So, how do you get more condition on a pony?

benson21

benson21

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Probably a really numpty question but I have never had to really think about it!
It has been suggested today that Donovan needs more condition. Does he gain condition by feed,? exercise?
This is a pic from last week, what do you think?
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I thought he was looking just right, I dont want him overweight, but now I dont know!!
 
I think it she maybe was just comparing him to the others in the ring. I have put another post on here about today and that he was marked down because he is only 5 so a baby in the 5yrs and over class, so maybe she just saw it as the others were more established?
 
Probably that the others were fat! Doesn't that seem to be a theme these days? That overweight ponies tend to score higher in showing? That seems to be the opinions I encounter (not that I'm involved in showing!). I would stick with whatever you're doing because I think he looks really nice and doesn't require anymore condition.
 
He looks spot on. A friend shows Section Ds, she told me that natives are preferred well covered (i.e fat), she has never produced that way and refuses to. I don't know how much truth there is in that because I personally know nothing about showing but hand on heart, he looks beautiful to me!
 
I agree with everyone else, your pony is in fantastic condition and certainly does not need to be carrying any more weight. If your pony is unbroken, then walking out in hand along with strapping the large muscles will improve his muscle tone. If rideable, lots of hacking out, correct schooling and again, strapping the large muscles will improve his muscle tone.
As he is young, no judge should be comparing his muscular development to that of an older more established animal. By the amount of rosettes/sashes you have in the photo, he clearly has the conformation to justify your wins.
Keep up the good work and don't let anyone tell you he needs to carry more weight :)
 
He is in excellent condition. Unfortunately, overweigh ponies are often the ones doing the winning.
There is a lot of truth in the Splash sweatshirt saying

"I'm not fat, I'm in show condition"

A healthy pony without laminitis will be happier than one with sore feet and a red rosette!!

Although he looks to be doing rather well from the ribbons in that picture anyway!!
 
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Looking at the amount of sashes and rosettes in this picture I think it might just be the opinion of this one individual that your pony needs more 'condition'.

I am in agreement with everyone else. He looks perfect :D
 
Hello.

I hope you don't think my reply to your last post was me telling you I think he needs more weight on. I was just commenting that in my opinion a young pony in an adult class wont stand up as well as the much more mature ponies, especially if you are going to county level and they are being prepped for in hand (which unfortunately does tend to mean a whole load of food shovelled down their necks). I think he looks spot on and you don't want more weight on him. Unfortunately the trend is still for obese ponies, especially in the M&M in-hand classes I think and many of the judges follow this trend. There is more publicity now so hopefully mindsets may start to change.

Like I said, I know my Fell wouldn't do very well in hand as I keep him too lean and he isn't the widest Fell pony in the world anyway (plus we have a random lump on his leg so I'm hoping his forte will be working hunter classes!!).

I would keep going as you are and get a few more shows under your belt and see what other judges say. Showing is a funny old game as it's so opinion based. People I know who show professionaly have a little black book where they make notes about the different judges and learn what types they like by which ponies they place to win - then they only show under the judges who will like their type of pony e.g. some judges like dainty little welsh a's and some like chunky big moving welsh a's - so they make sure they put the right pony under the right judge.
 
Walrus, no it wasnt your last reply that made me think this, it was someone I know that was there that said it. I am gonna keep him at this weight and condition as some of you have said, its better to have a healthy pony than a laminitic one with rosettes!!
But, next question, it has been suggested in this thread to strap his large muscles? How? Never heard of it so I have not got a clue!!!!!
 
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