The 2012 Mid-States Horse Show, hosted by the Mid American Hackney association, was held July 13-15 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.  This annual event for many society breeds including Hackneys and Shetlands is a much-anticipated event for many.

This year, the show moved into the beautiful Jacobsen Exhibition Center.  Unfortunately, entries were down somewhat from last year, especially in Shetland classes.  While the tough economy could be a contributing factor, many Shetland exhibitors were undoubtedly preparing to attend the Ohio State Fair championship show which starts on July 17.  It is also possible that the 2011 fielded extra entries since last year’s show occurred immediately before the Shetland Congress which was held at the Iowas State Fairgrounds immediately following Mid-States in 2011.

Still, there were many great classes throughout the three days of the show and some of the Hackney competition was especially strong.  Pleasure driving for Hackneys fielded nice competition, and there was an especially strong class of seven in the Hackney Amateur Road Class.  There were some beautiful harness entries in the various Hackney classes throughout the weekend as well.

The Mid-States show also included many of the activities and special features exhibitors have come to love.  The stick horse class on Saturday night was filled with enthusiastic youngsters.  The Iowa People Hall of Fame induction took place during Saturday afternoon’s session.  Saturday night following the show offered up the popular exhibitors’ dinner.  In addition to classes for Shetlands and Hackneys, this great show held annually in Des Moines also included classes Saddlebreds, Morgans, and Arabians.  There were also some stylish Fresians in a few of the open undersaddle type classes.

This show has it all ... good class list, beautiful location, professional photographer and great exhibitors activities.  Consider putting this annual event on your show calendar for next year.

Exhibitors who want to review their photo proofs from the show can check out show photographs by Avalon Photography at www.avaloneqinephotos.com.  Click on the Horse Shows menu option and then look for link “Looking For Horse Show Proof?”  There is an option on that page to log into the shopping cart to view online proofs.

The 76th Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show hits the Red Mile started Monday, July 9.  This historic show runs through Saturday, July 14.

The general schedule for this year’s show is as follows:

Monday, July 9th  - No morning session, Evening@ 6:30pm    
Tuesday, July 10th - 9:00am and 6:30pm    
Wednesday, July 11th - 9:00am and 6:30pm    
Thursday, July 12th - 9:00am and 6:30pm    
Friday, July 13th  - 9:00am and 6:30pm    
Saturday, July 14th – No morning session, Evening @ 6:30pm

If you are in the Lexington area, consider attending a session or two. Morning sessions are free to the public while general admission tickets for evening sessions are available at the gate for $5 Monday through Thursday and $10 Friday & Saturday. Children under six are admitted free.

Proceeds benefit local and regional charitable organizations sponsored by the Junior League of Lexington.  Since the show was founded in 1937, it has raised more than four million dollars for charitable and civic organizations in Central Kentucky. 

Started in 1937, this show is often referred to as the first leg of the American Saddlebred Triple Crown.  More importantly for society pony enthusiasts, this grand event includes a variety of classes for thrilling Hackney ponies including both cob tail and long-tail harness classes.  The stunning harness pony competition culminates with the $500 amateur championship on Friday evening and the $1500 grand championship on Saturday evening.

There are 10 thrilling Hackney Road classes throughout the week at the Red Mile including under saddle.  The popular Amateur roadster driving stake will take place on Friday evening and pay out $500 while the roadster grand championship will take place on Saturday and pay $1,000.

After being absent the past few years, Modern Shetland and ASPR classes are returning to the Oregon State Fair.   These stylish society ponies will strut their stuff on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, Aug 27-29 at the state fairgrounds on Salem, OR.

This show will be sanctioned by the ASPC/ASPR pending approval. Steve Hatch will be judge.  This event will also be approved for amateurs in the ASPC’s Triple A Amateur Program.

Class options this year will include:  open, stake and amateur classes for Shetland Harness, Shetland Roadster, Shetland Formal Driving, Modern Pleasure Open Pleasure, Modern Pleasure Country, ASPR Harness, ASPR Roadster, ASPR Pleasure and ASPR Country.

The premium will be posted at www.oregonstatefair.org.  Please watch for it.

Make plans now to attend a great state fair show.  If this returning event proves successful, the fair will considering upgrading the event for society ponies to include two judges and possibly offer payback in stake classes.

The Indiana Celebration show will be held July 13-14 in New Castle, IN, and will include Hackney classes for the entire family! 

Join the fun. Join your friends. Enjoy a great time at the 2012 Indiana Celebration.   The Hoosier Hackney Association invites you to join your friends for two fun filled days of showing your Hackney ponies.  Classes start Friday afternoon at 12:00.  Saturday classes start at 1:00.  The Indiana Celebration is a Adult Driving Challenge qualifying show.  All Adult Driving Challenge classes pay the added premium monies.  No qualifying class required for stake classes. 

