Changes aimed at standardising rules on who is and is not an amateur in showing have been agreed for classes at next year’s Royal International Horse Show (RIHS, 22-27 July).

On 17 December the Showing Council facilitated a meeting between the British Piebald & Skewbald Association, the British Show Horse Association, the British Show Pony Society, Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain, and UK Ponies & Horses, which all hold qualifying and classes and finals at the RIHS.

A Showing Council spokesperson said this was the fourth time the groups have met, with the “sole aim of standardising the amateur rule” across the five societies.

The changes are: professional producers will no longer be able to compete a novice horse on behalf of an amateur rider, without the rider losing their “amateur status”; racing and riding schools have been removed from the list of restrictions, which “should allow more people to compete in amateur classes; and breeding has been removed from the list of restrictions, with the exception of owning/standing a stallion at stud, which will not be permitted for amateurs.

It was also agreed to change the wording from “on the day when an exhibit is competing in amateur classes” to “on the showground where an exhibit is competing”.

“It is hoped by relaxing the amateur rules, with the removal of various restrictions, these classes will be opened up to a wider audience and therefore be of benefit to the societies, the shows and the wider showing community,” said the Showing Council spokesperson.

Amateur rules have come under the spotlight in recent years; some championship titles have changed hands after winners were found not to be classed as amateurs under a particular society’s rules – even if they are, with other societies.

Read the rules via the Showing Council’s website here.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Inclusion in the show ring hot topic at judges’ conference

Judges speak out as they ‘put their lives in competitors’ hands’ while work on insurance continues

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Judges and officials must have better insurance cover to protect them, shows and the sport as a whole – as they are “putting their lives in competitors’ hands”.

This is the message from leading figures in showing calling for better accident cover for the volunteers, without whom shows could not run.

H&H reported that ride judge David Ingle was seriously injured at Balmoral Show, Northern Ireland, in May when a young horse reared and plunged, and he fell. He incurred huge expenses as a result of his injuries and, months after the show, he has not fully healed.

“I hope I will ride, and judge again, but have to go at the pace my body allows,” he said. “It could have been a lot worse but I’m not going to shut up about the insurance issue; showing has to get its act together.”

Mr Ingle said he has talked to some showing societies, which say they have adequate insurance to cover judges but, he says, will not share details of the policies.

“Someone told me I was causing trouble and if I didn’t shut up, we’d have no ride judges,” he said. “I said if we don’t sort insurance out, we won’t have them. What would have happened if I’d been killed? And it was a very close call.”

Mr Ingle said he cannot understand why his accident has not been a catalyst for change, adding: “I’d be very frustrated and disappointed if nothing changed. This is an opportunity. I’m sure there are challenges but it’s as difficult as we want to make it.”

Mr Ingle referenced work carried out on the issue by The Showing Council (TSC), which has been investigating a group policy that should be appropriate and affordable – if enough societies sign up.

TSC chair Liz Inman told H&H a lot of work has gone into exploring options, starting before the pandemic, when it was put on hold. It was raised again last December and after a presentation by a specialist broker, TSC members supported more consideration to a group judges’ accident policy.

“Having undertaken extensive research, we are now ready to present the proposed policy to TSC members next week,” she said on 25 November.

“The proposal represents extremely good value at a very attractive premium; we are aware some shows and societies think they would be covered by employer’s or public liability cover, but this is not the case unless negligence can be proven.

“You could have a ride judge injured, or a conformation judge or steward kicked,” she said. “I think a lot of people don’t realise how significant this could be. It’s for the greater good and future safeguarding of showing, and the more of our members sign up, the more likely it is we can get this policy over the line for them.”

Judge Michelle Underwood, a friend of Mr Ingle’s, told H&H she has taken out her own accident insurance, which costs £55 per month all year, although she only judges in summer.

“Add that to the society memberships, travel and everything, I’m paying more than £800 per year to then be put in danger,” she said. “This needs to be addressed.

“David is such a talented rider but what happened to him shows that you just don’t know. We’re not trying to be difficult, we just want a fail-safe safety net so everyone is protected. Judges put their lives in competitors’ hands and not all competitors are truthful. We have to know the societies have our backs. We have to move with the times and ensure the sport we love can continue.”

A spokesperson for the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, which runs Balmoral Show, told H&H the society is “adequately insured through our comprehensive public liability and employer’s liability policies”.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Craziness’: judge struck off panel after ‘frivolous’ pose in photo

‘A pretty bad situation’: judge who broke neck at show fears for sport’s future

Robert Walker: ‘Are we asking too much of judges?’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It is hoped a new code of conduct will help provide “self-regulation” to the showing industry and set standards to aspire to.

The Showing Council has created the “code of conduct, standards and values” for producers, designed to help members recognise “the standards that should be considered” when engaging a producer/trainer for the production of a horse or pony or when training children.

The code sets out advice, expectations and minimum standard, such as ensuring insurance is in place, safeguarding procedures, requirements for operator licences when transporting, and terms and conditions that should be included in contracts.

The Showing Council’s chair, Liz Inman, told H&H that as the council is not a governing body, the code is voluntary, for member bodies to “use should they wish”, but it is there to offer best-practice advice.

