The American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) is ready to rock and roll with the celebration of their 120th Anniversary during the 2008 American Shetland Pony National Championship Congress Show in Cloverdale, IN. The Shetland Pony Championship Congress Show will be held at the new Crossroads Arena facility in historic “Covered Bridge Country” on July 30 through August 2.

The excitement is steadily growing as the Shetland Pony Congress kick-off date approaches. “In honor of the 120th Anniversary of the American Shetland Pony Club,” said ASPC Director of Operations, Zona Schneider, “We will unveil our 120th Anniversary commemorative trophy for this year’s grand champions. It is just one of many exciting additions in this year’s Congress.” Ponies from across the nation will compete for National Champion titles in driving, halter, jumping, youth classes, and more. Admission is free and spectators can enjoy the fast paced roadster driving classes, the very inventive costume classes, and the liberty classes, all favorites at the Shetland Congress.

In addition to hosting a very special 2008 Congress, the ASPC’s 120th Anniversary celebration included a tribute to the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong. In a gesture of goodwill, the American Shetland Pony Club sent a gift of two American Shetland Show Ponies to the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation (HKEF) to salute their efforts in hosting the 2008 Equestrian Olympics.

The HKEF will host a special presentation pre-Olympic media ceremony in Hong Kong to receive the ponies. “Our Shetland Ponies have truly been a part of the fabric of American life. I thought it would be so special if we could thank the HKEF for hosting the Olympics during our club’s 120th anniversary year with a gift of two of our ponies,” said Robb, Marketing Director for the American Shetland Pony Club. “The Hong Kong Jockey Club is currently sponsoring a contest to give the ponies Chinese names!”

The Shetland Pony Congress is happy to have Farnam's Platform Miniature Horse and Pony Feed sponsorship support again this year. “Farnam has been a consistent and well received sponsor and we are glad they could be a part of our 120th year,” said Robb. “We appreciate their sponsoring the ASPC, as we are one of the oldest registries in the US.”
Farnam Companies has graciously agreed to sponsor the Vetrolin Grooming Awards again in 2008. To commemorate the 120th Anniversary of the ASPC the “best groomed” pony will receive a year’s supply of Vetrolin grooming products provided by Farnam Companies.

The ASPC will also host a hospitality booth throughout the Shetland Pony Congress and will provide free information and brochures on American Shetland Ponies. There will be vendors offering a variety of items from tee shirts and baseball caps to pony equipment, supplies, and gifts. Refreshments are available on the showground. “It is affordable fun for the whole family,” added Schneider. “We encourage spectators and the media to come and enjoy an all-American Shetland Pony Congress.”

For more information on the Shetland Pony Congress and other up coming events and programs offered during the ASPC’s 120th anniversary year, visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044.