It was a great honour to be invited to judge at the Hyllestad Show. The venue could not have been more spectacular—set beside a beautiful lake with mountains rising in the background, and blessed with fine weather, it created a truly memorable atmosphere for exhibitors and spectators alike.

The turnout was excellent, with both standard and miniature ponies of consistently high quality presented throughout the day. The event was extremely well organised, with every detail thoughtfully managed, including the presentation of wonderful rosettes for all classes.

A full report will appear in the next issue of the Stud Book Magazine, prepared by the Norwegian show organisers.

Corinna

The Norwegian Daughter Stud Book hosted this year’s International Shetland Pony Committee (ISPC) meeting at the Hotel Sognefjord in Leirvik. Set against a stunning natural backdrop, the hotel provided excellent facilities and comfortable accommodation for the delegates.

Representatives from Norway, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Poland, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and United Kingdom were in attendance.

Key topics discussed included:

• Silver Dapple: Thoroughly debated; further details will be shared in due course.
• Asymmetrical Heads in Shetland Ponies: No scientific evidence currently suggests this condition affects ponies’ health or explains its cause.
• Colour Nomenclature: The Mother Stud Book records coat colours by phenotype (see breed description), while some Daughter Stud Books use genetic testing (genotype) for classification.
• Artificial Hair: The use of artificial hair on ponies remains strictly prohibited in the show ring.
• International Show: France presented a overview of the costs involved in organizing the event.
• Slovenia: An application for ISPC membership has been submitted; approval from the Slovenian ministry is still pending.
• ISPC Meeting 2026: The UK Mother Stud Book will host, with the specific venue to be determined by the Council.

The meeting was a valuable opportunity for international collaboration and exchange, ensuring the continued welfare and promotion of the Shetland pony.

2025 International Show France

https://gallery.equinepix.co.uk/theshetlandsocietybreedshow2025/

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.

As of the 1st of January 2024 the following price increases will come into force:

Subscriptions:
Individual Annual £40.00
Joint Annual £70.00
Junior £17.50
Family £90.00
Life £1,000.00
Annual Crofter £30.00
Life Crofter £450.00
Associate £30.00
Late penalty fee £10.00

Registrations:
Passport amendments £15.00
Duplicate passport £40.00
Keeper registration £20.00
Import £250.00

Miscellaneous:
Priority service £30.00
Extra rosettes £3.00 each

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 the mare registration.

BHF BB update press release 111023

Instructional video – how to take a hair sample

Legislation requires all equines born before July 2009 to be microchipped.

This will come into force on the following dates

England – 1st October 2020
Wales – 12th February 2021
Scotland – 28th March 2021

Your vet should add the barcode sticker to the passport above the silhouette and sign and stamp it.  The vet must then notify the society by post or email, giving the pony’s name and registration number and the number of the chip inserted.