As Championship season gets underway, we can’t miss a showcase for the versatility of the Shetland pony, with Blue Chip sponsoring their recent Summer Show.
For the last 11 years Frank and Carol Hodder, of the Eiger Shetland Pony Stud have organised the Wessex Shetland Pony Group, to unite Shetland pony owners and breeders, and capture their enthusiasm to enjoy and promote this lovely breed.
Frank and Carol go on the describe Shetland ponies as “Gentle, good-tempered, and very intelligent by nature. They make excellent children's ponies, and are noted for having a brave and protective character. Frequently ridden by children and adults at horse shows they also excel in driving classes, as well as driving for pleasure outside of the show ring.”
In 2019 the group were really pleased to see another increase in the number of children and Young Handlers participating in their classes.
Ridden Championship winner Claudia Groves, is a regular show supporter, and has owned her Shetland pony Selspen Merry for 12 months (pictured above). They also won the Young Handler 10 and under class, the First Ridden class, and the Open Ridden class before going on to take the Ridden Championship. Amazingly they are also part of the Shetland Pony Grand National Team, racing all over the country including Badminton, Gatcombe and Burghley.
Congratulations to everyone who competed in such a well-supported show, full Championship results below:
Miniature Junior Champion – Shawdene Jonquil
Reserve Champion – Halstock Spice
Miniature Senior Champion – Eiger Nectarina
Reserve Champion – Tygwyn Black Prince
Miniature Overall Champion - Shawdene Jonquil
Reserve Champion - Eiger Nectarina
Standard Junior Champion - Sharptor Tonya
Reserve Champion - Blacketor Valentine
Standard Senior Champion - Kerlock Verity
Reserve Champion - Lakehead Merianne
Standard Overall Champion - Kerlock Verity
Reserve Champion - Sharptor Tonya
Ridden Champion - Claudia Groves on Selspens Merry
Reserve Champion - Molly Marston on Kilshane Almond
Supreme Champion - Kerlock Verity
Reserve Champion - Shawdene Jonquil