pip6
Well-Known Member
Keep your mare just as she is, she sounds perfect. Do you really need another persons opinion on your horse? Just keep enjoying her & her athletic ability.
HOYS and the overweight debate
- Thread starter irish_only
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Tnavas
Well-Known Member
I remember years ago my trainer telling me that fat hides a multitude of sins! That when you are buying for the show ring looking at a pony/horse in light condition was the best as you can see its true conformation.
I show my youngsters in hand here in NZ and I won't let them be overweight, not good for their developing limbs - fortunately the fat show horse doesn't get a look in.
I show my youngsters in hand here in NZ and I won't let them be overweight, not good for their developing limbs - fortunately the fat show horse doesn't get a look in.
howengold
Well-Known Member
My NF Howen Golden Showers, was shown in Riding Pony classes for a whole season under lead rein with my daughter back in 2003, she was a fit slim pony and nothing like the cuddly fatties who we competed against. We never got placed higher than 3rd for most of the season. At the last show of the season the judge came up to us and praise her fitness and muscle. He was so pleased to see a non-hippo in the LR class, her conformation was outstanding (his words), she had a sweet temperament and looked in the peak of health. She came first, he did tell the other entries their ponies needed to loose some pounds if they wanted to beat something so stunning in future. Complaints were made alround and the show never asked this man back 
I was saddened to see his stand against obesity shot down in flames because he was the only judge I ever met that didn't place fat ponies at the top unless the skinies weren't upto standard.
Needless to say I gave up showing and although we do veteran showing I won't take my NF in anything but SJ now.
I was saddened to see his stand against obesity shot down in flames because he was the only judge I ever met that didn't place fat ponies at the top unless the skinies weren't upto standard. Needless to say I gave up showing and although we do veteran showing I won't take my NF in anything but SJ now.
pip6
Well-Known Member
Says it all really doesn't it. NF are real athletes (I grew up on the Forest) & to see a fit well muscled one should have been a joy to any judge, especially in a lead rein class demonstrating manners as well.
What it ultimately comes down to is judges. Until they do not place these porkers, there will be no change & the ponies will continue to be the ones suffering for the sake of someones desire for a ribbon.
What it ultimately comes down to is judges. Until they do not place these porkers, there will be no change & the ponies will continue to be the ones suffering for the sake of someones desire for a ribbon.