The inspection regulations explained in more detail

The Welsh Stud Book (NWPCS) regional inspections are coming up, and these are governed by a set of inspection rules.

You can download the complete inspection regulations above. Below is a summary:

• Pony handlers must appear in the inspection arena dressed appropriately in an all-white outfit.
• A second handler (also wearing an all-white outfit) is permitted during the individual presentation of the pony, but not when walking in a group.
• Inside the inspection arena, a small whip with a maximum length of 75 cm or a small rattle (i.e., no plastic bottles or similar items) is permitted.
• Other aids are prohibited.

The text above can be interpreted in various ways, particularly with regard to clothing; therefore, the board has prepared the following clarification:

Advertisements

Advertisements and stable names may be displayed on clothing provided they are presented in a tasteful manner. On the front of a blouse, sweater, or T-shirt, a small advertisement or stable name may be worn at chest-pocket height, as well as on a tie. Advertising or the stable name may also be worn on the back of a blouse, sweater, or T-shirt.

All-white uniform

The uniform must also be entirely white, meaning a white T-shirt, blouse, or sweater with sleeves. A white vest, white cardigan, or white jacket may be worn over this; vests in any color other than all white are NOT permitted. Trousers with long legs or a skirt that falls below the knee must also be entirely white, without any advertising, names, or decorative stitching.

Footwear may be worn in any understated colors, such as white, gray, black, brown, or dark blue. The colors of footwear that are absolutely NOT permitted are all fluorescent colors and all other eye-catching colors, such as red, bright blue, yellow, green, pink, etc.

Grooming the ponies

As a breeder or owner, you naturally want your pony to look its best in the show ring. In addition to proper grooming and the right training, professional grooming provides the finishing touch—but there are clear rules for this as well, and this time from
the government. For the welfare of the ponies, it is expressly prohibited to shave the ears completely or to remove the whiskers. As the breed registry, the NWPCS is required to carefully monitor compliance with these rules.

Tactile hairs

A horse has special tactile hairs around its mouth and nose. Because a horse cannot see what it is eating, it uses these tactile hairs, among other things, to accurately distinguish between what it can eat and what it cannot. A horse also has tactile hairs near its eyes; these serve to protect the eye. If the whiskers are touched, the eye closes, preventing damage to the lens. These whiskers are therefore very important, which is why it is prohibited to shave or trim them shorter than 1 cm. In fact, the goal is not to shorten them at all

Ears

The inside of the ears is covered with hair to protect the ear from dirt getting in; the hair also helps muffle sound. So don’t shave the ears. You can trim the ears by folding the outer ear lengthwise and cutting off the hair that sticks out. When trimming, use rounded-tip scissors and cut toward the tip of the ear to prevent the tip of the scissors from hitting the eye.

Compliance with Rules

The ring master(s) will ensure compliance with these rules and, if necessary, deny access to the ring to accompanying persons who are not dressed appropriately or to ponies that are not groomed properly.