Membership fee Q&A

December 12, 2025

Membership fee Q&A

WHY DO WE NEED TO PAY A MEMBERSHIP FEE TO COMPETE IN BTC EVENTS?

We believe that British Team Chasing should be a community that invests in its future and supports its events. This began in 2025 with income raised from members used to support events, improving the ground conditions caused by the lack of rain, funding developments to new tracks and improvements at existing events and purchasing timing equipment. It allows us to make improvements to the sport which will make it safer and more fun and help keep events viable.

WHY HAS IT INCREASED FOR 2026?

For 2026 we are very pleased to be announcing that as part of your annual membership you will be covered by the new BTC Public Liability Insurance Policy. This is a bespoke policy that is only for BTC members and covers you 24/7 - not just for team chasing.

WHY CAN'T I USE MY EXISTING INSURANCE?

Including insurance with membership will mitigate the risk to events; BTC is not able to check that everyone has cover and so without a mandatory policy there is a likelihood that some people won't have the requisite cover. Many riders are uncertain if they are covered or are under a misconception that they are covered. We do not believe there is another member's policy which comes close in terms of cover or value for money.

WHEN WOULD MY COVER START?

If you want to get the most advantage of this and your other member's benefits please renew your membership as soon as possible. You will not gain these benefits until your membership has been paid. If you want to be ready for 1st January (remember BTC membership runs from 1st Jan to 31st Dec) please use this link to renew – BECOME A MEMBER

WHAT IF I CAN ONLY DO ONE OR TWO EVENTS NEXT SEASON?

We will continue to offer a day membership scheme which can be used up to three times each year, at a cost of £7 per event. This also includes public liability cover but ONLY while you are competing at the event.

BECOME A MEMBER

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AUTUMN - IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO RESEED YOUR PADDOCKS!

October 14, 2026

BTC sponsor Goldsmiths Seeds offers some great advice on helping your paddocks bounce back from the dry summer and offer useful turnout into next year. For details on their range check out www.goldsmithsseeds.com or give them a follow on Instagram @goldsmithsseeds AUTUMN: IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO RESEED YOUR PADDOCKS! Recovering from a dry summer? Autumn can offer the perfect conditions to give your paddocks a helping hand. WHY RESEED AFTER A DRY SUMMER? Extended dry weather can leave grass dormant, weaken existing plants and expose bare soil. Once the rain returns, some grass will recover naturally, but badly damaged or thin areas may need a little extra help. Reseeding or overseeding can help thicken the grass cover, improve the resilience of your pasture and reduce the amount of bare ground vulnerable to damage during wetter weather. Good ground cover helps protect the soil, supports sustainable grazing and can help reduce the development of muddy, worn areas. WHAT ARE THE OPTIMUM CONDITIONS FOR RESEEDING? 1. Soil temperature As a general guide, aim for a soil temperature of at least 8°C, with warmer soil helping seeds germinate more quickly. 2. Soil moisture Grass seed needs moisture to germinate and develop roots. Ideally, the soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. 3. Suitable weather Mild conditions are preferable, with moderate daytime temperatures and reliable rainfall. The aim is to give the seed enough warmth and moisture to germinate and the young grass enough time to establish. 4. Good seed-to-soil contact Simply scattering seed over existing grass is unlikely to produce the best results. Preparing the surface and ensuring seed makes contact with the soil will improve the chances of successful germination. H OW TO PREPARE YOUR PADDOCK · Assess the damage: If the grass is still present but thin, overseeding may be sufficient. Severely damaged areas may need more thorough renovation. · Prepare the ground: Remove excess dead material, reduce competition from existing grass and address compaction where necessary. · Check your soil: A soil test can identify pH and nutrient deficiencies, helping you make informed decisions about any lime or fertiliser required. · Choose the right seed: Use a grass mixture specifically suited to horse paddocks, your soil type and your grazing requirements. · Sow carefully: Follow the seed supplier’s recommended sowing rate and method, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact. Rolling may help where appropriate, provided the ground is suitable. · Allow time to establish: Keep horses off newly seeded areas until the grass has developed a strong, well-rooted sward. This can take several weeks or longer, depending on the weather and growing conditions. CHOOSING THE RIGHT GRASS SEED FOR HORSES Not all grass seed mixtures are suitable for every horse paddock. Look for a horse specific mixture containing appropriate, persistent grasses that can tolerate grazing and hoof traffic. For horses that are good doers, overweight or prone to laminitis, seek advice on selecting a suitable lower-sugar, lower-energy mixture. Consider the soil type, drainage, intended use of the field and the horses grazing it before deciding which mixture to use. Goldsmiths Seeds Ltd offers a premium range of agricultural and amenity grass seeds, including a range of mixes tailored specifically for the equine market. Email us at sales@goldsmithsseeds.com with your specific requirements to get a bespoke recommendation. www.goldsmithsseeds.com