Fit for the Future
Introduction to the 2008 Fit for the Future Competition
Published in: Welfare on: 6 Jun 2008The NPS Summer Championship Show sees the return of the successful Fit for the Future competition, run for the first time in 2007.
Organiser and NPS Council Member Nicky Stephens has given her view of the purpose for the competition, which is supported by World Horse Welfare (formerly known as the ILPH).
The showing fraternity are often looked down upon by other areas of equestrianism for having “pointless” animals – ones that may look pretty in the ring, but actually don’t have a proper job and perhaps can’t even survive beyond the confines of the showground. For example – the show hunter pony, who wouldn’t last a day in the hunting field; let alone a whole season – or the child’s first ridden pony, who wouldn’t hack out safely along the local B road unless it had been lunged for two hours first. We want to try to encourage breeders, owners and producers to think beyond the immediate short-term gratification or glory of the show ring success – that red rosette or sash. We want people instead to extend their thoughts to the future of their horse and pony – both in terms of its soundness (mental and physical), and therefore its usefulness, and its ability to pass these desirable traits on to any possible progeny.
The Fit for the Future Scheme is designed to recognise and reward those animals who not only have a role in the present, but have the right attributes (including condition, conformation, type and temperament) to continue their role successfully into the future as well.
Nicky Stephens