The Classic Shetland Stallion Sweepstakes Auction, an annual event hosted by the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC), is the perfect way for Shetland Pony owners to promote their stallions, breed their mares and be part of an ongoing effort to showcase Classic Shetland Pony bloodlines. The auction is held online and is open to all ASPC registered stallions and mares.

“We're looking forward to another great year of offering some of the industry’s most prized stallions at stud,” said Carin Ponder, committee chair for the 2009 Classic Shetland Stallion Sweepstakes. “Last year the Classic Shetland Stallion Auction was a record breaker with 15 stallions bringing in over $6,000 in prize money. The resulting 2010 foal crop will have the largest cash prize payout in the history of the program.”

The 2009 auction opens June 1 and closes August 17, with a minimum opening bid of $200 for each stallion. Shetland mares will be bred in 2010 and the resulting foals will be shown at the 2011 ASPC National Shetland Congress, where they will compete for top prize money.

“The auction gives mare owners the chance to breed to stallions not offered at public stud and a chance at the purse,” Ponder said, adding that the online format makes the auction accessible to everyone. “Stallion owners receive an online page for their stallion, free farm promotion through the auction and a chance to win part of the purse also.”

The American Shetland Pony Club was established in 1888 and recognizes four distinct types of ponies: the Classic Shetland Pony, the Modern Shetland Pony and two types of pony crosses, the American Show Pony and the National Show Pony. The Classic American Shetland Pony is a refined version of their Scottish ancestors.

For complete details on participating in the 2009 Classic Shetland Stallion Auction, visit www.classicsweepstakes.com. Stallion nominations are due April 1. All bids will go through Carin Ponder at [email protected] or by phone at (936) 443-0566.

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 offers 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.