Miniature Shetland Showing

[basil99]

I was at a local shetland pony affiliated show recently judged by an approved judge. I was surprised how fat or clinically obese ponies were constantly promoted over fitter ponies. With laminitis being such a problem in minis you cannot help but feel that judges are encouraging this to continue. I often hear that societies are encouraging judges to put down over weight animals but it does not seem to happen. One of mine has had laminitis in the past and I keep him at a fit but not fat weight and he is constantly overlooked. Do other folk find this frustrating my vet and farrier think his weight is great.

 

[meleeka]

I find the same in cob classes, or any show classes for that matter. I don’t know if we’ll ever change the idea that fat=condition in the show ring. It’s one reason I wouldn’t do showing as a serious pastime.