“It covers a number of things for producers to be able to say, ‘I can tick all these boxes,’ but also for potential owners and existing clients of producers. It’s also a really useful document for up-and-coming producers, because it’s setting the standards of what they should be aspiring to,” she said.

“So far the feedback from member bodies has been universally positive, but once it’s been distributed more widely, we’ll be asking for further feedback, and based on that we might make changes or add to the code as it develops.”

Producer Julie Templeton, a Showing Council committee member who helped create the code, told H&H she hopes it will go towards “protecting and promoting the industry”, which currently is not regulated.

“Having been involved in showing for more than 40 years, I felt it’s time that the industry became a bit more professional. We’ve got more producers now than we’ve ever had before, and from the client’s point of view and people who are new to the industry, it must be a minefield,” she said. “If you want to send your children to school, that procedure is regulated – and I felt the same way about producing children’s ponies.

“I think people should really take on safeguarding as a matter of course, because you never know when you’re going to come across somebody who is vulnerable or in a difficult situation.

“There are a lot of elements to the code that I think are really important, including having insurance to protect the client and the producer, and also contracts. There’s still a lot of people producing that don’t have a contract with their clients, but what happens when a dispute arises? The code is an attempt to protect everybody.”

British Show Pony Society chair Paul Cook, who was also involved in developing the code, told H&H it is a “first step to getting some self-regulation and setting minimum standards” in the industry.

“We haven’t got a lot of information out there for new members of showing about the things they might need to consider when having a pony produced, or their child trained. It’s not dictating to them what they should do, it’s just saying they might want to ask these important questions,” he said.

“It’s also about encouraging young producers to think about the things they should have in place if they want to progress. The majority of our professional producers will have these things in any event, but it’s reminding people of those minimum standards.”

You might also be interested in:

Alex Robinson: ‘What actually constitutes an amateur in the show ring?’

We must all unite to fight the battle against equine obesity

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Showing – and the industry as a whole – must work together to continue the progress made to combat equine obesity, from grassroots to the top levels.

At the equine weight forum, at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), where the Weigh to Win body condition awards were handed out for the fourth year, representatives of showing societies joined vets, riders and the outgoing and incoming chairs of the Showing Council to discuss the issue. It was agreed that it is “crucial” for everyone to work with and via the Showing Council to improve consistency and help support judges and stewards.

“Taking it forward as a collective is the way forward,” said Hickstead director of showing David Ingle. “It’s about a united voice; if we have 40 different voices, nothing will land, it will be a lot slower and we might not do it. If we do it together, we will do it.”

The Horse Trust introduced the awards in 2019 to celebrate horses and ponies of a healthy weight; they are assessed by vets and rosettes are handed out separately to the class placings. Among the major shows to feature the scheme are the RIHS, the Hickstead Derby meeting, Royal Windsor and the Great Yorkshire.

Imogen Burrows, chair of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) ethics and welfare committee, said she and past BEVA president Lucy Grieve are among those “passionate about championing this”.

“We’re working on how to communicate it to clients and owners,” she said. “And this isn’t just showing; it’s a global equine industry issue, and we’re aware of that. I was really excited to be asked to help with the awards, and it really gave me a perspective on the pressure when you’re standing in the ring– I take my hat off to all the judges.”

Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher, an experienced equine vet, lifelong cross-discipline competitor and coach, who was involved in affiliated showing for years, said there is also a lot of work going on to combat equine obesity outside the show ring.

“We’re doing a lot of work with riding establishments,” she said. “The new regulations that came in five years ago have more emphasis on weight and welfare. We’re working with them to body condition-score animals, and encourage them to seek professional nutritional advice if there’s a consistent problem.”

Ms Hamilton-Fletcher spoke of watching a go-round of small ponies, and “all their bottoms were square”.

“But looking at the little 128cm showjumping ponies, there were no square bottoms,” she said.

“This is where we need to let judges and showing people see what they’re looking for, compared to what’s become normal in the showing world.”

The normalisation of excess equine weight was a key issue to be tackled, it was agreed; as people are so used to seeing it, it has become the norm.

“Reframing ‘normal’ is an important thing to do,” a spokesman for the awards said. “It is non-confrontational and would help people to retrain their eyes as to what is a healthy weight.”

Education was a key theme; there have been discussions about getting more information on obesity into the British Horse Society qualifications, the conference heard, to “get the information in right from the beginning”, so the message can be spread in every yard.

“On behalf of BEVA, we’ve been working on obesity for a number of years,” Ms Grieve said. “We’ve done lots of work with Tamzin Furtado [who is behind the awards with the Horse Trust’s Jan Rogers] trying to educate vets and make sure they’re on board, and trying to get farriers, physios and saddlers on board so everyone’s singing from the same hymn sheet.”

From a competitor’s point of view, showing producer Chris Hunnable said he and his wife Katie Jerram-Hunnable are “totally in support of all the hard work” involved in the awards and associated campaigning, and suggested it would be beneficial to have more feedback from assessors, on which to reflect. The possibility of feedback forms was discussed, with the view that exhibitors could read them or not as they choose.

Incoming Showing Council chair Liz Inman said that in her time as Burghley event director, feedback forms were introduced for the young event horse classes, which she said were challenging for judges but “in a positive way as it made them really think about their reasons for judging”.

The issue of show animals’ being fit for purpose was brought up; Katie referenced Shires.

