OK, as a steward, I can see that I have made at least one drastic mistake. While I will not let a horse stretch, I have let handlers set their front feet apart. I HONESTLY did not know that was illegal! Anyone reading this that go to shows I'll be stewarding at next year, take notice. I won't let anyone do that again. And, I apologize for allowing it. As for measuring the last hair of the mane, I don't think I know anyone (except perhaps the owner) that can get the 'exact' same measurement 3 times in a row (especially when the horse is moving around). (note to exhibitors, if your horse will stand still, it's MUCH easier to get a fair measurement). Now, I'm not talking about an inch, but it's not hard to be 1/2 in. different. Also, there are some driving horses that DO rub some mane out. I take that into consideration. Perhaps I shouldn't, but you can plainly see where the hair is missing and I will measure accordingly. It's usually not over 1/4 of an inch, but sometimes it does change the class the horse will go in. I drive a lot and realize this happens. Personally, I don't know how to stop it.
Also, at the shows where I steward, I put the pictures up on the wall or on the table of how the horse is to stand. It's the same for everybody. I have had people that are showing a shetland that's under 38" tell me they just can't stand that way. If they are showing that horse as a mini, that horse MUST stand like all the others, square. I try to be carefull about the front legs being under the horse and have told quite a few when I notice it that they need to bring their legs forward. Now, I really like being a steward. Most folks are friendly and I like helping anyone with questions or whatever, but let me tell youall something, I certainly don't do it for the money!! If you took what I make a day and divide it into the hours I spend at the show and after, doing paperwork, well, most people wouldn't work for that amount.
My biggest problem is that stewards do not measure the same. It's not fair for the exhibitors! I wish that the minis had started measuring at the withers, but again, as someone mentioned, I have had horses where their mane ended on top of the withers which really makes it taller than it is. I measured a horse once that I would have bet $100 it wouldn't measure in. Well, I would have lost my $100. Because of the conformation, this much taller horse actually measured in under 38" and since we ARE a height measurement registry, I had no choice but to let this horse show.
I know there are problems with mesuring, but I just don't know how to fix them. I DO however, like the idea of video taping all measuring at ALL shows! Personally, I think that would help some. OK, sorry I went on and on, but I kinda wanted to let you guys know that most of us stewards do try hard to be honest.
Pam
I find that interesting Pam, that some pony people feel that thier pony can not stand square, I do not dispute what your saying as many times I have witness ponies out behind themselfs and being measured. I decided to look up in the rule book what it states for measuring ponies. Miniature or Shetland all are to stand square while being measured!!!
Part 6 – Position of Animal
The animal must be standing squarely on all four feet and
should not be permitted to “stretch”. The front legs should
be on a vertical line directly under the shoulder. The back
of the hocks should be in a vertical line with the animal’s
buttocks. The horse/pony’s head must be held low enough
to reveal the highest point of the withers and no lower. The
animal must be free of blanket, hood, neck wrap and tail
set to verify the description on the registration paper to the
animal being measured. The handler must not interfere
with the animal in any way that will prevent it from
standing in this position.
Part 7 – Method of Measurement
A. Pony
With the animal in the aforementioned position,
measure the vertical distance from the highest point of
the withers to the measuring surface. The cross-piece,
arm or bar of the measuring device must be placed
over the highest point of the withers and no
measurement taken at any other part of the animal’s
body will count. The crosspiece, arm or bar must have
firm contact with the animal but no additional pressure
must be applied. Heel measurements are required on
all Shetlands and American Show Ponies. Height and
Heel measurements are to be recorded to the nearest ¼
inch, unless over the required measurement for the
division.
B. American Show Pony
With the animal in the aforementioned position,
measure the vertical distance from the highest point of
the withers to the measuring surface. The cross-piece,
arm or bar of the measuring device must be placed
over the highest point of the withers and no
measurement taken at any other part of the animal’s
body will count. The crosspiece, arm or bar must have
firm contact with the animal but no additional pressure
must be applied. Any pony entering into ASPR classes
must meet the dual height requirements of a maximum
overall exhibition height at the high point of the
withers to be 48” or less and the height at the highest
point of the withers to the hairline of the coronary
band shall not exceed 46”; i.e., 47” or less overall
height with a one inch heel or 48” overall height with
a 2” heel.
C. Miniature Horse
In measuring a miniature horse, position as above, the
head is to be in a normal position. Measure the vertical
distance from the base of the last hair on the mane to
the measuring surface.
C. Hunter Pony Measurement
1. Animals in competition in any Hunter Pony class
are subject to measurement. Measurements must be
performed by a steward with the official competition
veterinarian in attendance, both of whom shall sign the
measurement form.
2. An approved measurement stick is a straight, stiff,
unbendable stick that is equipped with a plumb bob or
spirit level to make sure the standard is perpendicular
to the ground and that the cross-piece or arm is
parallel with the ground surface, and must be shod
with metal.
3. The measurement surface must be level and under
no circumstances should animals be measured on dirt
or gravel. A level concrete slab or other paved surface
is required.
4. All Regular Competitions having Hunter Pony
classes are responsible for providing an approved
Measurement stick and a suitable surface for
measurement
5.
The animal must stand squarely on all four feet in
such a position that the front legs are vertical to the
ground and the back of the hocks are in a vertical line
with the point of the animal’s quarters. The poll must
be in the same horizontal plane as the withers and no
lower and the head should be in a normal position. A
maximum of two handlers may present the animal for
measurement and they must not interfere with the
animal in any way that will prevent it from standing in
this position nor may they have any direct physical
contact with the animal that could influence the
measurement, except that a handler may cover the
animal’s eyes.
