New rules for Horse of the Year Show
New rules for the Horse of the Year Show have provoked outcry from figures in the showing world who object to what they argue are logical shortfalls and potentially problematic ramifications. Individual showing societies' rules applied in previous events but the new rules constitute a single agreed set that were drawn up after meetings with all of the relevant societies. This year's show operating under the new rules will be at the Birmingham NEC from Wednesday 3rd October to Sunday 7th October, and 1500 horses, 1400 competitors and an estimated 65000 spectators are expected to attend.
One of the changes is to the height rules. Under the new rules, a qualified animal that is the subject of a proven objection on grounds of height will forfeit its ticket, be banned from competing in any other Horse of the Year Show qualifier for the remainder of the season and lose any other qualifications it holds. The ticket will pass down the line. However, Joint Measurement Board Measurer Jane Nixon pointed out that this has a major logical flaw: “Younger animals can grow, particularly if they are measured in January, as is usual, when they are unfit and not in show condition” she said. Producer Simon Reynolds echoed her sentiments and also argued that “This will just encourage the current trend of malicious measuring, where people try to get rid of the opposition.”
Furthermore, regulations on judging have been amended for greater consistency. Immediate family members of judges now cannot compete at the same show on the same day their relation is judging, a rule that previously only applied to certain sections. Pony Judge Di Hesford, whose daughters are competing, called it “an insult to a judge’s integrity”, but producer and judge Nigel Hollings, whose family would also be affected, argued that “it is right for a judge to have to choose between judging and competing; it’s all about perception. I'm pleased that we now have the same rules for everyone.”
Director of Grandstand Media (who run the show) Helena Pettit stressed that the rules were not arbitrarily imposed and that they were the result of a consensus of the societies. “We wanted to pull everyone together and, although there were some sticking points that needed a lot of discussion, nothing was agreed until everyone was happy.” she said. The rules will be reviewed annually and will only be modified under similar consensus-based requirements.
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