Morton, IL- The Hong Kong Equestrian Federation (HKEF) in conjunction with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and ING Corporation, hosted an extraordinary “Hand- Over” ceremony on July 10th in Hong Kong to receive two ponies the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) donated to salute Hong Kong’s efforts in hosting the 2008 Equestrian Olympics.
ASPC Marketing Director Johnny Robb was on hand to make a speech at the ceremony and to answer questions for the media. ASPC Director of Operations Zona Schneider was also honored at the ceremony. “We thought it would be wonderful if the American Shetland Pony Club could pay tribute to Hong Kong with a gift of two of our American Shetland Ponies,” said Robb at the hand-over ceremony. “I know these two American Shetland ponies will be good ambassadors of the breed here in Hong Kong and I am confident that they will bring many young riders a great deal of joy for years to come.”
The ponies arrived safely in Hong Kong on June 6. After being in quarantine for two weeks they were stabled in the beautiful facility where the Olympic Eventing competitions will be held. The “Tiny Ambassadors” won the hearts of Hong Kong upon arrival.
The media ceremony was well attended. During the event, the HKEF in conjunction with the HKJC also announced a “Name the Shetland Ponies Contest” to honor the new arrivals with Chinese names. The first 300 entries will receive tickets to the Equestrian Olympics and the two lucky winners will also enjoy a riding lesson package.
Simon Ip, President of the HKEF, was delighted with the response the ponies created in Hong Kong. “These beautiful ponies will be stabled in public riding schools so that they can be enjoyed by all members of the Hong Kong public,” Ip said in his opening speech. “On behalf of the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, I would like to thank the American Shetland Pony Club for their generosity and kindness in giving us this magnificent pair of Shetland ponies.”
Robb and Schneider were treated to a week of festivities surrounding the induction of the ponies. They toured five of Hong Kong’s riding schools, visited the Olympic competition sites and the Equestrian Olympic exhibit on loan at the HKJC Racing Museum. “We were honored to be a part of this entire process,” said Schneider. “We are here to offer our best wishes for an exciting Olympic competition.” “The two Shetland Ponies have carved a small place in Olympic history,” added Robb, “I am grateful to the HKEF, the HKJC, the United States Equestrian Federation, the American Shetland Pony Club, Pinto Horse Association and the many businesses in the U.S. and Hong Kong who joined forces to make this event a reality.”
Visit www.shetlandminiature.com to learn more, or contact Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing, at (561) 753-4608 or via e-mail at [email protected].
The American Shetland Pony Club, the American Show Pony Registry and The American Miniature Horse Registry are non-profit organizations established to preserve and refine the bloodlines of these small equines and promote the enjoyment of small equines. Recognized as the oldest and most versatile registry in the United States, the American Shetland Pony Club offer a variety of programs for Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse enthusiasts of all ages. Visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or 81-B East Queenwood Road, Morton, IL 61550.