“They’re the most unfit bunch of horses I’ve ever seen coming round the ring,” she said.

“I had an argument with an owner, who didn’t want the horse fit – but then it shouldn’t be in the ring. I wouldn’t ride it; I thought it was a disgrace it couldn’t walk, trot and canter round the ring.”

The need for veterinary research to continue, to improve knowledge on obesity, was discussed, as well as recent work looking at fat deposition in equine upper airways. Developing guidance and policy for showing societies is key, to be delivered in training for judges, stewards and exhibitors and by using “engaging positive language for vets, judges and stewards to use when tackling the challenging subject without causing people offence, which tends to have the opposite effect”.

The conference heard that welfare stewards are being present at shows to consider issues including body condition, and suitable rider weight, and it was agreed that “helping to support competitors through this in a positive way must be the way forward”.

“RIHS once again provided a warm welcome and an ideal base to bring together the equine weight forum,” Dr Furtado said. “Many changes and updates were discussed across the societies, including examples of new activities, training, and research projects which had all arisen from better collaboration between groups. It was really inspiring to once again see the showing organisations working together to be proactive about making change, and we have high hopes for the year ahead.”

You might also be interested in:

‘Judges must place fat horses lower’ to help beat equine obesity

Major show gives signs of hope in battle against equine obesity

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Showing judges must place overweight horses down the line, it has been said, as joint efforts continue against the equine obesity epidemic.

At the Showing Council summer conference on 28 June, the Horse Trust’s Jan Rogers and researcher Tamzin Furtado gave a presentation on their “Weigh to Win” scheme. The scheme awards rosettes in showing classes to the horse or pony in the best body condition, and has been extended this season.

Dr Furtado said those behind the scheme are considering how they scale it up, adding: “This stage is up to the showing community, to think about how we take it forward. Engagement with shows has been key; some have really embraced the idea with announcements and so on, and competitors have loved it. That’s a really forward-thinking show. In other situations, it’s been a bit aside from the class, and people have felt it doesn’t really matter. What people seem to want is that full engagement from shows.”

She added that the idea works best when everyone is on board; so competitors feel encouraged to bring animals in healthy condition, and judges feel confident to explain to those whose horses have been placed lower owing to excess weight.

“I’m really pleased to say the Great Yorkshire Show [12-15 July] is promoting the fact it’s a healthy-weight show this year.”

This means that as well as the awards, the show will have free condition-scoring and weight management advice, from Dr Furtado and independent nutritionist Nikki Meggison. Competitors will be encouraged to enter horses and ponies at “ideal” weights, and the judges will take condition into account when deciding placings.

“The more shows take this on board, the more people will be encouraged to feel good about what they’re doing, and go to these events,” Dr Furtado said.

She added: “I’m really keen to hear what you think. Do we need to do more? Should there be rule changes? What do we do to take this to the next level? We’ve got the positive first step but it won’t change the world on its own.”

In the discussion that followed, the question was asked on what should the Showing Council and other organisations do to educate judges more on obesity.

“I couldn’t agree more with Jan Rogers and Tamzin Furtardo,” said Showing Council chair Jane Nixon. “In the late 1980s, in the Royal Windsor workers, there were only two good jumping rounds so the judges only pulled two forwards and gave them rosettes. If we have obese horses in a class, my belief is they shouldn’t be placed.”

British Show Horse Association chair Nick Thompson said the association is putting together training on body condition scoring for judges, adding that a meeting with Ms Rogers and Dr Furtado would be “welcome”.

“The judges are putting horses up as they’re presented in unsatisfactory body condition,” he said. “It’s a bit of a vicious circle and we’ve got to try to break that circle.”

British Show Pony Society (BSPS) chair Paul Cook added that obesity was addressed at the BSPS judges’ conference this year, where judges agreed overweight ponies should be placed lower.

“I think we’re all on the same page and want to work together on this,” he said.

“The onus in my view is on judges, making educated appraisals and always placing overweight horses down the line,” Dr Nixon said. “And explaining to the exhibitor why they’ve done so.”

You may also be interested in…

Owner’s weight warning after obese mare came within ‘hours of death’

The owner is urging others to take action on overweight horses

‘This issue is not going away’: new measures in the fight against equine obesity

Overweight horses should be placed lower, judges agree

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

BREEDING for temperament over “pizazz”, and the possibility of taking a leaf out of racing’s book on aftercare, were put forward as suggestions for the way forward for plaited show ponies.

Speaking at The Showing Council’s summer conference on 28 June, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher spoke of her concerns over some showing ponies, and possible solutions.

Ms Hamilton-Fletcher, an experienced equine vet, lifelong cross-discipline competitor and coach, who was involved in affiliated showing for years, gave a presentation on “Suitability of show riding ponies and their life after showing”.

“I see things from a number of perspectives and I think that’s useful here,” she said. “Showing has been wonderful for my daughter; it gives an insight into ringcraft, it’s helped with her dressage and when she went into eventing. There’s a lot to commend about a showing upbringing – but that should not be at the expense of the welfare of the ponies involved, and that’s why I’m here today.”

Asking whether the ridden show pony is fit for purpose, Ms Hamilton-Fletcher considered the rider size and weight debate.

