Equine Care

HORSE AND PONY MEASURING

In order to ensure that competition is fair, horses are measured by a certified veterinary surgeon, under the direction of the Joint Measurement Board (JMB). Measurements must be conducted on Certified ‘pads’ using equipment that has been calibrated by the Inspector of Weights and Measures.

Our measuring pad is at the main surgery in Usk. Alastair Mitchell was included on the JMB panel of measurers in 2000 and is one of only two vets in Monmouthshire who are approved to measure horses.

Horses and ponies should be presented at Usk with shoes removed and in a relaxed state to ensure that the lowest height is recorded. Trailers and lorries may be parked at the stable block where measurements are made. It would be sensible to arrive in good time in order for the horse to be allowed to get used to the surroundings. Please remember to bring the passport.

As of January 2009 new regulations require that all horses and ponies applying for a Joint Measurement Board (JMB) height certificate must be microchipped - unchipped animals put forward for measuring will be chipped ‘on the spot’ before the height measurement is taken. Annual height certificates run from 1st January – 31st December and are issued to horses and ponies under the age of 7 years. Those aged 7 or older may have Life Height Certificates, but only if they have previously had an annual one. The vet who recorded the last annual measurement may not issue the Life Height Certificate.

For more information visit the JMB website www.thejmbonline.co.uk