High time to take closer look at pony measuring

MADAM,

IT was with great interest and total agreement that I read Brian Gormley’s letter regarding the inconsistency in the measuring of ponies within the SJI. (Irish Horse World, November 12th)

Although mostly involved in competing within the Irish Pony Society, my ponies also compete under Showjumping Ireland rules. One measures 132cms and the other 143cms, which correspond with the correct heights for IPS working hunter classes, however, when jumping at SJI events the 132cms pony looks like a midget beside most ponies competing in the 128cms classes, whereas the 143cms mare is considerably more than five centimetres smaller than her counterparts. If a class is, for instance, for ponies exceeding 128cms but not exceeding 138cms, surely the participants should be just that, not five to six centimetres over-height.

This is also happening in the showing world, with over-height ponies having the advantage over those of the correct height, especially in the working hunter classes. I am in full agreement with Mr Gormley that the fault lies with over-ambitious parents and at some measuring centres where an already hassled veterinary surgeon with maybe 50 ponies still to measure may be ‘bullied’ into giving leeway, especially if the pony holds an IPS passport which is sometimes considered of little importance. They are encouraging their children to believe that cheating is not only acceptable, but normal practice in the pony world.

I am a great believer in a fair playing field for all, and am surprised at the attitude of SJI in declining to review the measuring process, which does nothing to discourage deception, the appeals and objection route being long drawn-out and costly.

It is also doing nothing to assist trade in young ponies starting their career in the SJI. We have one young pony showing considerable talent that has a measurement of exactly 148cms but have been told on several occasions that she is not nearly big enough to be a saleable prospect. Surely being the correct height for her class is the most important factor, not having to be 153cms to jump in 148cms classes?

It is high time a closer look is taken at all aspects of measuring. Perhaps all ponies reaching their final measurement should have to present at the Veterinary Hospital to have the height confirmed by laser, which would at least mean that ponies moving up through the grades would have a correct life measurement.

Yours etc,

Nesta FitzGerald,

Brandon Stud,

Coolnabrone,

Skeaghvosteen,

Co Kilkenny.