"Think not what the Shetland pony can do for you -
what can you do for the Shetland Pony?"

Pplease be aware of  policy regarding news / photos click
 

2nd SEPTEMBER 2010
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International show pics and reports - click


Southdown & Eridge Hunt  branch of the Pony Club. Summer 'mini' camp, kids 4 - 6 years, and days to remember all their lives.
Two of the members,  starting their ridden carers on  two well schooled/ behaved Shetland ponies.
Clockwise:- concentrating,  listening to 'Gabby', putting what you've learnt into practice and as Batman and Catwoman in the fancy dress competition. Gabby is a much better rider than she is as Catwoman!

photos.  A.M.B.


 Slightly belated news from Equifest, but we had a fantastic show with our four-year-old stallion Garland's Gonzo (Frensham of Annwood ex Garland of Annwood) for whom Equifest was his first outing of 2010. He won the shetland stallion class (of five entries) and then went on to take the overall shetland championship under judge Linzi Cave. This put us through the the Supreme Native In Hand championship against all the other breed champions in the evening performance and we were thrilled when he stood Reserve Supreme to a lovely welsh cob mare (under judge Jackie Webb). He also made it to the pages of last week's horse and hound! (See index page, 26 August).
Equifest was a great success** once again and it was nice to see a good number and high standard of shetland entries for this year's classes with only the yearling class poorly supported.
Winner of the two-year-old class and youngstock champion was the grey filly Madame Pomfrey of Catchpool and the winner of the mare class and overall reserve shetland champion was Beltoy Steltara. E.B.** H&H reported 10,000 entries!!

If you have subscribed, and submitted show results, Standard, minis in hand and ridden ponies to the results page, please check the results i have published in case of  any discrepancy/inaccuracy in points awarded.  PLEASE DO  NOT LEAVE UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT, BUT NO RESULTS OR AMENDMENTS WILL BE ENTERTAINED/ACCEPTED AFTER 5th OCTOBER. Any mistakes, if pointed out, I will reconcile them.

N.Ireland Group Show
Record breaking entries for Mrs Jill Jones at the recently held N.I. Shetland Pony Group Show.
Attached are a few pics & headline results. Full results are available from www.nishetlandponygroup.co.uk

Judge, Jill Jones comments.... I'd just like to thank you for your hospitality and the opportunity to judge a super selection of ponies, they really are a credit to your members, both in type and production. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. 


Would you kindly put this on your webpage to show our appreciation to people at the Shetland shows.
It's the end of the season again for a lot of us and what a good year we have had. As Emma was only young when she started showing she had quite a lot to learn and from her very first show at Chipping, where she was the only one in the class for young handlers, she got her first bit of help from the Judge Mrs McCutcheon. In the 5 years since then she has had so much help along the way and as a family we have made friends with more people every year.  I would like to say thank you especially to David Kay and Marion, the Nicholson family and Lesley & Kevin Wigley, your help has been great for Emma. All the Shetland enthusiasts seem so friendly, even if Emma is up against them they are willing to help and pass on their wealth of experience. Maybe one day we will be able to help out somebody with our experience. We even get people like Mr Eames who lend out leads to jump start cars when people like me leave there keys in the car and run the battery flat at a show field.....Last but not least, Gerry, you do a wonderful job of keeping us all up to date and all your hard work putting all the results on is brilliant.
Enjoy your winter off, it will soon be showing season again....... .....Landale Shetlands (Richard, Helen and Emma Walker)

Edenbridge & Oxted 29-August. (Sorry about the double Cranford plug!) Another son of Cranford Hector, Cranford Crunchy Munchy, won the Llannarth PUK OPEN SMALL BREEDS with rider Gabby Charlesworth from a strong class of Dartmoors, Exmoors and Welsh A'S and B's.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rpAPKwXG14
And whilst Crunchy was winning in the ridden, this email from the owner of one of his yearlings........
Dear Mr Hart
Just a quick note to let you know that Cranford Candyman (Chester) won his class today!  I am thrilled!  He did try to bite my leg and eat the grass in his trot round but never mind! Lots more practice!  It was lovely to meet Crunchy Munchy today - I recognised him from his photos and the lovely, friendly rider. Will keep in touch! Kind regards.  Lisa
In hand - Standard Champion, Kerloch Elisa L.B-Jackson. Res. Champlers Victoria, Mesd. Pickett & Sargeant. Mini. Ch. Eiger Hugo, F. Hodder. Res. Shawdene Aerial, Mrs G Mather

Dryknowl Branzil - First Ridden HOYS Ticket - Bucks County. Owned by Amanda McHale with a lovely child/pony combination. Exquisite pony, pretty child with a smile she'll wear all the way to HOYS. Good luck to them both.