“This is targeted at larger riders on these ponies, who are not competing them,” she said. “I know the reasons put forward for this and we need to discuss them. Social licence has been mentioned, and will be again. To me, it’s a good thing; it’s waking us up to the fact we’re sometimes complacent about welfare, or forget to address it properly. Anything that’s perceived as abuse of the horse needs to be addressed; we need to listen to what’s being said.”

Ms Hamilton-Fletcher said concerns cannot be ignored, and that this also applies to vets, adding: “We need to think more about our practices, especially for elite competition horses; we’re all victims of injecting joints, especially hocks, on demand, and that’s no longer good enough. Are we prioritising short-term performance gains over long-term welfare? Injecting hocks every six months on owner demand, or to gain extra points, is possibly not the right way to go.

“We need to think about this, and justify all we do in terms of welfare.”

Ms Hamilton-Fletcher said that although showing is not a high-risk discipline, with less risk of horse falls for example, it cannot be complacent.

Returning to the show riding pony, she said: “It’s a fabulous pony; beautiful, extravagant, elite, but sharp. That’s part of its wow factor, it wins classes, and unfortunately any characteristic that wins classes is selectively bred for. I’d suggest that being bred for movement and pizazz is being done at the expense of temperament. Some would say that doesn’t matter, but I’d argue that it does.”

Ms Hamilton-Fletcher said these ponies are shown as suitable for children, and this implies that temperament is suitable, adding: “Anyone selling a pony as such wouldn’t say, ‘Only suitable for a child if it’s ridden by someone much larger for half an hour or lunged continuously.’ That to me isn’t suitable for a child. It’s often said safety is key for these little riders, and to me that implies temperament.

“It’s said these aren’t classes for the safest pony but they’re for ponies suitable for children, so if that doesn’t mean safest, what does it mean?”

She explained that good temperament is not only beneficial in showing, it means the pony is more likely to have a second job and a “good life” later, as the biggest pony market is for versatile animals, and that some who are maybe not successful in the ring have few options.

“I see a lot of of similarities between racehorses and show riding ponies,” she said. “Those with better temperaments have a better chance to have a good life afterwards. Hats off to the racing industry for taking the steps they have [on aftercare]; this may be something for the showing societies to think about.”

“I see these ponies going to Pony Club camp and it’s a disaster,” she added. “They go back on the market, cheaper, and it goes wrong. It’s very, very sad to see.”

On the way forward, Ms Hamilton-Fletcher thought it would be worth conducting a survey on show riding ponies before and after showing, covering where they go, how many changes of homes, their health and lifespan. would support classes for ponies suitable for children, more emphasis on temperament in judging and breeding, and rules to stop unsuitably mounted riders working ponies in, as well as.

“I love these ponies, and feel sad when I come across them struggling,” she said. “It’s not what I want to see, and I’d like to see it being addressed.”

British Show Pony Society chair Paul Cook said the issue of rider weight can be a complex one, as “we’re mainly a children’s society, and we have age restrictions with ponies, but we have to be sensitive as many of our riders are young girls”.

“This is about education on people being unsuitably mounted,” he said. “We do have members’ conferences every year but we’re often speaking to the converted there. We’ve got to educate more widely, rather than dictating to people, and that’s what we’re doing.”

You might also be interested in:

Adult riders on children’s ponies: the rider-age and size debate continues

Five years on, show’s rider size policy is making change

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

VETS and welfare experts say they were “extremely disappointed” to see overweight horses competing and being placed at Royal Windsor – but it is hoped the event is proving to be a catalyst for change.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) contacted H&H with its concerns over some of the horses shown at the event (11–15 May). H&H has reported extensively on the epidemic of equine obesity, and the related significant welfare implications.

“BEVA was extremely disappointed to see overweight horses taking part in Royal Windsor Horse Show and being highly placed,” a spokesman said. “A huge amount of effort has been put into educating the equestrian world on the risk to health posed by obesity, and there has been great progress made at a number of shows and classes. However, despite this, some horses continue to be willingly and intentionally kept in obese condition and rosettes continue to be awarded for it. “

BEVA added that obesity-related laminitis is a frequent cause of death in UK horses.

“We strongly urge owners, riders and judges to speak to their vet or qualified nutritionist and learn how to identify horses that are overweight,” the spokesman said. “This will enable weight management measures to be instigated to avoid this agonising, preventable and life-threatening condition, as well as other adverse effects of equine obesity.

“BEVA has been discussing the subject with members of the showing community, and recognises that work is being done alongside welfare organisations to clarify judging standards in relation to obesity. We will continue to support these efforts and applaud those members who are improving equine welfare in this regard.”

Showing Council chairman Jane Nixon, a highly experienced equine vet, told H&H she was also at Windsor, and agreed there were obese horses there.

“It was more prevalent in some classes than others, which I think others would agree with,” she said. “Across the board over the past few years, especially since the start of Covid, we do seem to have made some inroads, but there’s no question, obesity still exists.

“We need to look positively at the situation; a lot of hard work has been done, by welfare groups, vets and showing organisations. We need to take a positive view, but much still needs to be done.”

Dr Nixon added that Windsor highlighted the issue, which “could be considered a watershed moment”.

“I think the balance is now tipping towards horses in the appropriate condition,” she said. “BEVA is right; obesity needs to be challenged, in the right way. I think we need to be proactive, and say well done to those doing it right, but that it is still there, and a serious welfare issue.”

