The 2013 United Professional Horseman’s Association’s national convention is set to take place January 3-5 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.   “Pure Excitement” is the theme for ths year’s event hosted by Chapter 1.

Additional information including the agenda and activity details plus the registration form are available on the UPHA website at www.uphaonline.com.

2012 Congress In The History Books

The 66th Annual American Shetland Pony Congress featuring competition for American Shetlands, American Show Ponies and National Sports Performance Ponies was held last week in Tulsa, OK.  The show kicked off on Tuesday, Aug. 7 and ran through Saturday, Aug. 11. Several hundred ponies hailing from across the United States were on hand to compete.

Due the tight scheduling each day and the extremely long days that often ran ‘til well past midnight, Society Pony Online was unable to post regular coverage during the event.  Presently, we are working on coverage, news and candid photos.  Watch for materials to being appearing on this website soon.

A post-Congress issue of the American Society Pony ezine will come out this fall.  Deadline for ads will be September 1.  If you would like to be included in a publication that will offer full and in-depth Congress coverage at exceptionally low prices, please contact Society Pony staff through the “contact us” menu button.

Photo Courtesy of Gold Horse Productions

The weather was beautiful for the annual Evergreen Spectacular show sponsored by the Evergreen Miniature Horse Club.  More than 100 Shetlands, American Show Ponies and Miniature Horses competed in more than 400 classes over three days, July 6-8.  This show was held at Tacoma Unit #1 in Spanaway, WA, just east of Tacoma.  Roger Eitel from Athol, ID, and Kathi Knight from Garden City, MO, served as judges.

There were many youth activities including team tournament, art and essay contests, and a variety of races on Saturday afternoon.  Exhibitors were treated to coffee and donuts each morning and then a wonderful exhibitors’ dinner Saturday evening where Greg Swartz served as head "Flamingo Chef" wearing his own flamingo chef's hat.  There was also a raffle and silent auction offering many wonderful items.

Judges Knight and Eitel named Modern Shetland, Created in His Image, owned by Howard Stables of Beaverton, OR, as Evergreen Spectacular Champion of Champions in halter.  The Evergreen Spectacular is definitely a show to put on one's 2013 calendar!

Check out other photos from the event by Gold Horse Productions under Society Pony Online's "Photo" menu.

Central States Pony Association’s 2012 Four Star Event for society ponies and other small equine, on June 16-17 in Illinois, was a stunning success.  Held at Gordyville Arena near Rantoul, IL, the well-known competition experienced an increase in participation of 50%.  Entries were strong in many of the show’s several hundred classes that featured opportunities for American Shetlands, American Show Ponies, AMHR registered Miniatures, Hackneys, Welsh and grade ponies.   

The show included a fun theme (“Beach Party”) and offered awards, give-aways and fun activities to match.  Most participants’ enjoyed the show’s ever-popular exhibitors’ dinner, and the youth enjoyed some activities designed just or them.

This show is a recognized or pointed competition for several different associations and clubs. 

Check out the full story for this great event under SPO’s “Show/Events” section under the "News Articles" menu.  Also, check out the photos elsewhere on Society Pony Online.

American Shetlands and Show Ponies from throughout the Midwest were on hand to compete at the ASPC’s National Area IV Show in DuQuoin, IL, June 8-10 along with some top quality Miniature Horses.

Nearly 500 classes were offered over three days in this show hosted by the Show Me Little Equine Club.  2012 Congress Princess Katie Clark was on hand to help present awards in many of these offerings.   The following earned high point youth and amateur awards at this regional championship:

High point ASPC/ASPR Youth: Katie Clark, IL
High Point AMHR Youth: Dani Helbig, IL
High Point ASPC/ASPR Amateur: Michelle Barcus, MO
High Point AMHR Amateur: Sherry Martin, AR

The show kicked off at 9 a.m. on Friday and classes wrapped up late Sunday afternoon.  There was competition for everything from Miniature and pony pleasure to small equine obstacle & hunter to animated harness ponies or speedy roadster ponies.   On Saturday evening, SMLEC hosted an exhibitors’ dinner attended by many. 

Well-known pony farms and stables attended, especially many from Area IV.  Michelle LeGrotte Barcus showed off a couple of new ponies including the beautiful black gelding Coal Train who was handled to the Modern Over Roadster Stake by Jim Knight.  This pony also picked up some great gelding halter wins for Dreamland Shetlands, too.

Welcome To Society Pony Online!

What is Society Pony Online?  Simply … S.P.O. is a new resource for everyone devoted to American Shetlands, Hackney Ponies, American Show Ponies and even Welsh harness & roadster ponies. Society Pony Online hopes to become your one-stop-shop for information on these dynamic ponies, their people, their farms, their events and more.  S.P.O. will strive to bridge the gap between the associations, to share news from the local organizations and to promote all things show pony!

Yes. I am THAT Roberts girl. Well, I guess I’m no longer a girl anywhere but in my own mind.  Still, that’s how I see myself, and I know it’s how many of you will remember me.  I am that girl who grew up at pony shows … shows with capacity crowds on stake night … shows where classes for different breeds co-mingled but no one worried about who was bringing the most money to the table … shows with real sessions … shows where the only reason you were in the arena at midnight was because you were working a pony …