unusual comment at show

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gally

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i went to a little fun show today and done an in hand class and WH pony as well. I got told that my boy needs to e fatter to get anywhere in-hand. the mind boggled as he is a very well covered NF!. I thought the showing world were trying to cut the numbers of obese ponies in the ring not increase it (im not an expert so if in-hand is different then so be it). On a lighter note i came 2nd in the WH and i almost hit the deck! lol
 
Its sad isnt it to be told he needs to put weight on if he is a healthy weight!
I was worried about showing my mare as she is carrying a bit too much weight at the moment but most people have said to me the judges apparently like them fatter???!!!!
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the worrying thing is that in my eyes he still has got weight to loose (he is not obese just needs to tone his tummy). It just got me thinking as there was lots of lets not place fat ponies over the last year, and today im told something very different. Not being a bad loser still came 3rd just thought it was a very odd comment
 
Unfortunately most in-hand classes seem to want horses and onies that are verging on obese. I normally get put down for ours not carrying enough weight. I wouldn't worry about it.
 
This is the reason I have stopped showing (other than a couple of outings last year to get "local shows" on ponies CV!) I used to show natives in quite a big way and mine were fit but well covered and they were always put down as a little "light" Towards the end things were getting better but I refused to make my ponies boderline laminitics just to meet the whim of judges - Eventing and dressage are now my vices - at least they appreciate a fit animal!
 
Better than being told they are too fat!!! I'd take it was a compliment and I think the tide is turning in showing, as judges are aware that obesity has become an issue in showing.
 
it's funny but Oscar has a grass belly at the mo and our YO said 'oh he's a nice showing weight' took him out and got placed 2nd! For me he's too fat though.
 
I reckon that if they want to kill your pony through face-stuffing, then they are not worth listening to!

Judges seem to lose all sense when they step into an in hand arena, seriously! They are usually more sane watching WH, hence why you got 2nd
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Tell the judge you can't go doing WH and be Fat. I'd rather have the fit horse than the fat one. I got told all the time my Sec D was to skinny so I gave up in-hand. She does workers and cross country. She can't jump if she's too fat!!!
 
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