Tamzin Furtado, a researcher who has been working on a project to give awards to the horses in the best body condition in major showing classes, agreed with BEVA.

“It was disappointing to see overweight horses being rewarded in some showing classes at Windsor,” she told H&H. “We know there are groups within the showing community who are passionate about making changes in judging standards and have made progress in this regard, but unfortunately change has not been as quick to permeate all classes as we might hope.”

Dr Furtado added that Windsor has “been a catalyst for some extensive discussions about how we can encourage further change”.

“We are very hopeful that additional support for judges, show organisers and competitors to celebrate healthy body condition will soon be in place,” she said.

World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers told H&H: “There’s still a significant challenge in raising awareness of the critical health implications of equine obesity, and it’s got to be a collective effort, including showing and the judging within it. Weight management is not easy, but it’s vital for equine health.”

Equine obesity will be on the agenda at the Showing Council summer conference on 28 June. For tickets, visit: theshowingcouncil.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

Working together key in fight against fatal equine obesity

Overweight horses should be placed lower, judges agree

Owner’s weight warning after obese mare came within ‘hours of death’

The owner is urging others to take action on overweight horses

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Julie Templeton on why societies need to come together to benefit showing as a whole

AT this time in the showing calendar, as we all enjoy some well-earned rest and start working with some of the younger ponies, the show societies are all working hard to revise and renew their rule books ready to send out to members ahead of the 2022 season.

This is a thankless but necessary task that most members will not even realise is occurring. It’s so important that we check the current version of the rules so we can keep up to date with any changes.

Over the past several months many of the showing societies have been working together, alongside shows such as the Royal International (RIHS), on a number of issues. One such topic is the alignment of amateur rulings across all societies so that the system is as fair as possible, more transparent and is easier for competitors to understand.

This kind of collaborative working, where societies can bring things to the table and work together, is exactly what is needed in the showing industry to ensure not only its survival, but to promote its growth.

Whiskers debate

CONVERSELY, the Great Yorkshire Show announced that they were bringing in a new rule for 2022; they have introduced a ruling that exhibits with trimmed whiskers would not be allowed to compete. This has produced quite an outcry among competitors.

This issue has been on The Showing Council’s radar for a few years but it was felt that until the welfare policy and party were more established that this should remain on a slightly slower path.

While it seems like quite a trivial rule, it has caused lots of debate among riders, owners and producers and the hardest part of the process has been how to convey it to competitors.

It was agreed by the member societies that what could not be seen to happen was for trimmed horses and ponies to be penalised so that it affects placings in the show ring.

Great Yorkshire’s bold move means that trimmed horses and ponies won’t even be allowed to enter the ring. It’s going to be very hard to police on the ground and it will undoubtedly put another task in the already full lap of stewards and judges.

Going it alone

It is not for me to say whether or not I agree with this as a welfare policy. However, I do think that the show would have been better placed to try to bring this type of change in through The Showing Council, rather than just introducing it at their own show.

Great Yorkshire Show has an active voice at the table of The Showing Council through the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO), and could have asked for this to be discussed with all societies and associations. It would have made more sense for everyone to have input and then a strategic policy reached.

Ultimately stand-alone decisions like these make it confusing for the showing competitor.

• Do you agree with the banning of trimmed whiskers? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, local town and county and you might win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 16 December

You may also be interested in…

Untouched whiskers ‘becoming the norm’ as major show bans trimming

Concerns over showing judges’ ability to identify overweight and obese horses

Who was your favourite past champion? A look back at the BSPS M&M supreme ridden final winners (2008 to 2022)

5 reasons why a subscription to HorseandHound.co.uk makes the perfect last-minute gift

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Welfare and conduct were on the agenda at The Showing Council’s annual general meeting – as a new chair was elected.

Outgoing chairman David Ingle led the “welfare-focused” meeting, during which council veterinary representative Jane Nixon was elected as his replacement. With World Horse Welfare deputy CEO Tony Tyler and British Horse Society (BHS) welfare field officer Cathy Hyde among guests, it was agreed to form a working group to progress the council’s welfare policy and define areas “with more clarity”.

Mr Ingle, who stepped down after more than eight years with the council, told H&H some key areas the group will consider include the amount of travelling horses do, animals behind the vertical, trimming of whiskers, adults riding ponies, and people qualifying for finals without appropriate experience.

“The welfare policy took a couple of years to come together, but now we’re at a point where we can formalise it and start to really solidify the discussions and get proper help to know what we’re going to do,” he said. “Jane is ideally placed as the next chair to do that.”

Tony Tyler said World Horse Welfare welcomes the working group.

“Involving organisations like us and the BHS is positive. The initial draft documents seem encouraging and we look forward to working on a wide range of issues,” he said.

Another item discussed was setting up an ethics and codes of conduct independent group to take an ombudsman-type approach to concerns around fair play in showing.

“We’ve received concerns about inappropriate behaviours, from judges to competitors to board members – there’s no area that’s exempt,” said Mr Ingle. “That’s where it gets tricky because some people are frightened to complain and they’re telling us they feel if they do, they’ll never win another class. At least we can look at it independently, look at the evidence and if there is a problem we can go to the society.

