Handler Ages in Open In-Hand Classes – The Trustees have listened to the feedback from the membership and considered the correspondence received in the office. Whilst the rule was introduced with the best intentions in mind, the Trustees will be looking further into the safety and public liability implications that have influenced the decision, the outcome of which will be shared in due course.

Producers – Following the receipt of correspondence to the WPCS office, further consideration has been given to the recently announced rule:

A WPCS panel Judge who provides equine production services for any other person, whether remuneration is received or not, will not be eligible to Judge any sections of the stud book in that same season(s) whilst providing this service.

The decision has been taken to defer the implementation of this rule until the publication of the 2026 rule book when the producer relationship will be defined more clearly.

Medal Queries from Shows – Any medal queries, questions and letters received directly from shows have also been discussed during the meeting and on a case by case basis a response will be made individually to that show representative in due course.

DNA – Following the recent DNA announcement that was forced on the WPCS and other breed societies by the change in the technology and methodology adopted by DNA scientific service providers, it has been brought to our attention by several members that they have purchased colts to run on as stallions and they are either having difficulty in locating the Dam, to comply with the requirement of a full parentage test or the Dam has passed away.

The Board of Trustees have considered the comments received by members and, having reviewed the decision, have amended the new rules to reflect the criteria below, allowing a more flexible lead in period in response to these changes.

– Colt foals born after the 1st January 2025 will require a full parentage test prior to being accepted as a stallion (alongside the licensing paperwork from a vet). There will be no exceptions made for colts born after this date. When purchasing a colt foal; should you wish to license him in the future it is your responsibility to make sure both the Dam and Sire’s DNA are in place.

– Colts presented for licensing that are born prior to 1st January 2025 will be recommended to also obtain a hair sample for the Dam if the Society does not hold a profile for her to allow for a full parentage test to be completed.

– Alternatively, if the Society holds DNA for both parents, a full test will automatically be completed.

– If you are unable to obtain a hair sample for the Dam, the colt will be licensed under the old licensing process.