British Eventing is pleased to announce the restructure of their 2022 competing membership categories. The new three-tier structure, alongside a new ‘PAY AS YOU GO’ system, will allow for a reduced cost of annual membership and enables more entry-level competitors to benefit from the “gold standard” that BE brings. The new membership options will be available to purchase through the website from Wednesday 5th Jan 2022.
Helen West, CEO for British Eventing commented “I truly believe that this initial revised membership structure for 2022 is the first step in a more widespread restructure further down the line which will address the balance of the membership fee versus the number of times members actually compete, and at which levels. I feel strongly that anyone wishing to event should be able do so with the assurances that come from being within the embrace of the sport’s national governing body. By reducing the lower level membership costs we have now removed the main hurdle that many said was holding them back from joining us and I trust that we will see a healthy, robust and flourishing grassroots membership as a result with as many of them as possible focusing on qualifying for the recently announced inaugur al National BE80 Championships at Bramham this summer.
“I trust that everyone will see the benefit of the change and I look forward to us all seeing the sport flourish and have the future that the Team Gold medallists at Tokyo have inspired us to have.”
The new membership fee structure will reflect around a 33% reduction for those joining British Eventing to compete at the two lowest levels of competition the first time and approximately 26% discount for existing members in the same category at their point of renewal. For those competing from BE100 up to Novice and CCI2* their memberships will remain the same for 2022.
For members competing up to CCI 5* there is an increase to their membership fees however, riders competing at the higher levels will benefit the greatest if the proposal to move away from a mandatory centralised abandonment insurance policy goes ahead, which will see a net saving of 7.6% on every entry next season. This will mean that the AIP savings culminated from just four runs, for example 2 x Intermediate entries and 1 x CCI3-S and 1 x CCI3-L entry would be over £70. 4 entries at CCI4-S will bring a saving of over £100.
The current Day Ticket system will be replaced by a Pay as You Go system for all national levels of competition. Grassroots riders will be able to qualify and compete at an Area Festival in the Area Championship class using this system, but if they wish to pursue the National Qualifier route to the National Championships at Badminton & Bramham they will need to purchase one of the three competing membership options.
Similarly, those wishing to take part in the hugely successful Novice Masters and the exciting new Intermediate Masters can also make use of the PAYG system should they choose to, but to compete at the Festival of British Eventing in the Corinthian Cup, Novice Championships or Intermediate Championships they must be a Standard or Premier member. Similarly, those wishing to pursue the FEI competition pathway will also be required to be a Standard or Premier member.
Regarding the change in fees and the impact they will have on individual members Helen said “This is the first step in redressing the balance for membership. I would have loved to have had a complete membership restructure but this was simply not possible in the time frame allowed for 2022. I am conscious that this first stage in the restructure will mean that not everyone benefits initially. I would like to reassure everyone that there is more work to be done on this and for 2023 I am committed to finding ways to reward the loyalty of members who renew year-on-year. I am hopeful that the PAYG system will benefit those single horse amateur riders who want to compete in National classes.”
The three membership categories (which all continue to span a 12 month rolling period) along with the PAY AS YOU GO system from 2022 are as follows:
Rider Membership
Introductory:
For those competing at BE90 and below.
£80 membership fee*
Standard:
For those competing up to and including Intermediate Novice (IN) and CCI2*
£125 membership fee*
Premier:
For those competing across all levels
£275 membership fee*.
Pay as You Go:
The Pay as You Go system will replace the current Day Passes and there will be no restrictions on the number of times that you can compete.
£30 membership fee.
Equine season ticket are as follows:
Horse Season Ticket (full year/half year):
Pay as you Go – £30
Grade 4 – £67/£45
Grade 3 – £100/£65
Grade 2 – £140/£82
Grade 1 – £180/£108
If either the Rider, Owner or Horse hold a PAYG membership or Season Ticket, a £15 PAYG fee will be added to the Entry
The full detailed list of membership categories and horse registrations fees can be found here and along with some frequently asked questions found here
Current full members who pay by Direct Debit will automatically roll over to a standard membership however there is an opportunity to make a change to your membership.
Full details on the new membership will be released soon.
The British Eventing membership team can also answer any questions you may have or assist you with your membership forms so please do not hesitate to contact them during office hours on 0247 669 8856
* Prices quoted are for direct debit. You are still able to purchase memberships in full online, or via the office but an additional fee will be added. More information on prices coming soon.