Action taken on riders too heavy for their mounts

THE Great Yorkshire Show’s (GYS) policy of asking anyone too heavy for the horse they are riding to dismount is a positive step in tackling the problem, according to World Horse Welfare, writes Eleanor Jones.

Vet Julian Rishworth, acting on a rule set by the GYS committee in the interests of horse welfare, spoke to any rider deemed to be more than 20% of their mount’s weight.

About eight adults warming up children’s ponies were asked to dismount on 14 July, while Tom Best, who was judging ridden mountain and moorland Horse of the Year Show qualifiers, spoke to riders he felt were too heavy for their ponies.

“There’s a growing feeling among judges and the showing community that something needs to be done,” he told H&H. “But knowing what is another question.

“I think many judges step round the problem, but it needs to be addressed.”

Mr Best said part of the problem for judges is that there are no directives set by “the various showing societies”.

“Judges have to work to their own initiative,” he said. “There are marks for performance, conformation and movement, but no way to penalise a rider who’s too big.

“Full marks to the GYS for taking a stance and not allowing it on their showground — as a judge, I commend their decision.”

A call for guidelines on weight limits for riders was made at The Showing Register’s (TSR) “future of showing” debate this year (www.horseandhound.co.uk, 28 February). World Horse Welfare’s Tony Tyler took findings from the debate to the National Equine Forum (NEF) in London on 3 March.

Mr Tyler told H&H: “We are pleased to see people really taking note of the problem and have been very encouraged by discussions that followed the presentation at the NEF. People are certainly taking an increased interest and it was positive to hear of GYS’s action, showing that inappropriate rider and horse combinations will not be accepted.

“With the British Equestrian Federation and representatives from across the sector we are looking into research to find scientific evidence for assessing appropriate rider weight. The aim is to produce guidance that will allow riders to be matched with the right horses, taking away guesswork and ensuring the sport is accessible to everyone.”

TSR policy advisor Gail Chapman added: “TSR is working on guidelines which will help avoid welfare concerns.

“We are taking advice from World Horse Welfare and consulting. On current advice we are looking at a guideline that a horse should not carry more than 20% of its weight, including the saddle. TSR is considering how this could be implemented and would like feedback from all interested parties, at gailchapmantsr@yahoo.com.”