31 January 2018. Recreational Rider SAEF Membership. There seems to be some confusion regarding whether or not Recreatio
To all SAEF members
31 January 2018
Recreational Rider SAEF Membership. There seems to be some confusion regarding whether or not Recreational Riders are required to register with SAEF or not. This may be a consequence of how one interprets the term “recreational”, especially in relation to competing in whatever equestrian discipline. Where we refer to Recreational Riders in relation to the SAEF, we are not referring to people who ride for their own pleasure and are not in any way involved in any form of competition, but rather to riders who do participate in one or more competition/s during the year and as such are therefore involved in the formalized aspect of equestrian sport. Within the Discipline Associations there is a distinction between different types of membership and these structures are defined by them. From the SAEF point of view we do not differentiate - any rider who participates in any format of Equestrian sport is considered to be active in competition at any level and therefore required to join the SAEF at the prescribed fee, either Junior or Senior as is the case may be. The logic behind this relates to details such as the insurance cover that SAEF members enjoy which is a primary benefit of SAEF membership, amongst others. Consider the problem that could result from riders and their horses participating at the same event where some are covered and others not depending on their membership profile – the protection would be both limited and compromised. It therefore follows that for this aspect alone the membership of SAEF is mandatory for riders at any level and falling into any category who participate in competition during the year. Other aspects that are important relate to jurisdiction the SAEF has over Horse Welfare, adherence to rules and regulations, etc – all important controls essential for the successful running our sport.
