After yesterday's outburst, I made today's mission to find happy riders at the New Forest Show. This one was pretty smiley and so was her pony - absolutely gorgeous. He came third in his class and she was pleased with that.
In no way am I saying that people shouldn't go showing. It's a brilliant education for a young horse - they see more sights and sounds in one day than they would ever get at home. It's also good for promoting good manners and responsiveness. It's just that it should be enjoyable for all participants and not just a maul or battle. In the end it is just a beauty contest and judges have their favourite shape, size and even colour. Jenny's Mum's pony, Poppy came third in her New Forest class yesterday out of a really strong class. Just a few weeks ago another judge told Jenny that she "didn't like chestnuts!"
