Marking systems in showing – their benefits, flaws and what the future may be

Some 30 years after the marks system hit mainstream showing, many are debating whether it still provides the transparency and consistency competitors seek. Bethan Simons investigates in this exclusive article for H &H subscribers

A casual conversation sparked a revolution in the show ring: the introduction of marks in the assessment of classes. “It was 1994,” says pony breeder Tom Best. “At that time, there was only one section for ponies at the Horse of the Year Show [HOYS], which was judged using a marks system at the final; […]