The drawing up of the procedures describing the measurement of ponies at competitions as of 2007 has been a long and difficult task.

In consultation and collaboration with the FEI Veterinary Department and Committee, the Pony Committee has acted to ensure that a sense of fair play prevail within the Pony Riders Category and we should like to thank the National Federations and all those involved on the Pony Riders circuit for their feedback throughout the process and for their support of these new measurement procedures; a copy of which may be found under the rules for Pony Riders.

In response to several questions that have arisen please find the following as clarification:

• The FEI definition of a pony is in accordance with Article 3103.1. Nevertheless, to allow for the fact that FEI pony measurement takes place under competition conditions ponies measured at competition must not exceed 150cm without shoes or 151cm with shoes in order to be permitted to compete.

The FEI definition of a pony remains unchanged. A pony is to measure no higher than 148cm without shoes or 149cm with shoes.

The margin referred to in the rule modifications is due to the introduction of compulsory measurement on site at competitions. It does not mean that a pony that has already measured over 148cm without shoes or over 149cm with shoes can expect to compete at a CIP.

Some parties feel this margin is too generous. Others feel it is not generous enough. It has been decided upon based on the studies available and in the best interest of preserving the circuit. There will be no system of appeal as this margin allows for fluctuation in height for any number of reasons.

• Each pony will be measured in succession by two FEI Measuring veterinarians. Should the two measurements differ, the lower of the two heights will be taken as definitive and no further measurement will take place at the competition.

A pony measuring over height at the competition site will not be allowed to start in the competition and will be unable to participate at a CIP for that calendar year.

• FEI Official Measurement Certificates no longer exist as of January 1 2007.

Nonetheless, this in no way interferes with the National Federation’s continuing to require National Measurement Certificates.

It is the responsibility of each National Federation to ensure that the ponies they send to compete for their country are in compliance with the FEI definition of a pony: 148cm without shoes, 149cm with shoes.

As has always been the case: It is the responsibility of the owner, and in his interest, to ensure that the pony is well handled, accustomed to the application of a measuring stick, and correctly prepared for measurement.

• The Organising Committee must ensure that a suitable smooth and level area at least 3 meters by 1 meter is available at the place of measurement, free from avoidable disturbances and distractions which may unsettle the pony. This will be verified by the Technical Delegate in consultation with the Veterinary Delegate.

Thorough preparatory research (including timing studies and visit to event venue) will be undertaken by the FEI in the lead up to the CH-EU-P.

Whenever an official FEI measurement is to be undertaken at a CIP, the venue and location for the measurement will be inspected by FEI delegates in advance.

• The veterinarian carrying out the measurement has the responsibility that the stick he uses is an accurate one. The stick must be fitted with a spirit level and must be shod with metal. A laser device can also be used.

The material used to carry out the measurement studies will be provided to the FEI Measuring Veterinarians by the FEI.

• In the interest of safety no more than two people may accompany the pony to measurement (this may include, owner, rider, Chef d’Equipe, team veterinarian or groom).

It is conducive to accurate measuring that a pony be measured in a calm state. In response, therefore, to requests that ponies be measured before the public, we cannot comply. This would serve to stress ponies and their riders and would be counter productive.

This proposal has been drawn up with your help and we look forward to you co-operation and support during its implementation at this year’s CH-EU-P.