British Para Show Jumping Association an organization for Physically Disabled riders and Visually Impaired Riders

Updated 22/08/2012

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The BPSJA is saddened by the announcement of the death of Jane Goldsmith she was instrumental in helping set up the British Para Show Jumping Association our thoughts are with her family

FEI PRESS RELEASE

Lausanne (SUI), 6 June 2012

In Memoriam: Jane Goldsmith 1941 - 2012

Jane Goldsmith, a member of the FEI Para-Equestrian Committee and one of the pioneers of Para-Dressage in Great Britain, passed away peacefully on 2 June after a long illness.

Jane was born into a non-horsey family, but during her school years, she worked at a local riding school at weekends and in the evenings in return for being taught to ride. She would borrow the butcher’s delivery cart pony and go show jumping at weekends.

On leaving school, she entered the horse industry as a trainee groom, which allowed her to continue her competition training. She had great success in her competitive and training careers in Dressage, Jumping, Eventing and Racing.

During her Jumping career, she won the All-England Championship, and was runner-up to Harvey Smith as Show Jumper of the Year. In Dressage she competed and trained to Prix St Georg standard and above and became a British Dressage List 1 Judge.

She was a successful event rider and trainer, and was widely acknowledged as a brilliant producer of Young Riders to international status. As an FEI Judge and Technical Delegate, she officiated at some of the world’s highest level events, including Badminton and Kentucky.

A Fellow of the British Horse Society, Mrs Goldsmith was involved in education and also published two books, Coaching the Rider and Teaching Jumping. She also gave herself tirelessly to the sport of Para-Dressage, coaching some of the world’s best riders, including Lee Pearson. She was coach of arguably Britain’s most successful Paralympics team since the year 2000, and founded the Para Dressage Training Trust, a charity which trains young riders and provides horses for those who cannot afford international competition standard horses.

As well as her role as a member of the FEI Para-Equestrian Committee, she was also a five-star Para-Dressage judge, and taught all over the world in training schemes for FEI Development, the International Paralympic Equestrian Committee and the Christopher Reeve Spinal Cord and Paralysis Foundation. Last year, she was presented with the Queen's Award for Equestrianism for her outstanding service to the sport and was due to be a member of the Appeal Committee at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

“Jane was so well loved by so many and her passing will leave a huge hole in the Para Dressage world,” Ulf Wilken, Chair of the FEI Para-Equestrian Committee said. “She has worked tirelessly for Para-Dressage over the years, and her huge support, drive and initiative have helped to take the discipline to where it is today. This is a tremendous loss to the horse world and to her family and many friends.”

British Dressage Chief Executive Amanda Bond commented: "Jane's contribution to our sport, both in Great Britain and throughout the world, has been phenomenal. As one of the pioneers of Para Dressage sport, we owe her a huge debt of gratitude for her dedication. She will be fondly remembered by so many for her wisdom, her generosity and her strength of character. We have lost a great coach and a dear friend."

René Pasquier, who was President of the Organising Committee for the popular CSIO in La Baule in France for the last 25 years, passed away on Thursday, February 16.

Pasquier, who was 71, suffered a stroke while attending a jumping competition in Bordeaux, according to the French equestrian federation.

La Baule, which celebrated 50 years of international Jumping in 2010, traditionally hosts the first leg of the FEI Nations Cup Top League, one of the FEI's flagship series. Pasquier was the driving force behind the show and it was his vision and drive that made La Baule into one of the most popular events on the International calendar.

"René Pasquier was a truly wonderful man who dedicated himself tirelessly to making La Baule the iconic event it is today, where the world's best jumping riders convene for the first CSIO of the outdoor season," said FEI President HRH Princess Haya.

Princess Haya said.

"He will be sorely missed by FEI staff members who have worked closely with him over the years.

"The FEI will also be forever indebted to René, whose passion has showed no bounds for this fabulous world-class setting where the great jumping champions make their mark,"

Pasquier is survived by his wife Catherine, and their children.

 Pasquier's funeral will be held at the Église Notre-Dame de La Baule on 22 February at 3pm.

We were heavily involved and the first to set up an organisation catering solely for physically disabled riders, we took many riders to France, for there first International Jumping experience. We took pride in producing shows where you had the ability to jump against your peers and learn from each other against fellow International riders who have had many years of experience.

The comradery that came out of these shows has given us a fantastic reputation around the world. But at what price, I am fed up with the constant smears, obstacles, personal attacks, and attitudes of a lot of the old-fashioned beliefs about disabled people. They have a right to compete as much as an able bodied person.

