Morton, IL-The American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) and the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) announced today that their two major horse shows drew record participation. The 2004 AMHR National Horse Show held in September in Tulsa, OK, boasted 5,269 entries, making the show the largest miniature horse show in history and one of the largest all-breed shows of the year. The AMHR National Horse Show is the equivalent of the Super Bowl for Miniature Horses and attracts top Miniature Horses from throughout the U.S. “We were stunned and excited by this year’s record participation,” exclaimed Show Manager Lenard Davenport, “With over 5,000 entries, there is no doubt the AMHR Nationals is the largest and most prestigious all-breed show of its kind.”

The AMHR National Championship show offered almost 300 classes for Miniatures Horses, including classes for division “A” Miniatures, which stand at 34 inches and under at the withers, and Division “B” Miniatures, which can measure up to 38 inches at the withers.

Meanwhile, The American Shetland Pony Club Congress held in Gifford, IL, in August was also a record breaker. The show boasted its largest attendance ever with over 500 entries. The Shetland Congress is the equivalent to the AMHR Nationals for Shetland Ponies. “We were pleased by the increased entries this year,” said ASPC Executive Director Zona Schneider. “Shetland ponies are very versatile and compete in a variety of open competitions, so it is especially gratifying when we can draw a large number of ponies to our Congress Championship.”

Interest in Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses peaked after two TV shows about the breeds aired nationally in August and September on RFD-TV. “More and more people are discovering that Miniature Horses and Shetland Ponies are the small equines that they can enjoy from childhood right through their golden years, said ASPC Marketing Director Johnny Robb, “They are a manageable size, easy to train, affordable and just plain fun.” For more information about the 2005 shows or other programs offered by the American Shetland Pony Club, visit www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044.

The American Shetland Pony Club and The American Miniature Horse Registry is a non-profit organization established to preserve and refine the bloodlines of small equines. Recognized as the oldest and most versatile registry in the United States, the American Shetland Pony Club and The American Miniature Horse Registry offer a variety of programs for Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse enthusiasts of all ages.