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…

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.

 

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.

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.

Hat Standards

Please find below up to date information from the NPS regarding hat standards:-
Hat Standards accepted as of 1st January 2024 are as follows: PAS015 2011, VG1, (BS) EN1384 2023, ASTM F1163 2015 & 2023, SNELL E2016 onwards, AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards.
Hats meeting more than one standard: Some hats are badged with two or more standards. As long as a hat contains at least one compliant hat standard, then it is deemed suitable for use under NPS rules, even if it is additionally labelled with an older or out of date standard.

DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR…

SHOWS & EVENTS

Breed Show 2024
South of England Showground, Ardingly

Sunday 4th August 2024
Click for more info

SALES

Society Sales 2024

Lerwick T.B.C.
Aberdeen 7th October 2024
Worcester 15th October 2024

COUNCIL MEETING DATES

Thursday 18th & Friday 19th April

Thursday 4th & Friday 5th July

Thursday 24th & 25th October

OFFICE CLOSURES

Public Holidays

29th March 2024
1st April 2024
6th May 2024
27th May 2024
5th August 2024
25th December 2024
26th December 2024
1st January 2025
2nd January 2025

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