'Show horses must have sparkle'

Julie Templeton on the key components judges should be looking out for

I RECENTLY attended an informative body condition scoring open day held in conjunction with The Horse Trust, which focused on how we can understand equine weight to help our horses be happier and healthier.

For the first time, UK Ponies and Horses had body scoring rosettes awarded at the spring show to the horses and ponies deemed to be in the healthiest condition in several sections. I was also pleased to see that the Royal Windsor again decided to present the body condition prizes in some of their classes.

I had the privilege of judging the hack classes at Royal Windsor. I was pleased to see that none of the exhibits presented in the ring were overweight – a positive for the sport. Continuing to keep the weight issue at the forefront of people’s minds by publicising and promoting body scoring campaigns is such a good step in the right direction for equine health.