SHOWING – and the whole industry – 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 (RIHS), where the Weigh to Win body condition awards were handed out, representatives of showing societies joined vets, riders and outgoing and new chairs of The Showing Council. 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 healthy weight; they are assessed by vets and rosettes are awarded.
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 championing the scheme.
“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. I was really excited to be asked to help with the awards, and it gave me a perspective on the pressure in the ring; I take my hat off to judges.”
Denne historien er fra August 10, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra August 10, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
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'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
