Weight loss and showing.

[SDMabel]

So I think Mable is finally at a weight i am happy with, she has withers , you can just see her ribs side on and can easily feel them.
Lost fat pads behind her saddle and the big cresty neck has massively shrunk.
First photo is this time last year and the photo below was taken last week , after a final lunging session before our first 'proper' show of the season.

I'll admit i was bit worried as to how a slimmed down version would be taken ( not that i would dream of putting any weight back on her !!) but we came away with two 1st places and lots of positive, constructive feedback ahead of Equifest next week.

I am really interested to see how many obese horses there will be next week, or if showing is beginning to wake up to damage this does to the animal. Show condition should be a fit healthy animal and if judges will take this into account.

Just interested to see if others involved in showing have seen a change ?

 

[vmac66]

Friend was at a show last weekend with her very overweight horse. Judge told her the horse was too fat. Never heard a judge say this before.

 

[SDMabel]

Friend was at a show last weekend with her very overweight horse. Judge told her the horse was too fat. Never heard a judge say this before.

Oh wow ! how did your friend react to this comment from the judge ?

Personally It's refreshing to hear - It's the hunter classes that get me, a hunter should be capable of a days hunting and yet it tends to be massive over weight I.D or maxi cobs that you can hear roaring for breath whilst cantering round.....

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I was pleased to see that there was a special rosette for the lightweight cob in best condition at GYS this year. It went to one of the few that wasn't overweight, which came 5th(?) overall. I was disappointed that it wasn't placed higher tbh.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Well done she looks so much better and you both look very smart good luck at equifest.

I was at an Arab show years ago and someone I know asked the judge why her gelding was last, judge aid because he was too fat.

 

[SDMabel]

I was pleased to see that there was a special rosette for the lightweight cob in best condition at GYS this year. It went to one of the few that wasn't overweight, which came 5th(?) overall. I was disappointed that it wasn't placed higher tbh.

That's really refreshing to hear ! especially if it's being done at higher level showing.

 

[SDMabel]

Well done she looks so much better and you both look very smart good luck at equifest.

I was at an Arab show years ago and someone I know asked the judge why her gelding was last, judge aid because he was too fat.

Thank you so much

You would hope at that point it would sink in that you need to do something to help that horse loose the weight

 

[atropa]

Well done, she looks fantastic and great to hear your hard work has been rewarded in the show ring. Let's hope the tide is turning slowly

 

[thefarsideofthefield]

I couldn't even begin to count the number of times that I've had contradictory comments from different judges regarding the condition of one pony competing in multiple classes at one show , often on the same day . They all have their own opinion . But the classic was at a championship show where we had a ridden class on one day and the judge doing the conformation section complimented me on my geldings fitness and condition and told me too keep up the good work . Following day , same lady judging an in hand class ,commented that she would much prefer him to be carrying more condition ( ie fatter ! ) .
It's showing . Embrace the madness !

 

[toppedoff]

Funny enough we had some FB drama as someone said someone else's cob was underweight. It was at a good weight, people are very blind! You've done really well

 

[PapaverFollis]

Well done on the slimmed down cobbler! Looking absolutely fantastic. I'm so glad you did well at the show.

 

[Cortez]

Wow, that's such an improvement, well done!

 

[Snowfilly]

I couldn't even begin to count the number of times that I've had contradictory comments from different judges regarding the condition of one pony competing in multiple classes at one show , often on the same day . They all have their own opinion . But the classic was at a championship show where we had a ridden class on one day and the judge doing the conformation section complimented me on my geldings fitness and condition and told me too keep up the good work . Following day , same lady judging an in hand class ,commented that she would much prefer him to be carrying more condition ( ie fatter ! ) .
It's showing . Embrace the madness !

I’ve had the too thin / nice to see a fit Horse comment on the same day before! Infuriating.

 

[SDMabel]

And here we have what's wrong with all of this still ... Posted in a showing cobs group.

Majority of comments were in support of the weight loss and then you have ones like this.

I'm not even sure how to respond after the reply to me pointing out how unhealthy she was .

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

It's nice to see that showing judges are changing their ways. Years ago they encouraged obese ponies.