Seven years I have battled and have made some great friends in the England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Spain, USA, Canada, Sweden, France, Australia and New Zealand.

This may not seem professional and I apologise to all those riders and future disabled riders for not being strong enough to carry on on your behalf. One can only take so much crap and I have reached my limit the latest was an anonymous warning:

 " Andy please be careful and on guard you are planning a show for the summer and various organisations are not happy!! I understand certain people are trying to discredit you and the BPSJA. I'm afraid I cannot intervene. That is all I can tell you.
 
Good luck"

Just one of many I get.

This web site will be wiped and I will be posting more of the above at the end of the month including minutes of meetings slating the BPSJA.

Andy Lawes

Details will be announced towards the end of January keep watching.

July the 8th sees the first RDA showjumping competition at Hartpury College. Entry is by invitation as showjumping within the RDA is still in its infancy.

      Susi                   Wolfe                Ruth                Emily

Karen Law Blind rider (Click to see video)
Toby Bevins (Click to see Video)
Christian Fiegle (Click to see Video)

http://www.labaule-cheval.com/2011/pages/accueil.html

Watch La Baule live by following this link;  http://www.labaule-cheval.com/2011/pages/diffusion-streaming-fr.html 

A message from France

Dear friends,

I am delighted to invite you at the first European Para equestrian Jumping Cup which is going to take place in Vimory-Montargis (Loiret-FRANCE) during our International 2* Jumping competition organized may 19th to may 22nd 2011.

As a paraplegic in love with horses who has to deal, like many, with daily life constraints, I wish to encourage and strive for fulfillment of disabled and non disabled jumping riders altogether. There is still a lot to do.

My team and I are organizing a competition which is part of the Para equestrian Jumping French Cup since 2008. Now in 2011, we wish to go a step further by working on an international dynamic in order to make the FEI recognize Para equestrian jumping competitions on a European level.

To do so, we would appreciate if all disabled jumping riders could take part in this new European Para equestrian Jumping Cup. They will show their passion and their real sports mind.

Our money prizes are going to be as important as in non disabled jumping competitions, it is to say 3000€ for the winner, 2000€ for a 2nd place and 1000€ for a third place.

Jacques-Eric DELATRE DE LA CHESNAIS

Five BPSJA Members are looking forward to riding in France May 19th - 21st at Jumping de Bechereau Premiere Jumping European Handisport. Emily Lawes, Susi Rogers- Hartley, Ruth Slater, Ben Carr and Wolfe Walker-Altas.  Susi and Ben will be taking there own Horses and Emily, Ruth and Wolf will be hiring French horses.

The BPSJA Special General meeting went extremely well and we have regions for local people to contact watch our contact page over the next week for details.

Also our Christmas dinner that was postponed due to severe weather in December took place and nearly 30 members enjoyed a traditional Norfolk Turkey dinner.

Two Horses

for Sale

Mare KWPN  Bay mare SJAMILLAH 16.2  11 yr old...........

Addington Amy, 12 year old bay mare.........

Meal  £12 per head Saturday 26th (Paid in advance) contact Alison Betteley Mobile: 0788 9297 987

All those wanting to help further the sport and join BPSJA a General meeting will take place at Forest Edge on Sat 26th February @ 5pm in the Snug agenda will be sent out to those coming.

Further details see Events page

Emily and Alison have both ridden as individuals in France, and Emily Boyd hopes to ride in France early next Year. Emily Lawes often helps out at 1066 RDA looking after special need s children from St Mary's Special School, where Emily works as a Teaching assistant.

BPSJA after having dialogue with RDA's Chief Executive Ed Bracher has released this statement to us to pass on to our riders and potential future Para Equestrian riders.

“RDA is now actively working to introduce show jumping and to support people with disabilities to learn and progress in the discipline – this will include competitive show jumping, but the emphasis will remain on coaching and developing grass roots riders.  The Association is working closely with British Show jumping to introduce a training pathway for coaches and to ensure that there is a clear provision for riders of all abilities to progress.  It is planned that by 2011 it will be integrated into RDA’s activities and become part of its competition structure.  Although jumping does not form a part of RDA’s therapeutic work, the increasing demand and likelihood of show jumping becoming an international sport has led to this important development.”

Best wishes

Ed Bracher

Chief Executive

British Show Jumping Quadruple fees

Horses wanted

Rides for Para Equestrians required

Watch our riders Live
at La Baule

RDA to support
Showjumping

Para Equestrian Jumping Events

Brits Go to
La Baule

Further to the infatuation of the entrant during Cap Hunter 2009, the Château Bleu riding Park is glad to welcome you for the 3rd consecutive year, on May 1st and 2^nd 2010 in Tremblay en France (93) for a new stage of the Para Equestrian Tour FFE 2010. BPSJA members have won here for the last 3 years.

