| Author | Message | ||
     David Doorne Username: Davidd Registered: 03-2015 |
Thanks, Rosemary, but I think I have been very clear as to the points I was making. I used the word 'qualified' in the same way as IHDT do in providing a list of qualifiers i.e. without distinguishing between winners and invitees. The points I make are of general application and I have not sought or intended to personalise them at all. If IHDT consider the rules to be fine as they are, so be it. David | ||
| Rosemary Neale Username: Rosemaryn Registered: 03-2007 |
Sorry David but I think you are missing the point. You can only 'qualify' in Open Single Pony, Novice single pony Open Horse Novice Horse and Multiples ( which may b divided) The organisers ie IDC reserve the right to invite others to compete in other classes which they have decided on and for which there are no qualifying events per se. This is quite clear in the rules and always has been and they are available to everyone on the website. I think they make the assumption that those who are not disadvantaged by being either decrepit or very young or who don't drive small ponies are able to compete against each other on an equal footing. The young lady who has qualified in our area in Novice Pony did so by driving beautifully and winning each event she entered and fully deserves her qualification and I don't think you can argue with that or take it away from her. Several other competitors drive in more than one area and have qualified in different classes. The issue it seems to me (which was mooted at the last finals) is one of whether or not people should be able to do this or whether competitors should be required to choose one area to compete in and will therefore qualify from (or not). This was however rejected at the last organisers meeting. | ||
| Sam H Username: Samh Registered: 10-2011 |
Well said David. From what I have established from various conversations this evening is that to stand more than 1 chance of qualifying for the finals you have to be either young, old, or drive a small pony! If you are like us middle aged and enter the novice class then there is only 1 chance. Seems a little discriminative to me!! | ||
| David Doorne Username: Davidd Registered: 03-2015 |
Seemingly, Sam hasn't qualified so my post was a waste of time in terms of describing a battle that was actually meaningless, although nobody knew it at the time. It just adds weight to my argument in reply to Sara Simmons' post that everybody needs to know where they are at the start of the season. One ought to be able to look at the schedule ahead, know what categories competitors are competing in, know precisely what one needs to do to qualify and be able to tell immediately from a league table who has qualified. It shouldn't depend upon some reconciliation after the event dependant upon how somebody has performed in other area(s). I appreciate that this questions the merits of allowing qualification based on youth/decrepitude and tourism. David | ||
| Sam H Username: Samh Registered: 10-2011 |
Aww thanks David that is lovely of you to say. It was a very thrilling last event. I just wish we could both go to the finals as it has been Such a close competition between us all season. Look forward to seeing you and Julie soon | ||
| Fiona Powell Username: Fionap Registered: 12-2003 |
David, would you please contact me? I'm writing about indoor driving... 01473 735732 or fionap@innate.co.uk Thank you! Fiona | ||
| David Doorne Username: Davidd Registered: 03-2015 |
No, not a reworking of a Gene Pitney song, but the nearest we got to qualifying on Sunday for the Nationals. 6 qualifying events for the Bedfordshire area in novice pony came down to the last run of the last set of obstacles in the last event on the last day before qualifying cut-off. We'd pulled back 3 points in the first run but couldn't do it again second time round to overcome the remaining 2.5 points deficit. Just goes to show what small margins there are in this sport and highlights what a wonderful and thrilling competition it has been this season. Many congratulations to Sam O'Connor, who deservedly took the prize and best of luck to her at Keysoe. We'll be there to cheer on her and the rest of the qualifiers from Bedfordshire. Many thanks to all at Bedfordshire for helping to put on a great show through the season. You know who you are. David |