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.

 

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.

 

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 SAMPLE DELAYS

Members may be aware that there have been some delays with the processing of DNA samples recently.   We have been reassured that Weatherbys have increased resources to deal with the backlog and have put in place measures to prevent this from happening again.  Weatherbys aim for a 15 working day turnaround for samples, which they hope to be back to very soon, but are currently operating on a 25 working day turnaround so I would advise anyone requiring DNA information to do it in plenty of time.

DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR…

SHOWS & EVENTS

Breed Show 2024
South of England Showground, Ardingly 
Sunday 4th August 2024
More info to follow

SALES

Society Sales 2024

Sale dates will appear here once confirmed

COUNCIL MEETING DATES

Thursday 1st & Friday 2nd February

Thursday 18th & Friday 19th April

OFFICE CLOSURES

Public Holidays

25th/26th December 2023
1st/2nd January 2024

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