The CSIO of La Baule will occur on May 2009 from 13th to 16th.  In agreement with FEI and our FN, the Société des Concours Hippiques de La Baule, keen to promote this sport, and welcomes BPSJA riders to organise a competition only reserved to disabled jumping riders. BPSJA members won and were placed here last year.

The DELATRE family in Montargis/France will organize again show jumping for Disabled riders 21st -24th  May.  This is a CSI 1* / CSI AMATEURS / CSI JUNIORS B / CSI JEUNES CAVALIERS / CSO PARAÉQUESTRE. BPSJA members won here last year.

Any competitors who want to go will be self funding and must seek permission from NF. Further details schedules can be gained from BPSJA by contacting andy@bpsja.co.uk.

Watch the Vancouver Paralympics on your PC

First Demo Of the Year Booked for Bexhill Horse Show May Late Bank Holiday 2010

Para Dressage

A definitive answer could not be given less than two weeks before the qualifiers start.  With a lot of telephone calls, and emails to BD and various equestrian centres, apparently the equestrian centre can decide which arena to run in. So it would seem that two riders could qualify for the same class, one in the short arena and the other in the long arena.

Some BPSJA Grade IV riders who are riding at Oldencraig will be be riding the Novice test and the Team test in a short arena, lets see how this pans out!

I will be contacting all potential members very soon to 'Get the show on the Road' I am currently recruiting new committee members so anyone interested please contact  andy@esas.org.uk

New BPSJA Jumping Championship for 2010

Working Party at Stoneleigh

Three successful Para Jumping Demos take place

The second was at The Blackwater Country Show with Nikki Lancaster and Zoe Caine giving a fine demonstration in front of hundreds of onlookers.

The third at Hartpury RDA Championships

Bexhill Horse Show Demo The Polegrove

Click here for photos

The audience was very appreciative of the riders skills and afterwards we had many people coming up to us asking us questions on the riders disabilities and the BPSJA. A big thank you to Emily Lawes, Ben Carr, Emily Boyd and Alison Betterley for giving up their time. Emily is the Chairman of Bexhill Horse Show and thank you to her for arranging the demo.

RDA Demo

Para Show Jumping & Para Dressage

La Baule on the West coast of France was the setting for the first trial of FEI Para jumping. Two junior riders Toby Bevins (16) & Ben Carr (17) plus  senior rider Ms Bennett  were sent to challenge the French for the EPREUVE HANDI SPORT CAP ATLANTIQUE by the BPSJA.

All riders did exceptionally well, out of the juniors Toby was placed 3rd and Ben 5th. Heather Bennett had a first and 3rd on her two horses at 1.1m on Uptown and 90cm on Pair de Bauchamp. This equals our top scorer Emily Lawes with three firsts, well done Heather, Toby and Ben from all the riders.                 Results                                           Pictures
 

Emily Lawes, Rachael Maddocks and Ms Bennett, all rode at Château Bleu, Tremblay en France, Paris. On the first day Heather had two clear rounds on both her horses brought over from England. Emily had an unlucky 8 faults with a very strong horse from Chateau Bleu. Rachael Maddocks was unlucky to be eliminated.

On the second day Heather had four faults with her first horse and another clear round on her own horse Uptown, Heather was placed 1st and Second and will be hoping for a double success in La Baule on May 15/16th.

Emily had a clear second round and was placed fourth

For Pictures and video please follow this link Pics and Video

Dates available for Jumping in France please see Events page, if you wish to jump please enquire to Andy, and I will get Ann Newbery, the new Coach, Chef D'equip for BSJA to contact you. Remember If you horse has an FEI passport you are able to jump with it. If not then you can hire a horse, you must also be classified and in certain shows if France be a member of the French Federation Equestre (FFE) This covers you for your Insurance abroad.

The BPSJA is committed to the future partnership with BSJA to this end we will continue to further our partnership to it's ultimate conclusion.

We are still taking memberships and organising shows although we will try and affiliate as many shows as possible.

In the meantime all advertised shows will go ahead this year. (See our Events page)

New Dates for France and Para Dressage Qualifiers( See Events Page for all dates)

The show was preceded by our last general meeting of the year, here all of the current committee members resigned and new members were voted in or re elected. No nominations were received by post and all nominations were taken from the floor that night.

A good meeting pursued and we were able to make some clearer decisions about the future of the BPSJA and what directions riders want it to go. A full report will be available in the first quarterly magazine of 2009.

