Small equines from all across the nation turned out in a big way for the 121st Shetland Pony Congress Show, resulting in the largest competition in five years. The versatile Shetland Ponies competed at the Crossroads Arena in Cloverdale, IN, for national championship titles in classes such as driving, halter, jumping, youth and costume classes while owners competed for “best groomed” pony and youth members wrote essays hoping to win a Shetland Pony of their own.

“Congress was a great success—we had 530 ponies and over 1,800 entries at this the show,” said Lenard Davenport, Show Manager. “The overall atmosphere of the show was wonderful and everything went very smoothly.”

The prestigious Shetland Pony Congress was sponsored by a variety of company’s that support small equines, including Farnam’s Platform Feed, Vetrolin and Radon Horse Blankets. Farnam Companies sponsored the Vetrolin Grooming Awards and Michelle Callahan of Warrenton, MO, and her Shetland Pony SMHC’S Freedom’s Stylish One walked away the winner. The pair won a year’s supply of Vetrolin grooming products for being the “best groomed” small equine at the show.

Callahan wasn’t the only competitor feeling lucky during Congress. Youth member Kelsey Vann of Hot Springs, AR, won the Youth ASPC/ASPR Congress Essay Contest, taking home a stunning yearling buckskin gelding named Captivating Carl EGF. Jackie Tyler of Emerald Glenn Farm in Woodville, WI, donated Carl, a Classic Shetland Pony.

Radon Blankets were also sponsors of Congress, donating blankets to Futurity Winners and winners of the Classic and Modern Liberty classes. In the Liberty classes, individual ponies are set free in the arena and show off their beauty and movement while music plays. The excitement of Liberty classes draws a big crowd who cheer for their favorite.

“Congress was once again a huge success and a wonderful celebration of the breed. From the youth essay winner to the best groomed pony winner, it was truly a wonderful week,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR). “The show is always a wonderful chance for everyone to see the ponies in action and also see how versatile Shetland Ponies truly are.”

The ASPC recognizes many types of Shetlands, and all competed at the show. Types of ponies recognized are the Classic Shetland Pony, the Foundation Shetland Pony, the Modern Shetland Pony, the American Show Pony and the National Show Pony.

For more information on the Shetland Pony Congress, visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044. Congress show results are available at www.horseshowsonline.com.