Cranford Vision has a ball at Equifest. Two firsts, 3 seconds and a Championship, is a pretty good tally, at a championship show that looks like it's set to overtake PUK as the 'must do' end of season show. Betsy Branyan and her team at Peterborough set a standard of efficiency and helpfulness that set the mood ensuring everyone has a good time and there were hundred of ponies attending. Left the stallion, Vision with Florence Wood, receiving a trophy at the evening performance, and right, Florence, not 'dumped', but the end of their 'performance to music' somewhat reminiscent of Torvill and Dean's Bolero! What a temperament that pony has.
Performance to music FLORENCE WOOD and Cranford Vision delighted the crowd with their winning entry based on friendship. Florence, 12, put her own set piece together and, dressed as Woody from the film Toy Story, for ..............This is part of the report in Horse and Hound. Full report on Equifest in Horse & Hound 26th August edition.

Transport to/from Aberdeen sale.  David Hodge and Julian Walters will be taking their lorry to Aberdeen, so anyone requiring transport North or south needing realistic cost travel, contact David or Julian via. Halstock or Sharptor websites for tel. no's and email detailss

I avoid the 'aaah' factor, as too often it can portray the pony as a toy, rather than the serious piece of kit it is. However, I could not resist this picture of complete nonchalance and confidence, both child and pony. Those joddies, boots and jacket...


Shetland Pony Sale
(under the Auspices of the Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society)
Saturday 2nd October 2010. Entry form now available at:-
http://www.livestock-sales.co.uk/2010/equine/1002/index.html


SHETLAND SUCCESSES AT MINSTERLY SHOW

A notable blow was struck for the prestige of the breed at Minsterly Show, Shropshire on Saturday 21st August.  Mrs Millichap’s lovely mare, Seighford Elvera, having won the mare class and been Reserve Shetland Champion went on to become the Reserve  Mare Champion, beaten by a Welsh Section A.  Shortly afterwards the Shetland Champion, Frances Morkill’s stallion, Serenteifi Rhodri Emlyn, took the Reserve Supreme In Hand Championship, beaten by a wonderful shire mare.  The judging of these classes was akin to Strictly Come Dancing with all the in hand judges publicly giving their scores out of 10 for each Champion and the results simply the sum of their marks.  It was good to see that so many judges in all the other breeds rated the two Shetlands so highly.  The Shetland Judge, Mrs Davenport certainly seemed delighted at the success of her choices.  D.M.


NPS Summer Ch/ships. WAULKMILL SWIFT ridden by Jessica Matthews and CARMILLO MAGICIAN ridden by Bea Shepherd did the shetlands proud in the ridden pairs.
This was a very strong class, and they came a worthy 2ND.
Waulkmill Swift was 2nd in the Silver Medal Final and at the end of the week was honoured to receive the NPS Mini Supreme Championship 2010.
SOUTHERN COUNTIES WELSH PONY & COB SOCIETY SHOW 22/8/10
WAULKMILL SWIFT and Jessica had another successful day winning the NPS Junior small breeds and taking the Junior Championship and then went onto take the very prestigious SILVER MEDAL and RIDDEN SUPREME of the day.
Scottish Horse Show.
Shetland ponies are making a mark at the top level ridden in Scotland with 3 of the 5 places in the HOYS small breeds section being taken by Shetland ponies. R.P.

Busy with the International show until now, new South East group co-ordinator Jill Jones is able to concentrate on the group's autumn show.

It features 2 judges who have not judged in this area before, and a NEW VENUE JUST SOUTH OF THE M25. There are classes for everyone including children's gymkhana and we hope before you put the ponies away for the winter, you will support the show whether you are members or not. If you enter one pony before closing date, one week before, 26th Sept. you may add ponies on the day at same fee. see 'SHOWS AND SCHEDULES 2010' FOR MAP

SOUTH EAST  SHETLAND GROUP SHOW. SCHEDULE/ENTRY
Cherry Tree Farm, West Park Road, Newchapel, Lingfield Surrey RH7 6HT  (Opposite Morman Temple)
                 On SUNDAY 3rd October 2010
By kind permission of Mr & Mrs B. Page (Haysbridge Feeds Ltd)
Show Organisers : Jill & Roger Jones, Janice Dunkley. Tel: 01323 763405

