Crossroads Arena to host Shetland Pony Congress show

Saturday, July 25, 2009
Cloverdale residents are invited to jump into the fun July 28 to August 1 at the Shetland Pony National Congress at Crossroads Arena.

CLOVERDALE -- The best Shetland Ponies from across the nation will descend on Cloverdale, Indiana, July 28 through August 1, for the 121st Shetland Pony Congress Show. The versatile ponies will have a chance to compete for National Championship titles in driving, halter, jumping, youth classes, costume classes and more.

The prestigious Shetland Pony Congress will be held at the Crossroads Arena facility, where spectators are invited to enjoy an array of exciting favorite Shetland Congress classes, from fast paced roadster driving to the spectacular and inventive costume classes. Admission is free and spectators are invited to learn more about American Shetland Ponies while at the show.

"The Shetland Pony Congress Show is a wonderful way to experience all this amazing breed has to offer and we are hoping that many residents from the area will have a chance to come and meet the ponies," said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR). "Due to their small size and affordable price, both children and adults own and show Shetland Ponies. This show will give spectators a wonderful chance to see the ponies in action and see how versatile Shetland Ponies truly are."

The American Shetland Pony Club held the 120th Anniversary of the Shetland Pony Congress Show in Cloverdale last year, and has returned due to its overwhelming success. "Cloverdale and the Crossroads Arena proved to be a great venue for our show," Robb said. "We are excited to return and hope we have a great turnout of people who want to see and meet some of the best Shetland Ponies in the nation."

The ASPC recognizes many types of Shetlands, and all will be competing at the show. Types of ponies recognized are the Classic Shetland Pony, the Foundation Shetland Pony, the Modern Shetland Pony, the American Show Pony and the National Show Pony.

Competition in the American Show Pony division will be steep, as the registry has added $6,000 in incentive prize money for classes at the Congress show. American Show Ponies are sought after as impressive athletes and are a crowd favorite when they drive into the show ring.

Farnam Companies, a long-time supporter of small equines, will again sponsor the Vetrolin Grooming Awards. The "best groomed" pony will receive a year's supply of Vetrolin grooming products provided by Farnam Companies.

"The show is great fun for the whole family and we encourage everyone to come out to meet the small but mighty Shetland Ponies," Robb said. "Mark your calendars for July 28 to August 1 and plan on attending the American Shetland Pony Congress."

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.

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