Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) has announced changes for the upcoming season, including additional qualifying opportunities for ponies 138cm and under and a new split judging system for the M&M lead rein class. The split is aimed at reducing time spent in the ring and providing more opportunities for ponies and children to qualify without compromising quality. The changes have been met with enthusiasm by M&M and coloured enthusiasts.
The new junior ridden coloured pony classes are expected to support smaller ponies and younger riders in the Coloured Horse and Pony Society UK classes. The changes aim to provide more opportunities for the very youngest competitors and smallest ponies, as well as address concerns about older teens competing against much younger children in the junior class. The hope is that the class will continue to thrive and potentially warrant further division in the future.
Exmoor, Dales pony, and Welsh section D exhibitors no longer require a JMB height certificate to compete in the ridden and junior ridden M&M sections at HOYS. This rule alteration reflects the breed standards set by each respective breed society and is intended to help competitors save on expenses. The decision has been made to align with the breed standards of the Welsh section D, which has no upper height limit, and the suggested height range for Dales and Exmoor ponies.
