This is a note I read today on the Horse Hoof Facebook page. I also know of at least one other horse going to HOYS barefoot and I am sure there are many more! I would encourage anyone who feels competitors should be allowed the choice how they keep their horses to take the time to drop them a line. Personally, I would like to think the judge is knowledgeable enough to assess if a horse is balanced enough in whatever footwear (or lack of) that there may be before he decides to ride as I have seen more shod horses than barefoot slip in my lifetime!
by The Horse's Hoof on Tuesday, 07 September 2010 at 01:23
This Irish Draught horse called Mac, property of Becky Chapman, over 18hh has qualified to go to HOYS 2010 (for the second time!). He is 7years old and has been barefoot all of his life. Not only has he been competing since he was 4 years old as a heavyweight show hunter but has either won or been well placed in lots of top competitions. If you want to find out about this magnificient horse then go to the following web link:http://www.hoys.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/08/31/from-hand-reared-to-hoys TheSports Horse Breeding of Great Britain now wants to ban unshod horses from the showring. This new rule only effects the riding class when the judges need to ride trhe horses.Their argument: it is not safe for the judges becuse the horse could slip and injure the judge! This does not make any sense because if this were truly the case then they would wear hard hats! Furthermore this new rule does not include the pony class where children ride their ponies. Does this mean that our children aren't important?
If you do not agree with this new ruling , then please write to them at the address below. SPORT HORSE BREEDING OF GREAT BRITAIN96 HIGH STREET EDENBRIDGEKENTTN8 5ARTel:
Fax: 01732 867464If you know any other people who would support this campain, then please forward the address above to them.
Big thank you, in advance.A. Checa.
email: office@sporthorsegb.co.uk
I have sent the below if that is any help...I am never going to be showing with then so I don´t care what they think of me...lol
ReplyDeleteHello,
I have just read an article in which is stated
'The Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain now wants to ban unshod horses from the show ring. This new rule only effects the riding class when the judges need to ride the horse´s'
I hope that this is as untrue as it is stupid, shortsighted and ignorant. If this is your intention then you need to enlighten yourselves as to the health benefits of barefoot horses, the damage that metal shoes do to horses feet, and that barefoot horses are vastly more surefooted than their poor shod cousins as they can actually feel where they are putting their feet. The natural hoof is wonderfully designed for non-slip and stability over most terrain, and modern removable hoofboots can give extra grip on surfaces such as flat wet grass which is the only slippery surface that horses shown in your disciplines are likely to encounter.
Yours indignantly
Janet Hakeney
Kidderminster
surely if they think the horses are unbalanced but the owners ride them well without slipping then it's the judges riding that makes the horse unbalanced. Most judges I've seen know very little about working other people's horses in a kind, respectful way. I think horses/owners should be able to compete shod/unshod, bridled/hackamore/bridleless in cream/beige/black or purple jods! working up from local shows/events to larger ones to prove that they have control and competence in their given sport. If the judge can't handle it then maybe it's time to stop judges getting on other people's horses in a attempt to satisfy their ego's that they can (or cannot in most cases) have a good relationship with said horse in a matter of minutes.
ReplyDeleteShows should be about the horse and it's owner showing horsemanship, kindness, respect with relaxation, willing obedience, true impulsion and flexibility without cruetly, gadgets or ego ;-)
I have all my horses barefoot and they're balanced horses that never slip unless I've done something to cause it.