Show Judges Must Act To Combat Equine Obesity And Dispel Myths

Representatives of showing organisations and societies, as well as judges, vets and other professionals, met at the Agria Royal International on 24 July to discuss the progress of the Weigh to Win scheme, a Horse Trust initiative, under which horses and ponies in the healthiest body condition receive awards.

- By Eleanor Jones

Those behind the Weigh to Win healthy condition awards are making progress in showing.

Judges have to act to help combat equine obesity in showing – although “fantastic” progress has been made.

Representatives of showing organisations and societies, as well as judges, vets and other professionals, met at the Agria Royal International on 24 July to discuss the progress of the Weigh to Win scheme, a Horse Trust initiative, under which horses and ponies in the healthiest body condition receive awards.

Rachael Holdsworth, who looks after PR for the scheme, gave updates; awards were given at 20 shows in 2023 but 23 this year until the meeting.

There has been a training day, at The Horse Trust (news, 25 April), and use of social media to help spread the word.

Ms Holdsworth said score sheets are assessed, which help give a picture of the situation.

“It’s looking positive – but we need more data,” she said, adding that award winners can also help by scanning the QR code on rosettes to input information and feedback.