Small equines from all across the nation who attend the 122nd Shetland Pony Congress Show this year will not only compete for national championship titles but will also have the chance to win one of the new USEF Shetland Member High Point Awards provided by the United States Equestrian Federation. The Shetland Pony Congress Show, August 2–6 in Ardmore, OK, will feature some of the best Shetland Ponies in the country competing in classes such as driving, halter, jumping, youth and costume classes.

“A USEF staff member will be present at the 122nd Shetland Pony Congress and award championship and reserve championship ribbons to the high point winners with USEF membership in certain divisions,” said Lori Nelson, USEF Assistant Executive Director, National Affiliates. “The USEF is looking forward to honoring these members. The American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) is a USEF recognized breed association and has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the USEF.”

The divisions that will earn USEF Shetland Member High Point Awards include: Roadsters, Harness and Pleasure Driving (the adult classes will be combined for total) as well as the Junior Exhibitor overall. To be eligible, the winners must also be members of the USEF.

“The American Shetland Pony Club is thrilled that the USEF will be offering these new awards,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR). “We have benefited a great deal from the support of the USEF and these awards are just another example of the USEF’s commitment to our breed and our members.”

The Shetland Pony Congress is supported by a variety of companies that support small equines, including Farnam’s Platform Feed and Vetrolin Products, National Bridle Shop and Radon Horse Blankets. Farnam Companies also sponsors the Vetrolin Grooming Awards at Congress, awarding a year’s worth of product to the “best groomed” small equine at the show. RaDon Blankets sponsors Congress by donating blankets to winners in several divisions.

“Congress is always a wonderful celebration of the Shetland Pony breed, and it is a great way for everyone to see our ponies in action and also see how versatile Shetland Ponies truly are,” said Zona Schneider, ASPC/AMHR Director of Operations. “The American Shetland Pony Club has been in existence for over 120 years, and we are very pleased to have the support of the USEF.”

The ASPC recognizes many types of Shetlands, including 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 Shetland Ponies, visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044.