Roaring in the Showring!

[clippycloppy]

I dont know if im being old fashioned but surely roaring is still classed as a defect?

I know its a long time since I competed at high level but recently I have seen a few ponies getting good placings at affiliated shows that have gone around that ring roaring fit to burst.

I know its early in the year and some might lack full fitness but without being technical is a restriction in the larynx and therefor reducing the amount of air the animal is getting often getting loader/worse with exertion ie canter as it is under more stress.

Surely this must be taken into account however nicely put together or well it went?

I would be interested in your thoughts as I have seen an owner of one such pony going ballistic at their pony going unplaced for this very reason which really surprised me

Have things changed so much?

[gillwales]

Roaring is a defect, these days it is often the result over the pony being over weight and over bent.

[CarolineNelson]

To be honest, the term "roaring" is very strong.

Hopefully in your case it is being used to refer to ponies which are intermittently 'making a noise'. It should be noted that there are occasionally animals which are genuine 'high blowers' - totally different to an animal which is clearly audible (particularly when in an inside arena).

It is in owners / riders best interests to ensure that an animal is sufficiently fit for the simple tasks which are asked of it in the show ring and is not carrying too much weight.

Additionally, it is in owners/trainers best interests to ensure that animals are going well within themselves, are not overbent and are not being hung onto by the (perhaps inexperienced or nervous) rider, who may be unwittingly putting the animal into the 'overbent' position.

[ponymum]

Surely a good judge would penalise a horse/pony that is going overbent anyway? Great observation there Caroline Nelson , it is Often the jockey who creates the horse being overbent . As for roaring , I haven't been out much this season , but again a good judge will notice this and should place the animal accordingly.

[jakes87]

Forced head and being over bent is the common way in the show ring now especially in pony classes

Aslong as it heads held in the right spot and it flicks its toes enough what else matters. How many show animals truly engage in the hind quaters?

As for the noise horse makes I think the problem is unfit and overweight rather than true roarers