The BPSJA was formed by a handful of dedicated disabled riders to organise shows and demonstrations and to promote the skill and unison of horse and rider,
with the ultimate aim of becoming a Paralympic discipline.

The BPSJA helped negotiate a discounted Membership rate for disabled riders and horse (only to be ridden in competitions by them). An extra horse may be registered for a further small charge. The BPSJA is continuing to organise affiliated and unaffiliated shows throughout the UK, all of the shows will include entry level jumping for the complete
novice and a open class @ 1.1 or 1.2M for the more experienced Para Jumper

To become a Paralympic sport our National Federation British Show Jumping Association (BSJA) and British Equine Federation (BEF) have to be involved, to this end a committee was formed with eminent equestrian personnel. The committee is Chaired by Michael Mac and includes  Jonquil Solt OBE, Jane Goldsmith, Chris Meaden, Jacky Wood, Doug Smith of the RDA, Tony Bott, Karen Bostok and Andy Lawes Chairman of the BPSJA.

 
The Para Equestrian Jumping committee has formulated and agreed new rules here in the UK, these have been passed to  the FEI for consultation with other nations. Once this is complete it will give a uniform platform for all nations to work with, and enable European championships to take place, ready for inclusion in
 the Paralympics.” Our hope is that Para Equestrian Jumping could be included in 2016 Paralympic games.” Says Andy Lawes Chairman of the BPSJA.

The history of the sport goes back over ten years with the French holding a dozen or so events every year culminating in it’s Championships held at Bordeaux just before the World cup in front of an audience of over 3000 people. Riders have all forms of disabilities from being Hemiplegic, arms or legs missing, to being completely blind.

Here in the UK we have been involved in Para Show Jumping for over five years, most of the Para Jumpers are dedicated armatures with a desire to compete and win. Notably, English riders do very well and usually come back with ribbons and trophies. Our team is strong and is all self funded at the moment. The last six visits to France has produced an
English winner on each occasion.

The BPSJA is organising two affiliated shows in the UK this year the first being at Pachesham on June 14th here we have joined with British Para Dressage to hold a spectacular Para Equestrian  Show Saturday 13th sees training with Judi Piper and a social gathering including BBQ, BPSJA will also be holding a general meeting with its members. On
Sunday 14th  clear round, two open classes  and other classes from 75 cm to 1M and of course Para Dressage.  For entries and schedules see www.pachesham.com .   

Our second show on August 9th is at Arena UK for details and entries see www.arenauk.com   In 2010 the BSJA is to hold a Para Show Jumping Championship with the final at the BSJA Scope (Championship) Festival. Initially, for 2009 there will be a Points Championship only where riders can gain points at any affiliated show, or the two Para Equestrian shows planned for this summer

Our next show abroad is at La Baule, France where we are sending three riders, two juniors, Toby Bevins and Ben Carr and one senior rider Heather Bennett. These riders will be jumping 1.1M at this prestigious ground, we wish them all good luck.

This is not the end of our organisation we will be continuing as a rider association to bring on and help support riders of all calibre, Our next goal is to become a charity to help riders progress to their full potential.


Andy Lawes (Chairman BPSJA)

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Tel: 01424 819450]

Mob: 079 2345 8516

www.bpsja.co.uk