The meeting concluded with a Christmas Meal and celebration, the meal was excellent considering we held it up for over an hour to finish our General meeting.

BPSJA Members  Sky Dive

When talking to people about Para Show Jumping, we always get someone say 'you parachute in the arena!' Well this gave m the idea of doing a parachute jump to raise funds, and raise awareness of the BPSJA. The riders are Alison Betteley, Rachel Maddocks, Emily Lawes and Chairman of BPSJA Andy Lawes. Due to low cloud all day the jump was  postponed.

Click Here or the Photo to see our video

Should you wish to sponsor BPSJA please send donations to Andy at the address on the contacts page.

Click here for Information

Anne McGuire MP, Minister for Disabled People (Department of Work and Pensions), has been invited while Judy Woolfenden MBE will be in attendance...............

Jayant Mistry, one of Britain’s best Paralympic tennis players and ambassador for the 2012 London Olympic Games, will present the What Sport Did For Me seminar. Following Team GB’s historic performance at the Beijing Paralympic Games, the show is working with the British Paralympic Association to provide enABLE 08 visitors with information on how to get involved in sport.

As will The British Para Show Jumping Association, showing how British Para Equestrian Riders dominate the sport abroad when funding allows riders to participate at the moment.

For the latest show news, full round up of what is happening at enABLE 08 and all the latest information about visiting the show click here to view all the up to date news. www.enableshow.co.uk

This turned out to be a worth while exercise for interest created, possible new members and companies interested in sponsoring us.

BPSJA Promotional Video

FEI Para Equestrian

JUMPING FOR RIDERS WITH DISABILITIES.

The Para Equestrian Committee of the FEI are working to introduce PE Jumping and a meeting has been held recently to discuss the rules, classification and other issues. The classification system is now being drawn up, and we have the support of the BSJA who are working on the Rules. It is hoped that initially in the UK Para Equestrian riders will be able to compete in BSJA classes as well as their own.

Before riders can compete they have to be classified. This is a functional classification carried out by PE accredited classifiers. Having been classified, the riders are given a functional profile number and a Grade. Skill is not part of the classification system; it is calculated solely on functional ability/disability.

Looking at other countries we found that this sport is practiced in several nations led by France, who hold regular competitions with up to 20 riders taking part. Their International Championship for riders with disabilities is held during the FEI World Cup Series in Bordeaux. In 2005 it was won by a British Rider, Yvonne Holloway. Three British Riders will be going to the Competition in Bordeaux this year.

The aim of the FEI Para Equestrian Committee is that sometime in the future Para Equestrian Jumping will become a Paralympic Sport. For this to be considered by the International Paralympic Committee, at least 24 nations from 3 continents have to ‘widely practice’ the sport.

The BPSJA is organising Shows and actively looking for Centres to hold competitions for these riders.

The BPSJA would like to hear from  British riders who want to be considered for this sport, and from people who could offer  help or expertise in helping this organisation flourish. Please contact Andy Lawes chairman@bpsja.co.uk

Tony Bott is the FEI Para Equestrian Committee's  Liaison Officer, and is responsible for liaising with Organisers of Overseas International Competitions with regards to dates and rules. He will welcome hearing from organisers, and his Email is tonybott42 @ hotmail.com.

Results

All five riders are placed on one of the days at Chevillon. Jose Letartre Handisport rider for France comes equal first in the Puissance @ 1.75M.

Results Here

Results

A fantastic Show with four nations taking part, great sportsmanship was shown by the riders of all classes, classification of our riders gives us our first two SJ Grade I riders.

Results here

Chevillon 2008

Five riders have been chosen to go to Chevillon France this year, heading the team this year as Team Captain is Emily Lawes, who won her class here last year.

Also competing  are Karen Bostock who was placed third last year at Chevillon, Alison Betteley who came fifth in Bordeaux this year, Ben Carr (part of our Junior team) who won both his classes at Chateau Bleu Paris, and finally Rachel Maddox, who is making her debut appearance. This year Andy is Team Manager. 

Click here for results and pictures.

What is Classification? parashowjumping

Classification provides a structure for Para Equestrian competition be it jumping, dressage or driving  and a framework for fair competition. It is an integral aspect of sport in the Paralympic Movement. The Classification system for Para Equestrian forms part of the sport rules.

Pictures from the show

UK Friendly International to be held on 15th, 16th & 17th August (New shedule)

The UK's only International for invited physically disabled and Visually Impaired  people to be held at Woodredon Equestrian Centre a riding centre just off J26 of M25 in the middle of Epping Forrest. (Click here for all the latest Information and entry form)

Our venue has had to be changed, It is sad that we will not be Jumping at David Broomes Ground but in other ways it will be better for most riders. We will now be jumping on a all weather surface, if it rains we have an indoor arena, those hiring horses  will have a large variety of horses to choose from and will be assessed by the yard manager to fit horse to rider.