Judges for show G Cowell staffs minis, M Mathews Cornwall  standards

           Entries Secretary-     Mrs Janice Dunkley, c/o Broadlands Farm Rickney Road Hankham East Sussex BN24 5BH
ON SITE CATERING.
Glass memento to all 1st placed ponies in rings 1 & 2
Rosettes to 6th place in all classes
PLUS
Ring 3 (Unaffiliated) children's fun classes for registered and unregistered Shetlands


Scottish Horse Show.
Another good day for the Shetland Pony in the show ring!
Scottish Horse Show today, August 14th. Open Ridden M&M Small Breeds HOYS Qualifier'
1st. Birchmoor Admiral .(Far left) Owned by the Tomlinson Family, ridden by Alice Tomlinson, Well Done they have been knocking on the door all season.
2nd Hayne Blackberry. D. Hodge & V Morgan Ridden by Abigail Morgan.  (Immediately left)Again having seconds and thirds, we will have to knock a little harder! Z.S.

Having collected his Olympia ticket at the International show  last week,  Waulkmill Redstart has 'wiped up'  at the puk Summer Championships this,  including a Trip to HOYS Congrats to all connected.

Ponies UK Summer Championships  HOYS M&M Open    1st and Champion
                                                                Kingsford Final        1st and Res Res Ch
                                                                Shetland Open        1st and Res Res Ch
                                                                M&M Dressage        2nd
                                                                First Ridden                2nd


Anglesey County Show 2010 Judge J Walters Esq

Champion Brewards Penny Mr and Mrs Gregory.

Reserve Champion Degai Cara Mr TG Hughes.
Junior Champion Isles of Mona Ashlee Jones Family.
Reserve Junior  Brewards ?  Mr and Mrs Gregory.

Isle of Mona Ashlee AW2067
1st Yearling & Junior Champion - pictured right

d. Isle of Mona Ashem s. Oxendale Hector. Bred and exhibited by the Jones family. Tony, Audrey and Eirian


CHELFORD SHETLAND PONY SALE - FRIDAY OCTOBER 8TH

ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE NOW

Contact: deanrowsps@o2.co.uk   Mel Howarth 07793 380906 or Roywaller@frankmarshall.co.uk  07774995969


If you wish for your breed show results to be added to the general accumulating results page (SUBSCRIBERS ONLY) you must e mail them separately, usual format........pony name, show, judge class placing. DO NOT ASSUME I'VE DONE IT AUTOMATICALLY, OR THAT I KNOW RESULTS. THE ONUS IS ON YOU. GH

Shetland-pony.com is currently getting over 1500 individual visits per day (different people, return vis its within one hour not counted) with huge interest in the report/pictures of the International Show. If you or your stud aren't on www.shetland-pony.com , you're seriously missing out!

Chiddingly went well. Magreed Charlie Boy didnt put a hoof wrong...we won the pleasure driving class, came 2nd in the cones scurry, 5th in the M&M inhand (never seen so many welsh ponies in one ring) and then we weren't placed in the lead rein because the judge said that we would have been placed quite high however my jockey was way too heavy. (mmm really good judge for a leadrein class when you make the child cry!)

Trust me, aesthetically it's borderline, but weight? No problem. Whereas this>>>>>
Is an aesthetic disaster and at 7 stone is way too much to ask!! Chiddingly is a big show but not affiliated to anything, hence all non panel judges. Say no more...........

 



Monkshill Lysander, winner
Yearling mini colt class. Bred and Owned by Hon J Casswell.
Okay, I'm starting to build the web page for the International show. YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE COME FIRST TO SEND IN YOUR PICTURE, or your story of your day/s at the show. IF you are sending a picture, left is the minimum information required. We will be happy to publish any reports/ pictures from European visitors, who, from those I have spoken to, seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. send to ghkw@showpony.com

