Ardmore, OK – United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) members were given special recognition at the Shetland Pony Congress Show, where they not only topped their divisions but were also awarded USEF Shetland Member High Point Awards by the United States Equestrian Federation. Lori Nelson, Assistant Executive Director of the USEF, presented the awards to the winners at the 2010 Shetland Pony Congress Show held this month in Ardmore, Oklahoma.
The winners received special ribbons from the USEF and a gift certificate to the show vendor, Stitches and Ink. The winners included: Denise Johnson, Champion in Adult Roadster High Point Award and Kim Herron, Reserve Champion; Alicia Harris, Champion in Adult Pleasure Driving High Point Award and Cheryl Manahan, Reserve Champion; and Julie Zander, Champion in Overall Youth High Point Award and Macy Plemmons, Reserve Champion.
“The USEF Shetland Member High Point Awards for Shetland Congress were created to provide awareness about the partnership between the Shetland breed and USEF and to thank the members for their support,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC). “All of the winners were really excited and we are so pleased that the USEF is committed to our breed and our members.”
Alicia Harris, who drove Springer Farms Money Maker to the Adult Pleasure Driving High Point Championship, was very excited with her USEF win. “Alicia already spent her gift certificate and is taking her ribbon with her to college as décor for her room,” said Alicia’s mother, Dr. Cathy Harris. “It was the first time for Money Maker to compete at a major Shetland show and he just went in and won it all. He is a sweet natured and talented young horse.”
Denise Johnson captured the Championship in the USEF Adult Roadster High Point Award with Pony Vista’s Fe-Fi and Classy Secret. “As a USEF member I was really glad to win and pleased that the USEF sponsored the High Point Awards,” Johnson said, adding that she has been showing for 10 years. “I had a ball at Shetland Congress and want to thank my trainer Cheryl Manahan, of Wichita Riding Academy, for training my road ponies.”
In addition to support from the USEF, Shetland Pony Congress was supported by a variety of companies who have invested in 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.
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For more information on the Shetland Pony Congress, visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044.
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 offer 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.