Judge struck off after he poses 'frivolously' for photographer
Horse & Hound|August 29, 2024
The judge, known for his fair approach, was surprised the picture caused issues
ELEANOR JONES
Judge struck off after he poses 'frivolously' for photographer

A JUDGE has been struck off by a showing society after he struck a “frivolous pose” in a photo at the Royal International (RIHS) in July.

Russell Marks said he is “stuck for words” after the British Miniature Horse Society (BMHS) told him it was preparing its list of panel judges for 2025, and that he had “unfortunately not met the standards expected to be included on our list”.

Mr Marks judged the BMHS supreme miniature horse championship in the International Arena on 27 July, and was asked to strike his “usual pose” with the winner, Harriet Miller’s Model Farm UK Midnight Meadow.

“I’m renowned for it; I’ve been doing it for years,” he told H&H. “Showing can be a bit stuck in the mud and people forget it should be fun. I try to encourage people, and I’m known for my lightheartedness and zest for life.

“I’ve done that pose many times at many shows and the photographer asked if I’d do it in the main ring.”

This story is from the August 29, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 29, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HORSE & HOUNDView All
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Horse & Hound

Gemirande provides 24-carat magic

Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat

time-read
1 min  |
December 19, 2024
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
Horse & Hound

‘Happy hunting, everyone'

“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits

time-read
2 mins  |
December 19, 2024
'Monaco deserved this victory
Horse & Hound

'Monaco deserved this victory

Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix

time-read
4 mins  |
December 19, 2024
'It had to end sometime'
Horse & Hound

'It had to end sometime'

The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports

time-read
6 mins  |
December 19, 2024
'You couldn't want for more
Horse & Hound

'You couldn't want for more

The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"

time-read
7 mins  |
December 19, 2024
The greatest gift of all
Horse & Hound

The greatest gift of all

Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options

time-read
7 mins  |
December 19, 2024
Winter him well
Horse & Hound

Winter him well

A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season

time-read
4 mins  |
December 19, 2024
Neat feet
Horse & Hound

Neat feet

Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead

time-read
5 mins  |
December 19, 2024
In bygone days
Horse & Hound

In bygone days

Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London

time-read
6 mins  |
December 19, 2024
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Horse & Hound

'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'

Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life

time-read
4 mins  |
December 19, 2024