How much fat/fitness for in hand?

[oinkmoooink]

How fit do the ponies need to be for in hand showing, and how much fat do they need? Before i have never really thought about it, I try to muscle up my filly a bit, and my mare is really fit from her driving.
But when some friends were taking us to a driving event last year (they have a mini stud) they said that she was too fit for in hand, and really to continue with that i would need another sheltand to show - which i do have but anyways.
Admittedly she was incredibly fit but i have one show difinatly lined up in a month and a possible one in about 12 days, and am wondering how fit i should get my shetlands.
So how much fat should be on them, and how muscley should they be?
Pic attached to show her muscley she was- but its a bit fuzzy so you cant see it too well- form what you can say, would you say she was too muscley? She was a bit less fit then

[fatponee]

I'm no expert but from the experience I've had showing my Welsh A, I'd say your pony looks just right for in-hand showing. My Welshie is always going be be a chunky boy because of his breed but I do ride him 5-6 times a week during the summer months when I'm showing him. He'll never look like a Thoroughbred but he does have toned muscle...well to some extent anyway! :D

Basically what I'm trying to say (:)) is I've found that judges like the horses to be in good condition for the in-hand classes - and that mean not too fat! Hope my rambling helps.

[gordysgirl]

Fit over fat any day....