The Veteran Horse Society holds various classes for Veterans around the Country. These are becoming more and more popular with the supreme final held at the Olympia Horse Show in London.

Classes:

Pre-Veteran Horse/Pony 15-19 Years
Veteran 20-29 Years
Golden Veteran 30+ Years
Novice Class 15+ Years (Not to have been placed 1st or 2nd in a Veteran Showing Class

Guidelines

A - Horses over 14.2hh

B - Ponies not to exceed 14.2hh

Spurs are NOT to be worn. Dummy spurs are permitted when riding side saddle

The ages of the Horse/Pony must be displayed (Bridle Number or armband)

NO Galloping or Jumping of veterans is allowed

Marks should not be deduced for old injuries/scarring that has occured previously, providing that the horse has recovered completely. Marks should also be relevent to any old injury that has occured in the past.

Markings

Walk - Total Max Marks = 20

Trot - Total Max Marks = 20

Canter - Total Max Marks = 20

Where competitors are In-Hand both walk and trot will be added together then this score will be added together then this score will be mulitplied by 1.5 Example Walk = 15 Trot= 15 30x1.5 = Total score of 45

Please look for freedom of movement, suppleness and regularity within the pace (A 27 year old will be stiffer in general than a 21 year old)

Condition and Overall Apperance - Total Max Marks = 20

Please consider the state of the coat and condition in relation to the age of the horse/pony (Good marks should be awarded to older horses/ponies that are in very good condition)

Turnout - Total Max Marks = 10

A good clean standard of grooming, cleanness of tack and turnout of Rider/Handler is required

Manners and Personality - Total Max Marks = 10

Please observe the alertness and zest for life of the horse/pony (Does it want to be at a show?)

Please remember that these Veteran Classes are not Riding Horse/Show Hunter classes. Judging should be based on the animals condition in relation to it's age.

The oldest Horse/Pony should not always win - unless it deserves to do so! Likewise the youngest Horse/Pony should not always win - unless it deserves to do so!

Please visit the VHS Website for up-to-date information on classes, qualifiers and rules.