12/10/2026
Having watched a lot of the footage from HOYS this last week, I am shocked at the number of lame horses, not just winning classes but also championships! Are judges not able to see it? Are they too focused on who is on top? Do they lack the skill to notice the actual movement? Some are not just a little asymmetrical, they would easily fail a vetting. It makes me wonder what vets are doing/seeing at these shows also 🤷‍♀️
This is meant to be a championship show; the best of the best… how have we got to this point? So many people (producers, judges, show societies etc) moaning about fewer entries at qualifiers, yet it’s easy to understand why, surely 🤷‍♀️
The amount of clients I speak to who say they will no longer compete or show at this level (across all affiliated disciplines, not just showing) as it has become far too subjective, especially when it comes to rules… what one gets away with, another is hit with a ban…. It’s never been a level playing field, but is social media making it even worse? And why are those in a position to make change, so afraid to do it? It’s a slippery slope, especially with social licence, and people need to be aware of what message they’re portraying by showing so many successful, lame horses at a championship event.
🧼 📦 🎤