First picture from the Breed Society's International Show 2010
Warm but overcast under cloud cover at hickstead, here are the top ten placed  in the NPS Olympia qualifier for Supreme M&M ridden Native pony  final. Everyone was wondering what judge Mrs Mouser would do as she is unknown in the South. (That added a certain excitement!!)  In the event, she was very thorough, gave everyone a good look and used her steward well. A pity more judges don't do that as it seems impossible to most of us that anyone is capable without notes to remember the  vagaries of each pony's attempt to  impress. As best as I know from the picture above. 1st HRE Bigton owned by D Hodge Esq, produced by Debbie Barr and ridden by Alice Barr. Qualified already, the 'ticket' to Olympia was passed to  2nd place, Waulkmill Redstart, owned by Alison Bromwich, produced  by Julie Barton and ridden by Becky Penny. In 3rd place, Brinleyview Comanchee, owned by Anna Stevens, produced by Debbie Barr and ridden by Ellie Breach. In 4th, Cranford Fandabbydosey, bred and owned  by Hart and Whitmee, produced and ridden by Rebecca Jarvis Broad. 5th Dryknowl Ennar, owned by Mrs L Sellars/L Buchanan Jackson, produced by LBJ and ridden by Elizabeth Evans. 6th sorry, please advise. 7th Cranford Hector, bred and owned by Hart and Whitmee and ridden by Florence wood, Holydell Voyage owned by Billingham family and ridden by C Billingham. 9th Briar Piccolo, bred and owned by V Hampton and ridden by T Shepard, 10th, sorry, please advise.
The improvement in production, riding and schooling of Shetland ponies since the last time the Breed Olympia qualifier was held at the Breed show some 5 or 6 years ago is palpable. Any one of the top 6 could have won, maybe more and I personally have never seen a class of 'open' ridden Shetland ponies of the quality as today, most were foot perfect and all were a credit to the breed. Well done 'Waulkmill Redstart' who will be the 3rd representative for our breed at Olympia. IN HAND NEWS ASAP


NORTHERN IRELAND SHOW NEWS

The Shetlands In Northern Ireland have had an outstanding year.

Northern Ireland being geographically separated from the Mainland does not allow us to compete at as many shows as the Mainland competitors can. It is also difficult to measure what level our ponies are at as we are so isolated. One good measure of this is when our champions compete against the other breeds in the Supreme Championships. Only then can we know that what we are breeding/showing is of a high enough standard to compete at any level. Some of the top Northern Ireland results to date.
Saintfield Agricultural Show. Helen Coxon's Southernwood Tempest. Supreme of Show.

Equifestival Ireland. Helen Coxon's Southernwood Tempest.  Reserve Supreme of Show.

NPS Area 32. Tony Wheeler's Kensons Naomi.  Reserve Supreme in Hand of Show.

 

 
Tony Bell's Barns Rosanna. 

Supreme Ridden of Show.

NPS Area 32 Championships.
Sharon Cumberland's Mill of Towie Gordon.  
1st Res. M&M Youngstock Pony of the Year.

Stephen McDonalds's Beltoy Rising Pride.  M&M 4+ Pony of the Year & Supreme Overall Pony of the Year.

Mike and Joy Barugh's 2 year old filly Felicity's Fleur scored a hat trick today by taking the Junior Champion and Overall championship at Bakewell, this the third show this season where she has had both junior and Overall champion. She started off with Stafford County show ,then Huby and Sutton on Forest show. To finish the day she stood Res Supreme M/M  JB.

5 year old Charlie Parker-King on Hollydell Highwayman and Abigail Hamper on Linacre Limerick.

Charlie competing in his first off lead rein show. Charlie and Hollydell Highwayman not only competed in the concours pairs but in working hunter pony, first ridden and in hand. At home they also enjoy playing cowboys and Indians!  A new partnership to be reckoned with.


Miniature mare takes supreme champion at Gilsland show... Lexus Daphne, owned and exhibited by Lorna Jamieson, this mare has been  consistent winner in Southern Scotland and Northern England over the last 7 years. Her show record is unassailable and Lorna is hoping she is in foal to her homebred colt, Lignite Chickadee.

Gary and Julie Snaith's Schivas Victoria  took the reserve ch/ship at Gilsland.


Tartan Boy Of Heskin 19 year old Shetland who has just started playing polo with his ten year old rider Anna Campbell Ryan , I have attached a few pics , Tart is a very versatile pony competing in everything from working hunter to Dressage and now adding Polo to his skills . Jacki Lee


From this to this to this

 

Left to its own devices in a midge infested pasture

 

A happy ending with new owners Gary and Julie Snaith

Sold as a 2 year old by the stud, Champlers Vogue was a most successful show pony. some years later, with the owner having 'personal' problems the now mare was somewhat neglected and advertised for sale Gary and Julie Snaith bought her and have returned her t her former show condition where she is once again enjoying success and good care.


HRE Bigton, owned by D Hodge Esq, produced by Debbie Barr and ridden by Alice Barr, stood 3rd at the Royal international Show at Hickstead, this being the championship having qualified earlier in the season. 

ROYAL INTERNATIONAL SHOW AT HICKSTEAD

Any other Shetland successes to report? I  HEAR Dryknowl Branzil HAS BEEN DOING WELL AT Royal Welsh. details anyone?


