Five years on, rider size policy is making change

At this year’s Great Yorkshire Show, no rider was seen on a mount for whom they were inappropriately sized

- ELEANOR JONES

FIVE years after the introduction of its rider weight limits, the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) is seeing results – as no one was asked to dismount at this year’s event.

The show hit headlines in 2016 when it stated that anyone who weighed over 20% of their mount’s weight would be asked to dismount, with scales on hand.

Eight people were asked to dismount the first year but during the 2021 event (13–16 July) the scales did not need to be used.

“That really is progress,” GYS livestock and entries coordinator Amanda Stoddart-West told H&H., “I think people have just accepted it now.”

Mrs. Stoddart-West explained the issue was first raised by committee vets in 2015, and the 20% was set based on the most up-to-date scientific research into the effects of rider weight.

She added: “It’s been very rewarding. We knew this change would take time to be accepted but we’re now seeing a difference.”

Mrs Stoddart-West said the show had had a lot of support this year for its enhancing of the rules; only the child entered, or another rider who would have been eligible for the class, could ride a pony on-site (news, 6 May).