TROTBritain, the UET and the BHRC: clarifying their relationship

The UET (European Trotting Union) is an organisation made up of the governing bodies of trotting in 14 European countries. It seeks to promote the breeding and racing of trotters across the continent, with the development of common rules and regulations as one of its main objectives. It organises the Grand Circuit. Current full members, according to their voting strengths, are
Group 1: Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden
Group 2: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands
Group 3: Czech Republic, Malta, Spain, Switzerland
Invited members: TROTBritain, CISTA (Commonwealth of Independent States - ex-Soviet countries)

It is vital to understand that under the UET constitution no organisation which organises pacing races can be a member or affiliate. Pacing does not exist in continental Europe, except as a ground for disqualification in trotting races. This means the BHRC cannot have any formal status within the UET. Also, under the UET constitution no body which is affiliated to an organisation which organises pacing races can be a member. This means that TROTBritain cannot affiliate to the BHRC if it wishes to be part of the UET. Establishing close links with our European associates was a prime reason for establishing the Society, so such affiliation is not an option. All British members of TROTBritain are licence-holders of the BHRC and operate within its rules as far as racing is concerned.

All the individual governing bodies who make up the membership of the UET deal with the governing bodies of the rest of the harness racing world that organise pacing races (e.g. USTA, BHRC) at an administrative level, in relation to the movement of horses, etc. The UET itself has no such functions and therefore does not have formal relations with these authorities, other than the normal courteous ones.

TROTBritain, as a completely autonomous society, has always sought harmonious and productive relations with the BHRC. Regrettably, from the beginning this has proved difficult. Failure of many members of the BHRC to understand and accept the basic facts above - despite repeated publication - is one reason. The other is an underlying hostility to trotting (and Europe) by many pacing (and North America)-oriented members of the BHRC. We look forward to making continued slow progress on both these fronts.   [Proposed Memorandum of Understanding  Response]   Jack Dowie    Chair, TROTBritain