A Large number of entries are Entries are already in for what is going to be a great Para Show jumping Event of 2008. Held over three days 15th -17th August. It promises to be the most exciting Para show on the UK calendar. Already with four nations booked! Riders from France, Canada, Ireland and the UK. Click the link above for more details and schedule. Check out the riders attending

Woodredon EC Invites BPSJA to perform demonstration at National Riding Festival

The Petplan Equine National Riding Festival 2008 plans to encourage more people horse riding; whether they are new to the sport or simply have not ridden for a while. Members of BPSJA have been Invited to perform a Jumping Demonstration at Woodredon EC on 20th July and are looking for a maximum of six riders to take part. Contact andy@bpsja.co.uk

Woodredon EC is located just off J26 of the M25 and has been chosen as a training camp for 2012 London Olympics Tel: Paula 019927143112

BSJA - Area 42 Incorporates Para Show Jumping Classes

Saturday June 28th, BSJA Area 42 Show is incorporating Para Show Jumping for the first time, the show will be held at Wiltshire College - Lackham, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire. Link to website http://www.bsja-area42.co.uk .

There will be Para sections in classes 1, 2 and 5. Rosettes sponsored by Annie Bevins Vet and prizes in kind sponsored by White Hall Garden Centre, Henry Cole Ltd Feed Merchants and Pointings Saddlery.

parashowjumping

British Para Show Jumpers Excel at Chateau Bleu May 2008

2 British Para Show Jumpers, Ben Carr and Justine Bowers have the ride of there lives at Chateau Bleu, France (click to see riders)

Ben and Justine Ride high at Chateau Bleu, Ben came first and Justine third on both days, Excellent results for Brits; at the end of the two day competition both riders had excellent placings, Benn Car riding a French hired horse Goldo came first, and Justine on Hyper came 3rd, Andy Lawes (team Manager) said  "what makes these results even more remarkable is Ben and Justine are both on there debut outing riding as Individuals for GBR."

British Para Show Jumpers ride at Bordeaux 2008

4 British Para Show Jumpers, Louise Hacker, Emily Lawes, Toby Bevins and Alison Betteley ride in Bordeaux France on 1^st & 2^nd February 2008 (click to see riders)

Excellent results for Brits; at the end of the two day competition three of our four riders had excellent placings, Emily Lawes riding a French hired horse Hyper came second, Louise on her own horse Enricho III came 3rd, and Alison on her debut appearance came 5th. Unfortunately Toby was poorly.

BPSJA Promotional Video

FEI Para Equestrian

JUMPING FOR RIDERS WITH DISABILITIES.

The Para Equestrian Committee of the FEI are working to introduce PE Jumping and a meeting has been held recently to discuss the rules, classification and other issues. The classification system is now being drawn up, and we have the support of the BSJA who are working on the Rules. It is hoped that initially in the UK Para Equestrian riders will be able to compete in BSJA classes as well as their own.

Before riders can compete they have to be classified. This is a functional classification carried out by PE accredited classifiers. Having been classified, the riders are given a functional profile number and a Grade. Skill is not part of the classification system; it is calculated solely on functional ability/disability.

Looking at other countries we found that this sport is practiced in several nations led by France, who hold regular competitions with up to 20 riders taking part. Their International Championship for riders with disabilities is held during the FEI World Cup Series in Bordeaux. In 2005 it was won by a British Rider, Yvonne Holloway. Three British Riders will be going to the Competition in Bordeaux this year.

The aim of the FEI Para Equestrian Committee is that sometime in the future Para Equestrian Jumping will become a Paralympic Sport. For this to be considered by the International Paralympic Committee, at least 24 nations from 3 continents have to ‘widely practice’ the sport.

We are now looking for Shows and Centres to hold competitions for these riders, and we are working with the BSJA to arrange that Para Equestrian riders can compete in BSJA classes.

The BPSJA would like to hear from  British riders who want to be considered for this sport, and from people who could offer  help or expertise in helping this organisation flourish. Please contact Andy Lawes chairman@bpsja.co.uk

Tony Bott is the FEI Para Equestrian Committee's Para Equestrian Jumping Liaison Officer, and is responsible for liaising with Organisers of Overseas International Competitions with regards to dates and rules. He will welcome hearing from organisers, and his Email is tonybott42 @ hotmail.com.