Wellbeing comes first

SHOWING would “find itself in hot water” if what went on in some lorry parks was highlighted, a former BSPS judge believes.

Jill Perkins officiated at major shows across the world.

“A child’s pony should be beautiful and suitable,” she told

H&H. “As a judge, there was nothing worse than a pony that had obviously been set up by an older rider. It certainly doesn’t look natural when the child is just passenger rather than pilot.

“Now there is so much more information available, surely the physical and mental wellbeing of the ponies must come first. The relationship between pony and rider cannot be artificially created; a good judge should be able to recognise the true partnership.”

Ms Perkins referenced a recent Showing Council webinar on social licence (news, 24 March) adding: “If a reporter or anyone chose actually to highlight what goes on in the lorry parks at most shows, I’m sorry to say showing would be find itself in hot water.

“We need to continue to do more to improve standards, and there are many other methods that can be used if we choose to open our minds – maybe something as simple as more turnout. Animal welfare should always be the top priority.”

Ms Perkins added that she believes the breeding of children’s showing ponies could be affecting the issue.

“Maybe we should be returning to breeding with a little more native blood?” she said. “Growing up, our ponies weren’t too hot for us to ride and if we came off a few times, then we were just put back on and tried harder. Or is it the way some are produced that means they need riding by bigger jockeys before they are considered safe for a child?

“Welfare needs to be considered from the early days, including handling and everything that forms the character of the animal.”