A loophole in British Eventing’s ballot system has caused heated debate between competitors and organisers
Oasby Horse Trials organisers Stuart and Anna Buntine have apparently found a loophole in the balloting rules, which has prompted them to offer competitors a guaranteed entry.
A circular letter sent out to BE members in the region stated: “If you find or become a sponsor to the value of £100, or put aside a day of your time to help at Oasby, Lambley or Osberton Horse Trials, we will ensure that you will escape the ballot at all three”.
Stuart Buntine defended the letter, saying: “Nowhere did we say we would ballot out people who don’t help. I’m not giving any financial incentive whatsoever and if people help they should be able to expect to get a run.”
“This initiative is not against the rules as such,” admitted BE’s sport and technical manager Tim Hadaway, “but it is not in the spirit of our sport.”
The issue has highlighted the ongoing problem events face in finding enough volunteers to run them.
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