The lightweight show cob Will Scarlett is likely to retire from the show ring after being remeasured by the Joint Measurement Board (JMB) at 156cm, 1cm over the current height limit.
Owner Sally Reed and producer Tony Walker originally disputed a remeasurement taken as part of the JMB’s new rules after Will Scarlett won the lightweight cob championship at last year’s Horse of the Year Show. They stated that the measurement procedure had not been followed correctly, and offered their own measurements.
Tony Walker comments: “Will Scarlett has been measured independently at 155cm on several occasions, but he never travels well in the heat — we had to call the vet out when we arrived at Hickstead last year — and he became unsettled at the venue for this latest remeasurement. We’re obviously very disappointed.”
The British Show Hack Cob and Riding Horse Association is currently considering increasing the maximum heights of cobs to 158cm, and while Will Scarlett would be well within this limit, Walker adds: “I think it’s unlikely that we’ll show him again, even if the rule change is introduced.
“His owner no longer wishes to continue with showing — she’s found the whole process very frustrating and disheartening. When several reputable vets have measured him under the maximum height, and there are plenty of other cobs on the circuit bigger than him, it’s hard to accept the ruling.”
The other horses and ponies which have been remeasured are:
- Bowes Ricochet (137.5cm)
- Clockswood Toffee Man (135cm)
- Daldorn Honey Bee (138cm)
- Merriment Evan (148cm)
The JMB has also stated that the certificate of Kenilwood April (031084) is invalid.
| Read all the latest showing news from around the country, including an extensive report from Royal Dublin in this week’s Horse & Hound (14 August), or click here to subscribe and enjoy Horse & Hound delivered to your door every week. |