“Nobody should be discriminated against because they’re trying to do the right thing. We’re not a governing body, but we’re there to listen and help where we can and I think we’ve been very successful at that. Showing has got nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking an independent view of the field of fair play.”

Dr Nixon told H&H The Showing Council needs to “stand back and take a very broad view” of where the sport is going for the benefit of horses and humans.

“Showing is a sport and it’s got to be fun. For some people it’s their business but for the majority, it’s their relaxation,” she said. “It’s very important people enjoy it but to enjoy it, we must have horse welfare at the top of our priorities.

“The issues that are important are social licence, biosecurity and, importantly, collaboration and I look forward to working with member bodies and British Equestrian to achieve this.”

Five years on, show’s rider size policy is making change

Ban on trimming horses’ whiskers for international competitions starts today

The ban came into force at FEI events on 1 July

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

This week's National Equine Forum webinar covered the major welfare issue of equine obesity. H&H finds out what the challenges are in successful weight loss, and how to overcome them

EDUCATION, awareness and working together on an individually tailored approach to weight loss are the key to winning the war against equine obesity.

This was the consensus of experts at a webinar run as part of the 2021 National Equine Forum (NEF), on 27 January. Titled

“The great weight debate (equine)”, the session looked at different perspectives on managing horses’ weight.

Chairing the discussion, NEF vice-chairman Pat Harris said it is thought some 30% of UK equids are obese, and the figure could be 70% for native breeds.

Giving a horse vet’s view, British Equine Veterinary Association president Lucy Grieve said a big issue is the lack of understanding and awareness of equine obesity and its impact on welfare.

“I had to learn the hard way, like some owners,” she said. “That was all too palpable when euthanising otherwise healthy horses because of their fat, which had slowly poisoned their bodies.

“I felt sick at the realisation of how preventable these deaths were. But trying to warn owners of the risks was often difficult and ineffective.”

Ms Grieve said some owners do not see excess weight, or that it is a problem. Others know it is a problem, but do not know how to remedy it.

“I had my work cut out trying to get owners to recognise obesity, accept it without taking offence, understand the horrific consequences if nothing was done, and empowering them to do something and stick to it,” she said.

Ms Grieve said a big challenge is the vet-owner relationship; vets risk upsetting clients or losing them to other practices, so some vets will “shy away” from the subject.

“If we’re honest with ourselves, this is neglect,” she said.

“I doubt many vets would walk away from an emaciated horse, or an infected wound, so why are we so willing to walk away from these ticking time bombs?”

Ms Grieve said vets must keep their knowledge up to date and be proactive in disseminating appropriate knowledge. She wants to see more vet-owner engagement, adding that perhaps a “brutal” campaign highlighting the painful deaths suffered by horses with laminitis may help owners who do not want to engage, and said this is an opportunity for vets to work with other professionals to tailor individual plans for each horse and owner, taking all factors into account.

“If we’re to save that horse’s life, we must find a solution that works for horse and owner, and support the owner every step of the way,” she said.

As the owner of a “good doer”, Helen Gale spoke of issues such as some owners’ inability to distinguish between fat and muscle, horses on yards spending more time stabled in winter, with hay, often over-rugged.

“Do we really know how many calories we’re feeding, are we using too many rugs and do our horses do enough work for the food they get?” she asked, adding that opportunities to exercise horses can also be limited in winter.

She spoke of owners’ asking questions on weight or feed on social media, instead of consulting experts, and getting hundreds of responses, and of the peer pressure on yards when an owner is trying to rug or feed a horse less.

“Be truthful when assessing your horse and beware of ‘experts’ on social media,” she said. “Feed what your horse needs and monitor his weight with body condition scoring and weigh tapes. Don’t be afraid to ask for professional advice.”

Yard owner Beth Maloney said it can be hard to balance owners’ expectations with their horses’ nutritional needs, such as convincing owners that reducing their horses’ feed is for their benefit. She added that she has seen a growing number of owners who are happy to have horses carrying more weight, but that a nutritionist visits her yard frequently to weigh and condition-score the horses, so any trends are clear.

She said trust, communication and transparency are vital, as is seeking advice from the vet and nutritionist.

A discussion covered topics such as owners’ helping each other; putting hay in at different times to spread out an obese horse’s food, for example, and spreading positive messages or attempts to promote a healthy body shape on their own social media.

Nutritionist Liz Bullock pointed out that although many owners know exactly the composition of their hard feed, grass and hay or haylage contributes far more calories, and better understanding of this is important.

Showing Council chairman David Ingle said “a lot of work” has been carried out in showing on the issue, with more to come.

He said the council could put a page on its website signposting riders to the right information, and that it would talk about adding the topic to member bodies’ agendas, including helping judges have difficult conversations.

“I’m sure by talking about this, we’ll be able to come up with a much better way forward,” he said, adding that the council has a big part to play in disseminating helpful information to help those riders who need it.

World Horse Welfare field officer Penny Baker said what is commonly seen as the right weight is “causing problems”, adding that society does not judge owners of fat horses in the same way emaciated horses’ owners are seen.

She said overweight and over-rugged horses are often seen as well loved, and that far fewer overweight horses are reported to the charity than thin ones, although it takes far longer to rehabilitate the former than the latter, if there are no other major issues.

