ShowsSuggestion Box - Tuesday 14/10/2008
We have been delighted with the feedback we have received so far via the suggestion box, so much so that we've decided to keep it as a permanent feature on the site. Keep sending us your ideas!
It's time now to provide some feedback on the suggestions received to date. The summary below identifies the main themes emerging from the suggestion received and describes what is being done to address them.
We plan to present further periodic up-dates, so watch this space!
The following analysis was performed on messages received up to early afternoon Tuesday 14/10/2008. Suggestions received after that time will be included in the next feedback.
29 (non-SPAM) suggestions were received:
2 from Midland and Western Region
1 from Eastern region
2 South Eastern plus one more 'Kilkenny'
7 from Leinster and one more 'South Leinster'
6 from Northern region
3 from North Munster and one further from 'Clare'
1 from South Munster and one further 'South West'
The remainder (3) did not provide a region
Main Themes
Please note that some messages had more than one theme and some suggestions overlapped themes.
Training/education/Youth development - 20 suggestions
Suggestions ranged from getting youngsters involved at a younger age, through a greater development of systems for young rider training and support (like the BYRDS scheme) to training for adult members. Specific types of training were also suggested, such as 'test riding' training, training aimed at those stepping up a grade, regular progressive clinics, demos by international riders and the production of a training DVD. Several specific trainers were proposed. The use of dedicated classes (for under 12s, for young riders) and inter-provincial young rider competitions were proposed. One proposal was made to provide information to breeders.
Dressage Ireland response: Clearly this is a theme close to everyone's' heart. The future development of training is under active discussion at Board level at the moment and further information will become available soon. In the meanwhile, members and interested non-members should note that youth training is on-going at present at Regional levels - further details can be found here: www.dressageireland.ie/training/youngrider.htm
In addition, for those involved in training, a further 'Training the Trainers' Day, with Conrad Schumacher will be held on Thursday November 27 2008 at Spruce Lodge Ballyrogan, Redcross, Co. Wicklow. Further details and the application form can be found here: www.dressageireland.ie/training/trainingtrainers.htm
Finally, on-going training with Conrad Schumacher is organised for senior and junior riders meeting certain criteria. Further details can be found here: www.dressageireland.ie/training/schumacher.htm
In many Regions, additional training is organised for various categories of riders. You can contact your Regional secretary to find out more, or indeed to ask that more training be organised. To find contact details for your regional secretary, check here: www.dressageireland.ie/contact/regionalcontacts.htm
National Championships - 6 suggestions
2 suggestions were received in relation to the venue for the National Championship: 1 suggested rotating to venue around the country, while the second proposed getting a suitable venue built in a central location (via HSI and Public/Private Partnership).
One suggestion was in relation to demonstrating qualifying results for the nationals.
Three further suggestions were in relation to young horse/PISH classes.
Dressage Ireland response: The Board takes note of the various suggestions made. A number of these points are under active discussion at the moment and further information will be provided as and when final decisions are made. In relation to qualifying results for the nationals, the development of a new results database should address this issue.
Silver spurs - 2 suggestions
Two suggestions were received in the relation to Silver Spurs (although a number of suggestions in relation to training also touched on Silver Spurs). One proposed that there be a ride off in the final 3 of the silver spurs, the other asked for better information to be made available on Silver the competition.
Dressage Ireland response: The Board takes note of the various suggestions made. A number of these points are under active discussion at the moment and further information will be provided as and when final decisions are made.
Regional Shows - 3 suggestions
Three suggestions were made in relation to classes at regional shows, one proposing points leagues, one proposing more prizes and one suggesting separate sections at Preliminary and Novice level for riders who had never ridden above this level.
Dressage Ireland response: Regions have discretion to organise shows and classes as suit the local circumstances, within the limits of the Rules laid down in the Dressage Ireland Rule Book. Members should remember, as the AGM season approaches, that they can make their views known to the Regional committees either via the AGM or by contacting the Regional secretary. Remember, regions are run by the members, for the members, so the best way to influence how things are run in your Region, is to get involved!
Comments specific to a given Region - 3 suggestions
One comment in relation to SER asked for more shows, better geographic distribution of shows and more training. One suggestion in relation to NR made a number of comments in relation to venues, help at shows, information and training and judging. One comment received from LR asked for more competitions in the region.
Dressage Ireland response: The content of the suggestions was drawn to the attention of the relevant Regions for their consideration. Regions have discretion to organise shows and classes as suit the local circumstances, within the limits of the Rules laid down in the Dressage Ireland Rule Book. Members should remember, as the AGM season approaches, that they can make their views known to the Regional committees either via the AGM or by contacting the Regional secretary. Remember, regions are run by the members, for the members, so the best way to influence how things are run in your Region, is to get involved!
Membership - 1 suggestion
One suggestion proposed introducing a system whereby members of Eventing Ireland can join Dressage Ireland at a reduced rate and compete during the winter months.
Dressage Ireland response: The issue of membership categories is under review at the moment. Further information will be provided as and when final decisions are made.
Approach to Development of Strategic Plan - 1 suggestion
One suggestion identified a number of actions and considerations relevant to developing a strategic plan.
Dressage Ireland response: The Board takes note of the suggestion made.
Information Requests - 3 suggestions
Three comments received requested information. One asked for more ways to tell people how to qualify for bigger international competitions, one for Paralympic results and one for a results database on website with access to each horse and riders show record.
Dressage Ireland: In one case the location of the requested information was communicated directly to the suggestion sender. For the remaining two, the Board takes note of the suggestions made. Work has started on development of a new results database. In the meanwhile, show reports and results are already available and national championships results and links to regional results are also available.
Complimentary comments about current organisation or shows - 4 comments
Four expressions of appreciation for the work done by Dressage Ireland were received.