Pony dressage points amnesty

[follyfoot]

Hi,
just wondering if everyone is aware of this, as posted on the EA website - last month !!!!!

Pony Dressage- Grading Points
At the recent meeting with SDAs on 13/9 and the ADC meeting on 14/9 there was much discussion about Pony Dressage and how the numbers are low and ponies are grading up too quickly as a result.

The ADC is currently reviewing the grading system with any new system proposed for implementation about 1/1/11. This will give ample time for members and SDAs to comment on any changes. Initiatives being considered for the new grading system will address the problem for horses (and ponies) but OC’s are at the point of not being able to offer pony competition due to lack of numbers – this is not the case for horses. We are trying to accommodate organising committee’s who are obliged to run pony classes but are hampered by low participation. This is putting a strain on resources and funds at a time when neither are in abundance.

In the meantime the SDAs and ADC have agreed that there be an "amnesty" on grading points for ponies. This "amnesty" will become EFFECTIVE FROM WEDNESDAY 14/10/09 until such time as the review of the grading system is completed and a new system implemented. As a result of this "amnesty" ponies will remain at their current graded level until any new system is implemented. Riders would still be required to keep a record of their performances for qualification purposes. Alternatively all pony results need to continue to be entered on the National data base but without accruing any grading points.