For stall reservations and additional informaton contact Gordon Lawler (765) 533.2080 or Steve Kildow (765) 620.5779.  Check out the Indiana Celebration website www.inwha.org.  

The Indiana celebration has the following classes:

Hackney Country Pleasure Open
Hackney Country Pleasure Junior/Limit
Hackney Country Pleasure Stake (No Qualifying Class Required)

Hackney Pony Open
Hackney Pony Junior/Limit
Hackney Pony Stake (No Qualifying Class Required)

Hackney Pleasure Driving Open
Hackney Pleasure Driving Junior/Limit
Hackney Pleasure Driving Stake (No Qualifying Class Required)

Hackney Park Pleasure Driving

Harness Pony Open
Harness Pony Junior/Limit
Harness Pony Stake (No Qualifying Class Required)

Hackney Roadster Pony Open
Hackney Roadster Pony Junior/Limit
Hackney Roadster Pony Lady to Drive
Hackney Roadster Pony 48" and Under
Hackney AHHS Youth Medallion Roadster
Hackney AHHS Youth Medallion Roadster Under Saddle
Hackney Roadster Pony Stake (No Qualifying Class Required

The New Castle facility is an outstanding location for a horse show.  The scenic outdoor ring is spacious.  In the event of inclement weather, a covered pavilion is available for classes.  The show grounds has a golf course, fishing pond and miles of walking trails.  Come join the fun.  The Hoosier Hackney Association provides a free luncheon for all exhibitors Friday afternoon.  The Indiana Walking Horse Association provides a free exhibitor dinner Saturday.  Don't miss this fun event.

Long-time horse show sponsors have seen it all when it comes competition successes or the overall health of their shows.  Rare is the absolute unexpected outcome.  Rare … but certainly not unknown.

Central States Pony Association has been hosting pony shows for well more than 30 years in different venues, at alternate times and with a myriad of outcomes.  When it comes to horse shows, those involved with the CSPA event have pretty much seen it all.

Still, CSPA’s 2012 Four Star Event show for society ponies and small equine held June 16-17 at Gordyville Arena blew away expectations. 

After years hosting shows that traditionally draw 100-130 small equine, CSPA saw its 2012 show participation jump dramatically, especially in its pony divisions.  This year, the show had 180-plus entries, up more than 50% from last year.  Exhibitors were on hand for 11 different states according to club treasurer Nedra Baraks.  With the economy impacting so many shows negatively, any increase in participation is often welcome but an increase of 50% is rare indeed.  The increases helped this event turn a welcome profit this year, after CSPA took a loss on the 2011 show when it hosted the ASPC National Area IV competition last year.

As usual, the 2012 CSPA Four Star Event was sanctioned for all divisions of the American Shetland Pony Club, Inc. This year’s show offered competition for Modern Shetlands, Modern Pleasure Shetlands, Classic Shetlands, Foundation Shetlands and American Show Ponies as well as classes for AMHR registered Miniatures. 

As a long-time pony-focused club, CSPA’s show also includes a variety of Hackney and Welsh pony classes since competitions for those ponies are not as numerous as they used to be. 

In addition to being a sanctioned show for the ASPC/AMHR/ASPR, the 2012 CSPA event was also recognized as a points show for the American Hackney Horse Association.  As a result, Hackney entries were up noticeably from previous years.  The 50” roadster pony open class was one of the largest and most exciting classes of the show. There was a small but quality contingent of Miniature Horse exhibitors from the near south who supported this year’s show.

This event was also a recognized show for the Illinois Horse and Pony Breeders Association.

The CSPA competition included several fun and non-rated classes to stimulate youth and family participation as well. The additions and the fun fit well in this long-running show’s penchant for old-time society show camaraderie and activities.

The official deadline for entries for the 2012 ASPC/ASPR Congress to be held Aug. 7-11 at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds in Tulsa, OK, is July 1.  Entries must be post-marked by that date.

This year, July 1 falls on a Sunday. Although common for mailing requirments to be extended one day when the postmark date falls on a Sunday (think Federal Income Tax due dates), the ASPC national office has a precedent of following deadline dates exactly when it comes to show entries. Therefore, Congress exhibitors should remember to get their entries in the mail no later than Saturday, June 30, since mail can’t be postmarked on a Sunday.

Society Pony Online congratulates some of our inaugural advertisers on their successes at the 2011 UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show.  Congratulations to Herron Stables, Michelle Barcus/Dreamland Shetlands and Mike & Stacy Hupfeld.  All achieved success on day one. Added to the mix on day day was SPO advertiser Dr. Cathy Harris.

You can check out more about the show at by watching the daily livestreaming by Richfield Video:  http://www.richfieldvideo.com/webcasting.html

You can review the official ring photography from the American Royal at www.howardschatzburg.com

Results for the 2011 American Royal