British Eventing

British Eventing (BE), formerly known as the British Horse Trials Association (BHTA), is the Great Britain governing body for the equestrian sport of eventing,[1] which combines a single rider and horse pairing competing in dressage, showjumping and cross country. The organisation both regulates the sport and organises nearly 200 affiliated events across the country.[2] In Great Britain, the eventing season runs from March to October every year, weather conditions permitting.

British Eventing is responsible for Team GB selection for the Olympics and other international events. It forms part of the national umbrella body, the British Equestrian Federation.[3] Based at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, it has over 11000 members.

History

The organisation changed its name at the start of 2001, as the term 'horse trials' was gradually being replaced across the globe. Eventing combines three phases: dressage, showjumping and cross country.

Governance

BE consists has a Board and a Sports Committee 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. The current chairman is Alexandra Fox. The management comprises Mike Etherington Smith, who is the Chief Executive, Mike Barnes the Marketing & Commercial Director and Wendy McGowan the Finance Director.

Since the change of name in 2001, the organisation has worked to expand the appeal of the sport and teach those wanting to compete and understand the sport.

References

  1. ^ "About British Eventing". British Eventing. http://www.britisheventing.com/page.asp?section=62&sectionTitle=About+British+Eventing. 
  2. ^ "Statistics". British Eventing. http://www.britisheventing.com/page.asp?section=115&sectionTitle=Statistics. 
  3. ^ "Member Bodies". British Equestrian Federation. http://www.bef.co.uk/About_the_BEF/Member_Bodies.html.