Waulkmill Redstart, owned by Alison Bromwich, produced by Julie Barton and ridden by Hannah Eaton stood 8th in the large class along with Bigton put on a good show for the Shetland breed.


CHILTERN Shetland Pony Group: Autumn Show - CHANGE OF DATE
 
Kindly note that the Chiltern Group Autumn Show will take place on 10th October not the 3rd as previously advised. We have of course changed the venue to the Bury Farm Equestrian Centre in Slapton, Beds just off the Leighton Buzzard road.
 
Further details and schedules from Shelley Coates on 01582 700640

I am happy to pass these two items on to you
Firstly for all my wine drinking friends inventive desperation. Here it is - If you ever get caught without a corkscrew, as I did once (or twice), you can do this. How to open a bottle of wine with a shoe. I haven't tried this (yet)
Just watch..... you don't need to understand French. http://www.wimp.com/wineshoe

Secondly, given the new Government's need to raise money wherever it can, this from the petitions website regarding Labour's proposed Horse Tax, and the new Government's response to the petition.........................
'
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to scrap plans for an additional horse tax'

Government response......Concerns have been raised by horse owners and the horse industry about the previous Government’s proposals on Responsibility and Cost Sharing (RCS), particularly the establishment of an independent body for animal health. The previous Government’s proposals will not be taken forward by the Coalition Government. The Coalition Government is committed to investigating ways to share with livestock keepers the responsibility of preparing for and dealing with outbreaks of animal disease. Jim Paice, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, met Rosemary Radcliffe, the independent Chair of the RCS Advisory Group, of which Tim Morris of the British Horse Industry Confederation is a member, earlier this month. The Advisory Group will report their findings to Ministers in December 2010. The Coalition Government will draw closely upon the Group’s advice in developing a new approach to RCS.

AT LAST, A GOVERNMENT WHO SAID IT WOULD DO OUR BIDDING AND MEANT IT. I COULD KISS A COALITION! (Can't promise they won't think of something similar when the screws tighten)


Not long now..........and the International Breed Show will be upon us. There's a real buzz of anticipation and excitement from many I've spoken to. I gather everything is all stations go and as I've said before, if you are going, mean to enjoy it. These events should be remembered for life and are infrequent. Free of the AGM, organisers expect a happy show, devoid of politics, and with the effort expended by the committee on everyone's behalf, they should get their wish. Although we are desperate for rain in the South East, let's hope it keeps off for the 7th and 8th, and even if it rains, well, it's only weather! Good luck to everyone who is entered. ENJOY IT!

Sorry to hear about your painful incident with your foal. I hope you heal soon.
If it is any consolation, I decided to take my lovely dun mare and her first dun filly foal Sayfeld Millicent to a local show.  As usual the mare behaved impeccably.  The foal on the other hand, did not see the need for the judges direction to stand whilst the mare was trotted up. She was equally miffed at the idea that she should trot up herself.  As a protest, she decided to take her frustration out on me, and double barrelled me several times during the process.  Whilst the dear little girl won best foal, my shins and upper thighs were covered in deep bruises which lasted several weeks. 
Some weeks later, the said same foal was due to be microchipped by the vet in order that she might be registered.  The vet arrived and as the foal had been well handled and used to people, we proceeded as usual.  When Millicent was about to be chipped, she took objection to the idea and when the needle entered her neck, she decided microchipping was not for her.  She struggled to avoid the vet and knocked her hand away.  My husband who was holding the front end, exclaimed to the vet that she had "scratched him with her needle". She apologised and then asked, "where has the chip gone. We all looked to the floor but nothing could be seen.  I considered the possible outcomes and asked, "it didn't actually go inside you did it?". We all considered that this could not be possible.  I suggested to the vet that it might be sensible to check my husbands shoulder  just in case, which she did.  To our surprise, when the vet scanned my husbands shoulder, the number was identified.
I wonder, is my husband the first person to be microchipped by the vet?  We have made note of his number and joke that should he decide to stray, at least he is likely to be returned to his rightful owner. THE FABLE IS THAT EVEN SMALL FOALS SHOULD BE APPROACHED WITH CAUTION, AND EUROPEAN DIRECTIVES HAVE MUCH TO ANSWER FOR!

He didnt laugh much at the time but he feels a bit unique now.  we have made a note of the number so i can track him down, should he go missing.
Always assuming you want to! Anyway,  good job Brown and his gang have gone, otherwise your hubby would be a test case for the suitability of compulsory microchipping for us all!


