SUGGESTION: This concerns the Jr. Classic…I would like to suggest that rather than adding classes that have very little relevance to our sport like the Medal Class, which is from the Show Hunter discipline, that organizers may consider adding an Eventing Equitation Test. This is a combination of a short dressage test and jumping combination, judged on position, seat and effective use of aids. Both on the flat and over fences. If this type of division could be offered at several venues, perhaps it could develop into a year end award.
Thank you for your time.
RESPONSE: Thank you for your suggestion regarding the Junior Classic show. The Eventing Equitation Test is a good idea, and, in fact, SEDA has done Eventing Rider Tests in years past - so we are certainly open to offering it again! This year (2015), we altered the format of the Junior Classic prize list in hopes of refreshing the show with some new options, while still offering the major competitive components that members expected and needed for year end awards. We hoped to accomplish a number of things: 1) freshen the typical format and bring new excitement to the show, 2) provide SEDA juniors with a greater diversity and exposure to other disciplines which might encourage knowledge and awareness outside of the eventing field (making them more well-rounded), and 3) encourage junior participation from outside the normal SEDA membership (i.e. non-dressage types) to exemplify the benefits and enjoyment of classical training. All of these goals, we felt, might build community awareness for our club as well as potentially increase club membership. Your feedback is important and we will continue to solicit additional feedback from the event to ascertain what worked or what didn’t. We want to continue to make the Junior Classic a fun event while exposing our youth to different opportunities to help them grow as riders and sportsmen/women.