Ponies To Be Fit Not Fat for the Future With NPS and Baileys Horse Feeds

Having been concerned about the current trend for overweight ponies for several years, the National Pony Society has teamed up with long-term partners, Baileys Horse Feeds to relaunch the Fit for the Future initiative.

“Although the situation is improving, there is still more work to be done to educate competitors and judges on the optimum condition for show animals,” said an NPS spokesperson.

The Fit for the Future programme is designed to recognise and rewards competitors at the NPS Summer Championships who are presenting their ponies in optimum condition.

Ten classes across a range of breeds, ages and disciplines have been selected. In each of these classes the judge will be asked to select the pony in the best condition and each ‘winner’ will then receive a goody bag courtesy of Baileys Horse Feeds. Baileys are also providing specialist guidance for our judges to help them with their selections.

Jane Buchan, Marketing Manager for Baileys Horse Feeds said, “Baileys are delighted to be supporting the NPS’s ‘Fit for the Future’ initiative, to highlight those horses and ponies deemed in the best (healthiest) condition, at this year’s Summer Championship show.  At Baileys, we’re passionate about helping the horse owner understand how to provide a fully balanced diet to support healthy body condition so, having been involved with the NPS for so long, we’re excited to be able to bring this practical expertise into the ring. At the show, we will be present again, with a weighbridge, and invite all owners and riders to come and discuss their horse or pony’s diet with our friendly nutritionist.  It is not about passing judgement nor about simply selling more feed – we want to help by providing practical straight forward feeding advice to the benefit of horse and rider.”