Thimbleby & Shorland

Wednesday 20th October 2010 42nd Annual Show & Sale of Registered Shetland Ponies at Reading


New Forest Show. (Mrs Sally Howell) Lynda Buchanan Jackson took the Shetland Championship with Dryknowl Ennar (winner of the Stallion & Gelding class) & Reserve with Kerlock Eliza (winner of the Mare class), Ennar then went on to stand Reserve Champion in the Supreme Mountain & Moorland Championship which was won by a New Forest mare. Reunited with his no.1 rider Elizabeth Evans, and seeming rather fitter than last time out, took  won the small breeds section Olympia qualifier the day before. Elizabeth knows this pony backwards and can  get an 'open' performance from him with ease.

 

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE, NORTH PETHERTON, BRIDGWATER, SOMERSET,
TA6 6DF
The “Motorway Market” just off Junction 24 of the M5

Telephone: 01278 410278             Fax: 01278 410282            E-mail: market@gth.net

THURSDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2010

(Show 9am – Sale 11am)

3rd ANNUAL SHOW & SALE of

REGISTERED SHETLAND PONIES

(Under the auspices of the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society) For further details please contact the market office or

Robert Venner on 07889 006503


HRE Bigton gets  his Olympia ticket. It has come to light. that the owner of the Sec D cob awarded the ticket at Area 29 at Solihull was ineligible to compete. As I understand it, the  owner was not a showing member of the NPS and as a result as reserve on the day, Bigton gets the ticket.  I have to say I am delighted for his connections, NO Shetland has deserved to get a ticket this year more than this piebald stallion who, on that day, in my opinion was unbeatable there was an aura about him which hopefully he will recapture, now the need to pursue a place at Olympia is unnecessary. That means there will be at least 3 Shetlands at Olympia this year, and how bad is that!!

MR and Mrs S.J Leane Brought THORDALE EREBUS down from shetland isles time of arrival 25th may. A lot of handling, grooming and a few shows later he has win in a strong field of M&M at the Waterside Show in the NEW FOREST. he is a 2 yr old by Millhouse Independent out of Struie Pippa. MR and Mrs S.J Leane. Hants


 Rosslyn Midnight Moon Star

Well done you! I have just had the most amazing 10 days with my ponies starting with the Great Yorkshire show with Rosslyn Lady Nina taking 1st place in the yearling class then my 2yr filly Rosslyn Midnight Moon Star taking 1st place and the overall Champion. At the Great Eccleston show Rosslyn Murphy's Law took 1st place yearling and Reserve junior  and finally yesterday 24th July my 2yr old filly Rawside Royal Maizie took 1st place in the 1,2,&3yr old class and went on to be junior and overall champion in the Shetland  classes at The North of England in hand mountain and moorland championship show judge Miss B. Wilson. I'm so thrilled and over come with these results ( i hope you don't mind me telling you !! ) Not in the least, great results at top shows. Well done!

I used to be able to say "In all my years with Shetland ponies, I've never been kicked"
U
ntil yesterday. With the dam being bathed,  the foal stood about nuzzling me and anyone else that would pet it. The phone rang and the foal stood on the path blocking it. In my chair, I raised a foot to touch it, thinking as they normally do, that it would move on or at least get off the path.  Not this time, bang, both feet, one hoof went between my shins and the other caught me full square. I've never seen so much blood, my shoe was full inside 5 seconds and by the time I'd got to the bathroom, I must have lost 3/4 of a pint. Kevin applied a pressure pad, bandaged it tight and stemmed the flow. Off to casualty for a 3 and1/2 hour wait to be seen. In Labour's NHS there is no prioritising, just targets and if you are not bleeding all over the floor, you wait in line with the haemorrhoids, warts and as one man was  complaining of, a pain in his 'bits'. Eventually seen by lovely Iraqi lady doctor, she was shocked at  the time I'd waited given the injury and the resultant state of the wound, then soon, another doctor,  a consultant surgeon and 3 more nurses. Following copious irrigation, stitches along this 7cm gash, 1 cm deep in the shape of a foals hoof, (the swelling prevented the gash being closed as edges would not meet) intravenous anti biotics, anti tet, some more oral penicillin and an x ray, and a prescription for huge doses of two sorts of penicillin and a load of painkillers.  I escaped home 2 and 1/2 hours later with instructions to keep my leg up above heart level for 48  hours and an appointment to return to casualty Monday to see the  consultant again.  I've just got up for a bit to do some web updates as it is that time of the year, and I'm busy, and to jot this. To be honest, it doesn't really hurt, I just feel a bit woozy and more odd than usual! It all happened in a flash and It's a pity I didn't take my own advice (much proffered) about always being cautious however good and calm a pony is..

