Showing society continues to combat fat ponies in the ring
The National Pony Society (NPS) is set to reintroduce its summer weigh-in scheme at the annual summer championship show in August.
In 2019, Baileys Horse Feeds visited the show held at Three Counties Showground in Malvern with a weighbridge, and expert nutritionists were on hand to measure ponies’ body condition scores and offer feed advice.
The NPS says that the aim of the scheme was “not to pass judgement but to offer practical advice and guidance on feeding to ensure ponies receive a healthy balanced diet and can be maintained in optimum condition”.
At the show, 62 ponies were presented to be weighed by their owners and riders.
A broad range of breeds was seen and all were weighed, weigh-taped and body condition scored to gain an objective measure of their levels of body fat. They were also assessed for the quality of their muscle and topline.
Baileys uses a nine-point body condition score system, where five is considered moderate, one poor and nine extremely fat.
Of the ponies, 21 were given a body condition score of 6.5 while only two were scored at 8.
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The topline assessment uses a four-point scale, ranging from poor to excellent. Most of the participants inspected had a “good” or “adequate” topline.
The scheme will be expanded in 2020 and it is hoped that the number of ponies presented for assessment will increase.
“We are really keen to get people talking about this and taking advantage of the free advice available through the scheme at this year’s summer championships,” said NPS representative Sacha Shaw.
For details on the NPS or the summer championships please visit www.nationalponysociety.com
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Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.