The 2026 Judges seminar will be held on Sunday 8th March 2026 at Solihull Riding Club, Four Ashes Road, Bentley Heath, Solihull, West Midlands, B93 8QE.

🕰️Arrive 9.30am for 10am start

Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided

🟢Probationary judges are welcome
🟢All panel judges must attend one seminar in every 3 years to remain on the panel
🟢Booking forms will be sent out from the office

October Council Meeting

Council met on 30th-31st October 2025 with Corinna Seipp presiding.

Topics included membership, event feedback, member complaints, rulebook review and finance.

Attendance: council members present; apologies noted.

Confidentiality and conduct reminders.

Previous meeting minutes approved, follow-up actions implemented.

New member applications approved.

Council receives a request from the Royal Highland Show to provide a short list of judges for their 2026 show. A list of all current judges is to be sent to the Secretary of the 2026 Royal Highland Show, minus the Intermediate Judges and those who will be judging the 2026 Breed Show.

Discussed welfare breaches and complaints, including a welfare issue concerning a pony at the Aberdeen Sale. Council will investigate and decide on actions.   It was also noted that some vendors left ponies without hay or water, a reminder of the welfare requirements to be included in the sale entry form.

Lerwick Sale had good feedback.

Issues regarding parking problems at the Worcester sale were brought to Council’s attention; this will be addressed with the auctioneers to achieve a satisfactory solution.

Positive correspondence discussed and appropriate replies drafted.

Building maintenance and possible grants were discussed, and a new fire door is to be installed.

Positive feedback received from the last Judges seminar; Council is looking to put in place a 3-year seminar schedule, which should make it easier for judges to plan their attendance.

Council reviewed the Rulebook, and minor adjustments are to be implemented for 2026.

Retiring Council members, including the Past President, were thanked for their support and contribution to the Society during their terms.

Council Meeting dates for 2026:
Thursday 19th & Friday 20th February
Thursday 16th & Friday 17th April

At present, the SPS-BS is not aware of any silver/silver gene Shetland ponies, referred to in the SPSBS statement silver/silver gene, being registered in the UK Shetland Pony Stud-Book.
All ponies accepted, rejected or removed from UK or European Stud Books must be done in line with EU legislation.
The SPS-BS is in the process of researching this matter through the Scottish Government and the UK Ministry.

Individual questions from members or non-members on this matter will not be answered.

 After extensive research, it has become apparent that there are abnormalities within the pedigrees of Shetland ponies of the colour Silver or carriers of the Silver Gene.  
The SPSBS (Mother Stud-Book Society) strongly advises its members/breeders and members/breeders of its Daughter Societies not to use ponies of the colour Silver or carriers of the Silver Gene within their breeding programs for registered pure-bred Shetland ponies.
Investigation and research into this is ongoing and may result in registered Shetland ponies of the colour Silver or Silver Gene being removed from all Stud Books for pure-bred Shetland ponies.

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.