Come on  cheps, let's show 'our International visitors' we can act the fool, for everyone's amusement!
It has been decided that thee entry fee for the fancy dress class at the forthcoming INTERNATIONAL Show will be waived to encourage more entries. (For those who have entered and paid a fee, this will be refunded) Ideally placed in that gap before the overall championships, I'm confident that should you have qualified for ch/ship, you will have time to wipe off the 'slap'  and get out of your costume before they start overall ch/ships. Come on children, use your imagination! Older 'children' or 'silly b****rs* up to and beyond pensionable age also most welcome to ENTER ON THE DAY
Royal Welsh 19 July 2010
Mrs L Sellars
Champion  Schivas Kerry
Mr J Walters.
Reserve Champion Gwydelfynydd Evening Song 
Miss F Morkill.
Champion Miniature Kerswell Crusader
Messrs J A T & D A J Hodge.
Junior Champion Melland Misty Impression
The Britland Family.
Reserve Junior Georgina of Fairwood
Medames Powell & Jarman.
 
For Full Results go to
 

Olympia is an aspiration, a shop window, but THIS IS WHAT it's all about, kids having fun with ponies.
Im a regular visitor to your website and thought you might be interested in our pony gelding GORSEHILL KNIGHTSBRIDGE. He is 38" and chestnut skewbald and 8 years old. Bred by Jan Williams . 
We have had him since March this year and my Daughter Freya has done very well showing him at local level and also at some county affiliated shetland shows.
She has done very well too much to list at the moment and remember off the top of my head! We went to a large local show this weekend and only did the novelty classes but hey we won in style. 1st Bonny pony, 1st Young handler, 1st Judges favourite
I have attached some pictures of  Freya ( 6yrs) and Kinghtsbridge from this show because they where very well decorated and reached the evening performance where they took ring Champion. Sharon Brimelow
Widnes, Cheshire

Kent County in hand. Mr I Bailey

3 Years & Under

 
1st:  Mrs P M Crawford's Arbour Ardnamurchan  
2nd: Mrs J Exall's Buxted Jezebel
3rd: Mrs A Page's Buxted Exotic
4th: Miss M A Sansom's Parlington Winston
4 Years & Over
 
1st   Mrs L Buchanan-Jackson's Kerloch Eliza
2nd: Mrs A Page's Somahouse Holly
3rd: Mrs J Edwards Shoormal Skalva
4th: Miss P Price's Maid Marion of Quimper
 
Champion: Kerloch Eliza
Reserve:    Somahouse Holly

News from Scotland, both ponies bought from the 'for sale' page of this web site

Millhouse Vitality: yearling filly

18th July Heavy horse show, Mrs C Hodgson, 1st standard filly,Standard Junior reserve champion, Standard reserve chmp, and overall reserve chmp of standards and mini's. What a day at her second show with us!!! R. Pitcairn


Aberdynant Jinny - 2year old mini filly 

Cumberland County Show result 17th July 2010 - 
Judge Mrs H Wilson-1st in 2/3 yr old and Junior Miniature 
Champion/ Lorna J.

