The issue of rider weight arises once again
A CHANGE in attitude is needed, the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) believes, after people too big for their rides were asked to dismount for the second year running.
The GYS schedule said action would be taken toward riders of inappropriate weight for their mounts and the message was also displayed on the showground.
But 12 people were asked to dismount during the show (11-13 July). Of these, four who chose to be weighed were found to be more than 25% of their ponies’ weight, beyond the 20% maximum.
Livestock and entries coordinator Amanda Stoddart-West said it was “disappointing to be in the same position” as last year.
“It’s a sad state,” she told H&H. “All we’re doing is protecting horse welfare but I don’t know how you change the whole attitude.”
Most of the offenders were adults warming up ponies for children’s classes, Mrs StoddartWest said, adding that some argued, often vociferously, but bystanders supported the move.
“After last year, other shows said we’d done the right thing but that we were brave,” she added. “We have a well respected equine vet, Julian Rishworth, who’s been pushing this for years and is prepared to stick his neck out.
“Most officials are volunteers; you couldn’t ask them to make that call and face the backlash.
“We don’t want to sound arrogant but if people want to come to our show, they must abide by our rules. We’re not trying to change the world, we just want people on the right horses.”
Since last year’s GYS, Retraining of Racehorses said it would disqualify competitors of unsuitable weight, while the Horse of the Year Show said it would assess suitability.
Dr Sue Dyson of the Animal Health Trust (AHT), which is to research weight ratios this autumn, told H&H she “greatly sympathised” with GYS officials.
“I commend them for taking positive action for the welfare of these horses,” she added. “It is disappointing that even with the issue being particularly highlighted as a welfare concern, seeing riders who are oversized for their horse or pony is still increasingly common.”
The AHT study will investigate different ratios, to determine appropriate partnerships.
Dr Dyson said: “It would also provide a scientific basis for any competition regulations, providing clear guidelines to ensure welfare is maintained.”
David Ingle of the Showing Council said the subject is a “very difficult one”, on which the council has long been working, and that the council will wait for the results of the AHT research before it makes any recommendations.