RCP2014#09 – Small pony Marathon speeds |

2014 RCP #: 9
Summary: Small pony Marathon speeds
Date Received: 01Jun13
Proponent: Merridy Hance
Change Date: Next Rulebook
Status: Closed for comments” 01Sep13
Recommended for Approval: 15Sep13
Activity: Initial Posting: 01Jun13

Current Wording – 941.1 Competition B: Marathon:The Course:Maximum Distances and speeds not to be exceeded

Speeds for small ponies at Intermediate/ADS Advanced:

Section A = 14; Section D = 5.5; Section E = 13

Suggested Wording – 941.1

Speeds for small ponies at Intermediate/ADS Advanced:

Section A = 13; Section D = 5.5; Section E = 12

Reason for change

To establish fair speeds for small ponies on marathon at Intermediate and ADS Advanced levels. Heretofore, the small ponies at these levels have had to use the speeds of large ponies. For their welfare and fairness in competition, this establishes speeds for the smaller ponies at these levels. These speeds are more consistent with the speeds already established for small ponies at Training and Preliminary levels.

13 Response(s)

shadowbrook says :

August 4, 2013

I agree it is the fair and correct speed for their size. After all, they are much smaller.

cmoss41 says :

August 5, 2013

Agreed. Small Pony speeds should be specified.

hoofnit says :

August 6, 2013

I disagree. Once an athlete has reached Intermediate or Advanced, there is an expectation that the training and conditioning required for the level is invested in the equine. If we allow this continued micro-managing of equine size, we will be forced in a measurement standard to ensure fair play all the way around. Lazy owners, or those who choose not to invest in the time, conditioning and training of their equine partners should not be rewarded.

SandraHoyt says :

August 6, 2013

Agree with this rule change. A quick glance at the previous speeds posted in the 2013 Rulebook for small ponies at Intermediate level shows that they were being asked for a 2 kph increase in Section A from Preliminary level (from 12 kph to 14 kph). NO OTHER class of equines were asked for that much of an increase, horses and large ponies only increased by 1 kph. That is what is unfair, and has nothing to do with lazy owners.