He may have been small, but that didn’t keep an American Shetland Pony named Cornerstone’s Valiant Man from making a big impact when he attended the 82nd National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention in Indianapolis. The Shetland Pony, owned by Sherri Jolliff, represented the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and was a big hit with the horse enthusiasts attending the convention.

“We were proud to have the opportunity to support the FFA and share our small equines with them at their national convention, through our partnership with the USEF,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the ASPC. “Our small equines are ideal for FFA projects.”

Amber Montgomery of KM Stables in Alexandria, IN, brought Cornerstone’s Valiant Man to the convention, where the Shetland drew lots of attention in the USEF booth and introduced FFA horse lovers to the small but mighty breed. “The American Shetland Pony is a recognized breed through the USEF and we were pleased to have them represented at our booth,” said Lori Nelson of the USEF.

FFA attendees were able to spend some hands-on time with the pony, as well as learn more about the breed that is a favorite of children and adults. “As land resources dwindle, the small equine’s popularity is back on the rise. American Shetland Ponies are easy to manage for horse lovers of all ages, and many baby boomers that previously enjoyed large horses have found that small equines are a way to continue to enjoy horses regardless of age,” Robb said. “And in the current economy, the versatile American Shetland Pony is an affordable option for many equestrians who want to scale down their equine activities but stay involved.”

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. While Shetlands are popular as pets they are also loved in the show ring, and this year the ASPC celebrated its 121st Shetland Pony Congress Show in Indiana. More than 500 ponies competed at the show 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.

For more information on the American Shetland Pony Club visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044.