Make-up warning and new classes for ponies
Opportunities for plaited ridden ponies and a call to use less cosmetic enhancement in showing were discussed
SHOWING competitors have been warned against using excessive make-up on ponies.
At the first British Show
Pony Society (BSPS) members’ conference (27 March), topics also included whiskers, and opportunities for plaited ponies.
National vice-chairman
Nigel Hollings reinforced the importance of ensuring ponies are presented with correct passports.
“A pony must be shown in the name under which it was registered,” he said. “Identification must be in accordance with the [height] certificate or passport.”
Mr Hollings added that ponies must be shown in as natural a state as possible.
“Markings can be enhanced; a sock can have whitener. But you cannot mask or dye features, including socks, as this is not in line with the horse’s identity on its passport. Black polish on a white hoof is also covering up an animal’s true identity.
“Judges don’t mind a small section of white. Some of the worst examples are grey ponies with black covering knees and eyes. We should be encouraging ponies to look as natural as possible; beauty isn’t just about make-up. With the amount of products on the market, people are going a bit mad.”
Mr Hollings added that he could see no difference between a false tail and a false plait, as this does not change identity.
But judges’ assessment and conferences chairman Paul Cook said this is different for mountain
and moorland (M&M) breeds.
“Many breed societies ban those as the quality of hair is part of the breed standard,” he said.
Executive member of council Sharon Thomas confirmed that while the FEI has banned whisker-trimming, the BSPS will still allow it, but judges will not take trimming into consideration. She also urged members to be mindful of their ponies’ weight and offered advice on how to ensure they remain fit.
Executive member Simon Richardson brought up the BSPS M&M supreme’s new home at the Liverpool International, which raised a member’s question over a possible lack of opportunities for the plaited ridden pony.
“How we can do more to promote the British riding and hunter pony has been a hot topic for us and the National Pony Society of late,” said Paul. “We want to prove they are versatile.”
Council member and judge Philip Hilton brought up the
BSPS arena eventing, at the working sports pony show at Vale View (29–30 May), while executive officer Joy Hall explained new classes and formats for the summer championship show (24–28 August), including an extra day of competition for Horse of the Year Show qualifiers for horses. A notable addition is the Royal Bronze riding to music class, for plaited contenders.
The council also confirmed that ponies will be stripped in Royal International Horse Show qualifiers this year.