As they all grow like 'Topsy' South East 'open' riders start to fall by the wayside, the medium term future will be with the likes of Georgia and Daniella Sretton.
Issy Barr, gone,  Alice soon to be, Sam Constantine, gone, along with Wood's girls, Georgina and Florence, Flo' kindly taking the ride on Cr.Hector during 2nd half of the season. Elizabeth Evans is borderline size now as is Gabby Charlesworth and the late coming Ellie Breach. This lack of jockeys is a problem nationwide as there are two ponies at Debbie Barr's, one from Wales and one from Devon, who obviously cannot find riders of suitable size/ability to produce a successful campaign at the highest level. Even I have sent a pony to the yard of a producer in Leicestershire, not because we can't produce it, but because the girl is little, and as an adult will stay so, but it flies in the face of everything I'd prefer, ie, kids up to about 13 yrs maximum.  All of the above have performed brilliantly in what are the hardest disciplines/competitions, HOYS and Olympia M&M open ridden. For those who complain of 'facey' judging in the in hand classes, would do well to have a season of the colossal expense, effort and fruitless frustration of the ridden 'job'. Whatever your interest in showing of Shetlands in particular, it is the participation in these top competitions and the performance and results they attain, that keep the pony in the public eye. There are precious few Shetlands competing at this level nationally,  frightened off, quite understandably by the colossal expense. BUT IF THOSE OF US WHO DO COMPETE, DIDN'T, we'd be the only breed not represented.  I'm told to achieve success (In native M&Ms) that 'networking' is how it's done, ringing judges, enquiring after stock, or informing a judge that you have acquired a pony of theirs, think it wonderful, going to bring it out next year, etc etc. Is this true? and if so how gullible or self obsessed are these judges? NOT for me, thank you. We are motivated and take pleasure from showing under saddle, ponies we've bred and the promoting breed as a whole, with no desire or intent to sell once success attained. Whether I can muster the enthusiasm to  take on 'another child' and worse, its parents/grand-parents next year, remains to be seen, although the current set of parents are brilliant.
As for in hand classes,  whilst they are a useful guide for breeders as to their ponies standard against  their peers and the breed standard, single breed shows in a field in the back of beyond have limited promotional value unless published on this most visited web site. County and agricultural  shows are more productive  as at least the general public is seeing the breed. Fair play to Elizabeth Howe on promoting the breed. She drives her midi-ish  ponies in harness and always puts on a show, whether it be in turnout for show driven, or performance in cones driving.  Pity someone doesn't start up a 'performance' type class for mini geldings with qualifiers nationally for a prestigious final with a big cash prize somewhere. 
Anyway, on a more upbeat note, the two Stretton girls, with Mum, Claire, and pony partner, Jenny Cobley, took themselves off too what is heaven for kids, the Shetland performance show with their piebald gelding Ulverscroft Crofter, who spent the weekend looking after Danielle in her first real attempts at first riddens, as well as managing to be placed in top 6 in all her "big" classes!!! Here are his results -Ponies UK First Ridden - 5th, First Ridden - 6th, Lead Rein WHP (Sat) - 1st, NPS First Ridden - 5th, Lead Rein WHP (Sun) - 3rd. With Elizabeth Evans already qualified for Olympia on L Buchanan-Jackson's, Blackertor Rhonda, Georgia has the ride on Dryknowl Ennar, at the performance show achieved NPS Open Ridden - 4th,  Novice Rider WHP - 2nd, NPS Native Breeds WHP - 1st. Well done Georgia for being awarded first at Kent County Olympia Small breeds against some very good ponies going very well. As I say, the likes of the Stretton sisters are the medium term future in the South East and as they become better known, we'll all support them. They've got some hard acts to follow.

IF YOU HAVE SENT A FOR SALE ADVERT INSIDE THE LAST TWO WEEKS, PLEASE CHECK IT IS STILL ON THE FOR SALE PAGE. An errant 'delete' has wiped them. if so, resend and i will put on top of page for another 6 weeks. sorry about that!

I sent this to a breeder who has an inordinately large number of colts this year, wants to do the right thing and  asked my advice whether to geld them all, some or none. Worried, quite rightly about sending them as colts to the sales, just wants to do her best by them.

Gelding that lot in advance of sale is a huge commitment financially and not to be undertaken lightly. If it were me I'd look at them all very carefully and select only the ones that were tame,  and of particularly good type. if they didn't fill either one, PREFERABLY BOTH of those criteria, I would put them down at weaning knowing at least they'd had a good summer and prevented the mare, who should always be your first consideration, from  laminitis.  I would advertise them as geldings now, decide a  price and have them gelded before they are weaned and collected by customer. Ideally if you geld them whilst they are still on the mare, they will recover quickly and not drop back. Weaning and castrating at the same time is in my opinion, too stressful. Culling stock, whilst unpleasant is a necessary and important part of the responsibility of breeding stock. It does not make you a cruel heartless ba**ard, it makes you a responsible adult and  breeder. As breeders we are responsible for producing the stock, we must take responsibility for its future as best we can, especially if we know it is likely to be unhappy or fall into wrong hands.  GH


LANCASHIRE'S DAY AT THE GREAT YORKSHIRE !!! (Veni, Vidi, Vici! GH)
 
In the early hours of Thursday morning two home bred Ponies from different areas of Lancashire set off across the Pennines to the Great Yorkshire Show...and what a successful day they had...it was certainly Lancashire's day.
Supreme Champion was a Two Year Old Filly ROSSLYN MIDNIGHT MOON STAR Exhibited by Mrs Eileen Barnes...this Pony was Reserve Champion at the Show Last year.
Reserve Champion was a Four Year Old Yeld Mare OXENDALE JUBILANT Exhibited by Mr J D Kay .Being shown for the first time this year this Mare was First in a class of nineteen Yeld Mares

Waulkmill Redstart at Huntingdon,

"I may be on the ridden circuit, but if they think I'm doing open workers, they can think on"
"You stay there for a bit, aunty, I'll just snack out on this grass for a while"