Ms Baker said some owners may know the issue is there but cannot admit it, that lifestyles and facilities often need to be changed, which is challenging. Other owners believe horses are not overweight, “conditioned by what has become the norm”.

World Horse Welfare has had success with human behaviour change techniques, in which staff are trained, to have an impact on horse welfare. Citing the success of groups in human weight loss, Ms Baker asked whether equine weight loss groups on social media could help.

Researcher Tamzin Furtardo said key is empowering owners to make change, rather than “telling them a horse has an issue and expecting them to do something”, along with teamwork and better communication.

Ms Grieve said key in developing a weight loss plan is listening to the owner and taking into account all the elements of a horse and owner’s situation.

“I’d like owners to see this as an exciting challenge; a positive thing they can do for their horses,” she said.

You might also be interested in…

‘They’re getting fatter and fatter’: Vet’s warning over obesity-related equine deaths

‘As a rule, you’ll get much more criticism on a livery yard if you can see ribs than if your

Vets to trial ‘traffic light’ scheme to combat equine obesity *H&H Plus*

The British Equine Veterinary Association is launching a six-month pilot of a new scheme designed to tackle equine obesity from

Vets’ top tips for vital winter weight loss

Top vets have shared advice on how to get horses and ponies in suitable condition before the spring

New research confirms straw could be valuable weapon in fight against equine obesity 

‘We hope the success of the trial means this research will go on to help even more ponies’

Weight limit for tourists riding donkeys welcomed *H&H Plus*

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Discussions to bring showing’s dope testing rules in line with other equestrian disciplines in Britain are on going. H&H finds out more...

PLANS for a “unified” approach to dope testing in showing are being discussed with the hope of bringing the sport in line with other equestrian disciplines.

Preliminary talks have taken place between the Showing Council and British Equestrian (BEF) around some showing organisations using BEF’s equine anti-doping and controlled medication rules (BEFAR).

Under these rules, if a horse or person receives a period of ineligibility for a failed dope test in one discipline, they are not allowed to participate in any event or competition organised by another BEF member body.

If it is agreed by BEF and the Showing Council that showing organisations adopt BEFAR, this would mean a sanction imposed in another discipline would apply to those competing in showing and vice versa.

Sacha Shaw, National Pony Society (NPS) office manager and chair of the Showing Council’s working group, told H&H dope testing had been discussed by the council for a number of years and it was decided to approach BEF about adopting BEFAR.

“Three years ago we had a difficult time with failed dope tests at the NPS championship show and it became clear any action we took as a society couldn’t be reciprocated by other showing bodies, which meant any penalties imposed were pretty meaningless because there are so many societies a person could go to to carry on competing,” she said.

“It is so important sanctions apply equestrian-wide – it’s crucial for our industry. We’ve had two positive meetings with BEF and the next stage is the Showing Council members will have discussions with their boards.”

Showing Council chairman David Ingle told H&H the discussions had been a “positive step”, adding it is up to individual organisations whether they choose to adopt new policies. The British Show Horse Association launched its own anti-doping policy this month (news, 1 October).

“We are not a governing body – we’re an overarching umbrella body to help unify things wherever possible so the members opt in if they want this,” he said.

“Should this be successful, I am very keen on education alongside it – organisations must make people aware of what the changes are and provide education on clean sport.”

Sandra Lawrence, company secretary of the British Skewbald and Piebald Association, told H&H she believes adopting BEFAR rules would be “excellent” for showing.

“It would bring a consistent approach across a large sector of the equine community. We’re trying to be robust, fair and open about trying to achieve clean sport and I don’t think anyone will be unhappy about that because it’s in the interest of competitors and horse owners,” she said.

BEF interim CEO Iain Graham told H&H the organisation had been having “positive discussions” with the Showing Council about how to provide an equine dope testing programme going forwards.

H&H 22 October 2020

.

You may also be interested in…

New anti-doping code aims to ‘clean up showing’ for all *H&H Plus*

The new code has four principles: to protect the integrity of classes, horse welfare, safety of competitors and safety of

Showing world acts on first positive bromide case

Showing producer urges others to ‘learn from my error’ after positive dope test

The results of two hearings held by the Retraining of Racehorses disciplinary panel (27 November) have been released

Dope testing: what is it and how does it work?

Find out everything about dope testing and how you can avoid an accidental positive test

Showing dope test increase as problem comes to light

Ponies (UK) has announced it will increase dope testing at its National Championships, as the association concedes there “is a

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

H&H’s showing columnist feels for the jockeys who are missing out on their last season

Let’s not be shy about the fact that Rebecca Penny’s column last month (2 July) raised some valid points, particularly regarding the British Show Pony Society’s (BSPS) decision not to extend riders’ ages for 2021 without consulting its membership. Some jockeys will now miss their last year in a variety of classes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

I was all in favour of allowing an age extension for 2021 only, in these unprecedented times. It’s not as though shows have been cancelled due to inclement weather.

This season will be a game-changer for many showing exhibitors, whether they decide to call it a day or continue at unaffiliated level. Not involving the electorate – the members – in the decision-making process could be considered a wasted PR opportunity in this dark period. This was not the occasion to allow bureaucracy to win the day.

A simple survey could have helped the BSPS make a more informed call and, who knows, the results may have been in accord with the official announcement which would have made the outcome much more palatable.

