British Eventing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
British Eventing (BE), formally known as the British Horse Trials Association (BHTA), is the UK's governing body for the sport of eventing. The organisation changed its name at the start of 2001, as the term 'horse trials' was gradually being replaced across the globe.
The organisation both regulates the sport in Britain and organises affiliated events across the country, with the eventing season running from March to October every year, weather conditions permitting.
BE consists of ten directors, currently including six-times Badminton winner Lucinda Green, and a number of committee members, responsible for such areas as major events, rules, training, safety and team selection. The body also employs four regional directors, each responsible for the events that take place in their respective geographical areas.
Whilst BE has worked hard to increase membership, with membership levels recently breaking the 10,000 barrier, to make the sport more attractive to sponsor and to increase press coverage, the body has come under continued criticism in recent years. The rise in membership has not been met with a corresponding rise in the number of competitions, causing record numbers of competitors to be balloted out of events, particularly in the Central and West areas, and the cost of competing is increasing each year.
