The Rules of the JMB state “It is the responsibility of the Owner and in their interests, to ensure that the animal is well handled, accustomed to a measuring stick and, correctly prepared for measurement”.

This little guide, simply based on correct education, aims to assist owners and handlers to achieve a truly relaxed height for an accurate measurement.

• Study the current JMB Rules, which are easily found on the JMB website – these explain the Measurement procedure.
• As you will travel to the approved Measuring Pad, give your pony or horse (from here on, ‘the animal’) travelling practice beforehand, so that they arrive calmly. On the day, allow yourself generous travel time so that both you and your animals are relaxed.
• In addition to travelling practice, accustom your animal to different surroundings, crucially, to indoor buildings other than its own familiar stable.
• As a matter of course, it must be trained to stand quietly and patiently.
• The animal must be in good condition, close to the relevant competition condition be it showing, show jumping or pony racing - and show no signs of distress or dehydration. The Official Measurer may offer drinking water before the measurement takes place.
• Shoes must be removed, and the feet correctly prepared for re-shoeing.
• When on the measuring pad, the animal must be presented standing four-square, with the front feet in line and the hind feet no more than 15cm. (6 inches) out of line with each other. It must not stand with the legs stretched or splayed out.
• The handler stands in front of the animal, calmly and quietly and is advised NOT to feed titbits out of a pocket or fuss the animal. In our experience this makes the animal fidgety.
• For an accurate measurement, the head must be in a natural, comfortable ‘riding’ position, approximately level with, but not lower than the withers.
• It is vital that the animal stands patiently and remains in this position for some time, allowing a stranger to move quietly around it with the minimum of fidgeting.
• Documentation. Remember to bring the animal’s Passport. Without this the measurement can’t go ahead and you will need to book another appointment.
• If the animal was not previously Microchipped (or a ‘chip’ cannot be found), the Official Measurer will insert a chip after measuring (payable directly to the Practice).
• When booking your measurement please ensure if the animal has been measured before that you pick a different measurer to that of its previous measurement. In the case of a Full certificate please note you cannot use a measurer from the same practice either.
• It is vital that you understand and adhere to the current regulations employed by the Official Measurer’s Veterinary Practice regarding Covid-19/ Social Distancing. Its a good idea to familiarise your animal with people wearing PPE and facemasks. A Veterinary Practice staff member may be required to hold the animal for measuring. 
• Finally, you are advised to leave plenty of time for the journey, to arrive composed! Above all, if the handler is calm, positive and matter-of-fact, your animal will ‘read’ this and stay calm also!

 

 Prohibited Substances List

The following are defined by the JMB as Prohibited Substances:

Acepromazine   

Bromide (NB a result of 2mmol/l is deemed a positive test by the JMB board)

Cannabinoids

Chlorphenamine    

Detomidine          

Flunixin            

Fluphenazine        

Ketoprofen          

Meloxicam           

Mepivicaine         

Phenylbutazone      

Reserpine           

Romifidine