The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society
Small ponies have existed in the Shetland Isles for over 2000 years and probably much longer.
Various excavations on the islands have revealed the bones of small ponies that existed during the Bronze Age and it is thought that ponies have been in domestic use there since this time.
IMPORTANT NEWS…
Link to the Breed Show pictures from Equinepix Photography
https://gallery.equinepix.co.uk/theshetlandsocietybreedshow2025/
The Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society
As from 1st January 2022 all foals registered with the SPS-BS must have a DNA profile of the sire completed. Stallions that have already been through either the Voluntary Vetting Examination or previous SPS-BS Stallion Scheme will already have this in place. As a Charity we are obliged to ensure our registered ponies are a pure breed. The Society recommends that members put their colts through the Voluntary Vetting Examination (VVE). This is done to ensure stallions are free from any hereditary conditions. Should you buy a mare in foal please check that the sire has a DNA profile.
Our Shop
Please note that our shop has been updated with our latest clothing products. As there are multiple colours and sizes, please add your requirements (colour/size) in the additional notes section at the checkout or alternatively call 01738 623471 and ask for Victoria or you can email me at victoria@spsbs.co.uk and we can discuss your order.
Important notice regarding phoning the office
Please note as of today 16th September 2024, our phones will only be answered between 10am-4pm.
This is to allow us to process and return the passports in a timely manner.
Final Judges Seminar for 2025
The seminar will be held at Rodbaston College, South Staffordshire on Saturday 18th October, 2025.
All Judges must have attended at least one seminar in the past three years to remain on the SPSBS panel.
Booking forms will be sent out from the office nearer the time.
REGISTRATION INCREASE
As of 1st January 2023 there will be an increase in the registration fees for foals sired by colts that have not been successfully through the Voluntary Veterinary Examination, colt foal registrations will be £140 and filly foal registrations will be £180.
Hat Standards
DNA FIRST FOALING MARES
The Society would like to remind breeders that as of 1st January 2024, all first foaling/maiden mares must have their DNA profile completed prior to foal registration. Please bear this in mind when submitting foal registrations as this may mean they take longer to complete. We would encourage breeders to get mares DNA profiled in advance of foal registration. The cost will be £60.00 this will be for the DNA and mare registration.
DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR…
SHOWS & EVENTS
Breed Show 2026
Orkney Auction Mart, Grainshore Road, Kirkwall, Orkney
Saturday 22nd August 2026
Click for more info
SALES
Society Sales 2025
Lerwick –
Aberdeen –
Worcester – Sunday 26th October
(Entries closed Friday 12th September)
COUNCIL MEETING DATES
Council meeting dates for 2025
30th & 31st October
All correspondence must be in the office three days prior to the meetings, this can be via letter or email.
OFFICE CLOSURES
Public Holidays 2025
Thursday 25th December
Friday 26th December
FORMS…
WELFARE
The welfare of Shetland Ponies throughout the UK is a prime concern of the Society. Owning a pony can give great pleasure but there is also a big responsibility involved with the care and wellbeing of the pony. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 requires that you ensure any horse, pony, donkey or mule for which you are responsible, whether on a permanent or a temporary base has:
- A suitable environment to live in
- A healthy diet
- Is able to behave normally
- Has appropriate company
- Is protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease