NPS Study & Stock Judging Day attracts over 60 attendees to Glasgow stud

By Rhoda McVey

Equestrian Correspondent

THIS was a very informative and educational day and it was greatly appreciated that it could be inside as the weather was not kind. Scotland in September!

There were about 60 attendees who gladly listened to the judges and presenters - Richard Telford, Charlie Cousens and David Russell - who have a wealth of experience between them.

They were kind in their comments about the ponies which were brought forward, whilst also explaining why they liked the different ponies, talking more to their strengths.  It was interesting that they didn’t always agree, as part of showing is most definitely personal choice, but conformation and way of going was very important, particularly for potential riding ponies.

The day started with the 13-year-old stallion, Gartconnel Senator, who moved beautifully and stood so well to allow the presenters to discuss the breed characteristics of the Welsh pony, and how important it is for Mountain and Moorland judges to know what makes a good Highland, Welsh or Fell, to be able to compare apples with oranges as it were.

We then saw a group of four 4-year-old Welsh ponies, and were able to see them walk and trot up as per a normal showing class, and then they were stood up by their handlers so we could all walk round and view their conformation from every angle.

It has to be said that the handlers were excellent, and the ponies were even better as they managed to stand whilst more than 60 people walked around and about them.

We all had time to mark up what we liked, and then place them in order. The three presenters were then able to talk about who they put ‘top’ and it wasn’t a surprise that their top ponies were not always the same ones.

After that, another group of ponies were brought in – this time a yearling, two 2-year-olds and a 3-year-old.

The same process was followed, but of course limiting the number of people in the arena at any one time to give the youngstock an easier time. I found out later that the yearling hadn’t been out since shown as a foal, so that showed it has a particularly safe, kind and reliable temperament.

A huge thank you to the hosts, Liz Russell and Louise Jewel who kindly offered their Gartconnel Welsh Pony stud near Killearn for the venue, the NPS Scotland team, the judges and the handlers and other volunteers who gave up their time to make this a very successful and enjoyable day.

This was also a CPD day for the BHS and it was good to see the NPS and BHS collaborating in this way.

The National Pony Society: https://www.nationalponysociety.com

NPS Scotland: https://www.npsscotland.co.uk