Equine Obesity

One of the biggest issues in the sharing world today, or one of the biggest welfare issues, is the weight of horses. A lot of shows are actually taking this seriously now, which is great because the country does have an equine obesity crisis, and showing is one of the sports where it is most prevalent. Royal Windsor Horse Show gave out a best body condition award in each class, which I think is an excellent idea,

and I hope other horse shows might also do this.

What I think is really good about it is that the horse doesn't have to be placed. I was watching a mountain and moorland class at the weekend, and it was an unplaced horse that got pulled forward for the body condition award. I really think it's an excellent thing that does sort of beg the question: should we be putting horses that have the best body weight, and are in the best condition, actually standing in the placings? But that's something else to think about.