The size of show horses and ponies

[windand rain]

Was spectating at a county show recently and was amazed at the height of the ponies and horses in what were restricted height classes
Lead reins that would have dwarfed my 12.2 dartmoor
connies that were way bigger than my measured one at 146 cm a lot more than an inch bigger I may add
So what happens when measured are they all given the benefit of the doubt at the measuring centers Is it still a case of "how big do you want it to be"

 

[mulledwhine]

I have no idea, we did a lead rein pony class once , now the pony was a pony, just!!!!! It won the class.

Not bothered as we won the next one ( probably would not have bothered if we hadnt ), but I had thought that a LR pony would have been smaller that a cm shy of a horse, but it was still a pony

 

[WelshD]

I dont think its a backhander situation personally but I do think some of the producers know every trick in the book to make sure the measurement is as low as possible such as stripping weight off the horse, trimming feet as much as possible etc.. and much measuring is done at times when the animal isnt in show condition

The actual measuring process seems pretty fair to me but I have heard that some will travel to the 'right' measuring station - how true that is I dont know but so many showing people do like a dig if they can which of course may muddy matters of any actual corruption

I also see variances in the ring when I watch classes but its so hard to accurately gauge these things I'm not sure whether the differences are optical illusions or actual differences.

I like to think its all fair and that judges would place accordingly

I personally dont understand the obsession of ponies that are 'full up' - to me a pony either has show quality and presence or it doesnt. If that obsession stopped then there wouldnt be any need to try and cram your pony in under the height limit

Of course there is an objection process which seems to be used more as HOYS gets closer (!) it does take someone to put their money where their mouth is though as its expensive - a pony measured out by over 4cm last year but I do feel a bit for those who measure out by just a few mm.

Having said all of that I dont think a height cert is needed for the average county show. Perhaps this is why the height variances are more obvious.