Measuring horses and which height show class

[royal]

Hi everyone,

So...as I'm thinking of entering a chaps qualifier in the new year, thought I'd best get round to measuring horsey as she's around the 15hh mark....(chaps classes split up to 15hh and over 15hh).

So got a stick, one with a join in the middle to fold it up so was a bit rickety...but had a spirit level on it which helped. The whole of our yard is on a hill so measured on the flatest part of her stable and she came out a a smidgen over 15hh ie: about 1/2 cm over...
First question is are these sticks reliable? Or should I get her measured properly for a certificate? If so, would I have time before January to get this done and how much does it cost (sorry, never had a height cert. horse before so have absolutely no idea about these things)...ps. height cert. is not required for the class.
Secondly, is the measurement taken as with or without shoes? ie: if without shoes, should I then put her in the upto 15hh class?

any help appreciated (sorry if slightly muppet questions!!).

 

[Divasmum]

Measurements are taken without shoes. The JMB measures without and with feet properly trimmed. It sounds as if your horse would go in the up to 15 hand class and would look very small in the larger class.

 

[Rachelk]

Without shoes, If possible I would get her into the up to 15hh class because you will stand more of a chance being the biggest in the class than you will being the smallest in the over 15hh.

 

[Theresa_F]

CHAPS - ponies - plaited are not to exceed 153, native/cob types not to exceed 148.

BSPA - both native/cobs and plaited are not to exceed 153 for pony classes.

If you want to do RIHS (BSPA) or HOYS (CHAPS) in the height restricted classes you will need to have a JMB certificate.

If you measured your horse with shoes on at 153 as you describe, you should get under 153 when properly measured. I have had my instructor measure my traditional with the stick that is the type used by the JMB and he does vary by up to 1 cm depending on whether he is relaxed or not - he is in the horse class as he is 154 and still bum up so not worth trying to get him in BSPA ponies this year and he is far too big for CHAPS ponies, (not that you would know it when you see some of the "ponies" stood next to him)

When you go for measuring, shoes are off.

 

[royal]

Thanks everyone. I am correct in thinking 153 is 15hh aren't I? the actual schedule uses hh, so never thought about the cm side of it!

Theresa - def. not thinking of a HOYS class yet! This is our first attempt at affiliated showing so will see how that goes first!

and yes, I thought we would look small in the over 15hh and would perhaps stand a better chance in the unders - never knew it was measured without shoes!! how much would you take off for no shoes? Although, she has fronts on but no backs.....Gosh, how thick do I sound!!

I reckon we should try the upto 15hh (she's non-traditional ie: plaited).

Thanks everyone.