Having produced ponies for many years, I know how important these last-year experiences are for young jockeys, especially for those making the jump from lead-rein to first ridden and from there into open height classes. And one could argue it is even more significant for the working hunter pony sector.

Many parents also go that extra mile to invest in a good pony so their children can enjoy a memorable last season in pony ranks. My father turned down a five-figure sum for 14.2hh Rumour on his ridden debut in 1975 to allow my brother Nigel to finish at the top with show ponies.

On a positive note, the BSPS did inform the membership of its ruling in plenty of time to allow exhibitors to plan for the future.

Lessons from Westminster

The suggestion that showing could benefit from one governing body would not work in practice. In contrast to eventing, dressage and showjumping, showing societies have stronger individual identities as guardians of breed standards and type within their competition remit.

I’ve never been a fan of large committees as they seem to be less productive, and with so many opinions floating around the table, become slow at reaching an end goal.

I was told by a Westminster source that Boris Johnson reduced the number of cabinet ministers from 32 to 26 in his February reshuffle to make the decision process more efficient.

When I was the northern vice-chairman of the now British Show Horse Association (BSHA), delegates regularly met with three other governing bodies – BSPS, Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHB(GB)) and the National Pony Society (NPS) – to action common ground. The birth of the popular Heritage classes was one example of the successful collaboration.

After this crisis I would like to see governing bodies which share the same membership base – such as BSHA and SHB(GB) – team up more.

“A potential battlefield”

The story behind the H&H news headline “Use your noodle” (18 June) – when sisters Ava and Emilia Gandy came up with an inventive use of swimming noodles for riding to enforce social distancing – not only lifted my spirits during lockdown but also appealed to my wicked sense of humour.

My kneejerk reaction was to think if this could work in the show ring. Would it take ringcraft to an extreme level if riders jousted instead of jostling for that all important red rosette, turning the initial go-round into a potential battlefield?

Ref Horse & Hound; 13 August 2020

You may also be interested in…

Socially distanced line-ups and maximum class sizes: Covid-safe plans for showing’s return

The Showing Council has set out a blueprint for organisers to help competition resume ‘when it is safe and appropriate

‘It has a knock-on effect’ — showing society will not change young rider ages for 2021 season

‘It is sad but we live in strange times and hard decisions have to be made’

Showing highlights: Triple victory for Young *H&H Plus*

As showing continues to gain momentum post-lockdown, a brace of stunning new combinations come to the fore

Rebecca Penny: Is it time for showing to have one governing body? *H&H Plus*

H&H’s showing columnist believes that showing has lacked clear leaderships of late

‘I’m hoping I can build this passion into something big’ — show producer starts unique project over lockdown

‘The creations has proven popular among fellow show riders...’

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

H&H’s showing columnist believes that showing has lacked clear leaderships of late

When the Showing Council (TSC) was set up as an umbrella organisation, it faced an uphill struggle. Trying to get a cohesive policy from so many organisations and societies without having any authority must be like trying to herd cats.

However, looking at the way bodies such as British Eventing (BE) and British Dressage (BD) are reacting to the current situation makes me think now is the time for TSC to prove itself.

I’ve always been unsure about what it actually does, and the information on its website and Facebook page seems vague. I appreciate that it was set up to achieve more recognition for showing, but is this its chance to become more than a talking shop?

Its website says it is forming a working group to develop a blueprint for safe showing, but it lagged behind others – notably the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) – in doing this when it could have led the way.

Societies need to work together, and if showing is to stay healthy, common policies are essential. Maybe it’s time for TSC to put its head above the parapet and be more pro-active.

Members should be consulted

There has been disappointment over the BSPS’s decision not to change rider ages for 2021. This means some riders will not have their last year on their pony or horse, and those who bought animals at the back end of last year specifically for a final year in age classes will feel badly done by, both financially and in terms of opportunity.

As always, there are two sides to the argument. But whatever stance you take, it would have been better if the BSPS had consulted members before taking this decision.

It says its council had long discussions via online meetings and consulted with Royal International and Horse of the Year Show organisers, but its main duty is towards its members. As such, it should have sought their views.

Even if it had reached the same conclusion, it could have explained how this was reached. As it stands, it gives the impression of making an arbitrary decision – which is going to leave those members who are unhappy about it feeling even worse.

Specialist producers of lead-rein ponies will be watching Government announcements. Protecting health must be the top priority and as I write the Government has announced relaxations on guidelines.

It’s hypothetical until shows start, but I can see home-produced ponies outnumbering the professionals as many are forced to produce from home due to social distancing or other considerations. Many may realise that the lead-rein job is not as easy as producers make it seem.

New projects

When lockdown started, I thought horse and pony sales would plummet. In the showing world, the opposite seems to apply. Youngsters from foals upwards are finding a ready market as stores and ponies with potential are also selling quickly, presumably to people who find they have time to work on them.

The only sales category that isn’t buzzing is that for open ponies with good CVs. The obvious reason is that these have the biggest price tags and buyers don’t want to pay big sums for ponies that are up and running when there is nowhere for them to go to.

There are still more questions than answers and realistically, showing can never be as organised and coherent as disciplines with a single governing body. Across industry, lockdown has proved how inventive people can be in a crisis. Let’s hope we can borrow some of that attitude and move forward.

Ref Horse & Hound; 2 July 2020

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now