accident.
Hold appropriate valid qualifications and insurance cover.
The Judge’s decision is final.
Credit may be given to anyone who withdraws prior to the closing date. After the closing date, the Club reserves the right to refuse a credit. No refunds will be given unless exceptional circumstances.
Emergency/Next of Kin information must be provided when booking a Class if travelling alone.
The Club accepts no responsibility for any children under the age of 18. They must be accompanied by an adult at all times .
The Club reserve the right to restrict or close entries in any class once an acceptable number of entries have been received.
The Club reserves the right to cancel the event, or amend any of the conditions as they think fit.
Any fallers must be assessed by the First Aider present. The Club reserves the right to allow the rider to return to the arena to complete the course.
Excessive use of whips and spurs will result in disqualification.
Everyone must follow the instructions of the stewards and committee.
Please note that where possible, the Committee will organise the classes in the best order for the riders.
Please park sensibly and considerably on the car park of any venue.
Do not leave your horse/pony unattended outside the lorry.
Dogs must be kept on leads at all times.
Please leave the lorry park as you find it and take rubbish home with you where possible.
Horses can easily be frightened and can be dangerous. Members of the public are requested to keep clear from the edge of the arenas/horse lanes and avoid behaviour which might alarm the horses.
No galloping/lunging on the show site.

If you are a BDRC member and you need someone to talk to please contact one of the following you feel comfortable talking to.

Stacey Wilkinson (Chair) – 07730 607690
Terrie Baxter (Secretary) – 07950 802129