Two lucky youths won big with a small equine prize. At the American Shetland Pony Congress this month, two American Shetland ponies were awarded to winners of two youth essay contests. Youths from around the country exercised their writing skills for the chance to win one of these amazing Shetland ponies. Entries were numbered and judged anonymously. Kimberly Cotter was the lucky winner of E’s Sir Nite and Kasey Waxler of Pennsylvania was awarded Cross Country’s Mr. Banker.

Kimberly Cotter, the new owner of E’s Sir Nite, is only seven-years-old. William Eperthener was the previous owner and the donor of this special pony. Two years ago, E’s Sir Nite became the National Futurity Champion and the Modern Liberty Champion. Eperthener’s wife, Fran drove the five-year-old bay gelding into the arena for the presentation ceremony. Then Cotter confidently took over the reins and drove out with her new pony. Cotter has experience with Miniature horses, but E’s Sir Nite is her first Shetland. Eperthener, a member of the Board of Directors for the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC), said the pony, known on his farm as “Sweetie Pie,” is excellent for a child. After viewing the new pair together, he said, “The nice thing is they will grow up together.” Eperthener seems to have a genuine appreciation for youth and a deep understanding that the youth is the future in the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC).

Cross Country’s Mr. Banker has already settled into his new home at Star Lake Farm. He traveled home with 10-year-old Kasey Waxler at the conclusion of the American Shetland Pony Congress. Kasey’s mother, Cathy Waxler, noted that Kasey was extremely excited with the win. She said, “Kasey already has all kinds of plans for him. We already have about 30 Miniature horses, but this is our first Shetland.”

Belinda Bagby of Cross Country Farm and a member of the Board of Directors for the ASPC, donated Mr. Banker, a classic buckskin colt. “I picked this little guy out right away,” said Bagby. “I just knew he would be perfect for the essay contest.” This American Shetland Pony was foaled February 20 of this year. Even at his young age, Cross Country’s Mr. Banker is already a grand champion, having won the title in Area 5. He also won the nationals championship title in his weanling class at Congress the day before he became Kasey Waxler’s pony. Cross Country’s Mr. Banker and Kasey Waxler also have a bright future together.

Eperthener and Bagby, donators of these two American Shetland Ponies, have made a generous contribution to acknowledge youths in the small equine world. This spirit of giving seems to be an extension of another big gift from the American Shetland Pony Club earlier this year. The ASPC donated two ponies to the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation as a gesture of goodwill for hosting the 2008 Equestrian Olympics. “The Shetland ponies themselves are still the best ambassadors of the breed,” said ASPC Marketing Director Johnny Robb. “We are fortunate to have so many generous members that help make our ponies available for these wonderful programs.”

For more information about the American Shetland Pony Club or other programs involving American Shetland Ponies, visit www.shetlandminiature.com.