5th November 2025

Dear Members,
I found myself somewhat unexpectedly, but honoured, taking the reins as President of the Society in July 2025. With Mr Steve Rendall as Vice President by my side, who brings a wealth of experience to the top table, it has been a very positive and busy time. My first AGM was on August 16th, followed the next day by the Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society Breed Show at Weston Lawns, Warwickshire, an excellent and suitable venue. I want to thank all the members who attended the
AGM/Show, as well as Mrs Mary Davenport and Mr Neil Buffery for organising it all. It takes a myriad of helpers, all of whom are volunteers, to put on such an event. On behalf of the society, I would like to extend our appreciation to all those involved.
Norway hosted this year’s ISPC meeting in Hyllestad; Steve and I attended, meeting representatives from our European Daughter Stud Books for a lively discussion about matters concerning our wonderful breed. The next day, I was invited to judge at the Hyllestad show, a showground set in the most stunning surroundings with a good turnout of quality ponies. Thank you to Norway for organising the meeting. England is scheduled to host the 2026 ISPC meeting;
the date and venue will be announced at a later time.
The 2026 Breed Show is going to Orkney, with the AGM on Friday, the 21st August.
The show will take place on Saturday, August 22nd, at the Auction Mart, Kirkwall.
The date and venue for the 2027 Breed Show are 8th August at the Lincolnshire County Showground.
Our council member, Stevie McKay and our Past President, Roselyn Fraser, are leaving us at the end of this year. They will be deeply missed, and the council thanks them for all their hard work and positive contributions to the breed and the membership, wishing them all the best for the future.
Mrs Andrea Foster and Mrs Mary Davenport were co-opted onto the council, filling the two vacant seats for England for the remainder of the term of the two resignees.
The new council members, starting their three-year term in 2026 for England, are Miss Kate Hampton and Mr David Gibson, both of whom have served on the Council previously; the new member for Wales is Mr Jamie Russ. Council is looking forward to working with them.
This year’s Society sales have been well attended. Lerwick and Aberdeen saw good entries, with most ponies finding new owners. The sale at Worcester had the highest entries, with bidding being lively and sales brisk, achieving record prices.
Also in October, the Society hosted the Judges’ Seminar at the Rodbaston Agricultural College near Penkridge. Mr Tony Bell and his daughter, Zoe, led the meeting, with 23 judges in attendance. The discussion on various topics, including movement and conformation, was lively, and the event was received positively by all. Excellent sandwiches arrived. A culinary treat made by Mrs Mary Davenport, to be enjoyed on both days. Thank you very much for providing them.
The Trainee Judges Assessment day was held the next day at the same venue. A huge thank you to everyone involved in organising both events, especially the volunteers who provided the ponies, both in-hand and ridden, for the day. Our two assessors this time were Miss Debbie Spears and Miss Kerry Wainright. I thank both of them on behalf of the Society for expertly putting the candidates through their paces.
Shetland Ponies flew the flag again at Hoys this year. Congratulations to the riders, owners, and producers; it is an outstanding achievement that promotes our versatile breed.
Not to forget all the ponies who are enjoyed in so many different ways by their owners, be it in the show ring, in-hand, driven or ridden, or just at home, giving pleasure to children and adults alike.
We all celebrate this wonderful breed in different ways.
At the end of October, the last council meeting of the year was held, my first as your President.
Many topics, including possible improvements at the Worcester Sale, were discussed. A Judges seminar will be organised for the spring of 2026, in the middle of the country, with the venue to be announced shortly.
The office works diligently throughout the year to ensure the smooth operation of the society. May I kindly remind you that the change of ownership is a legal requirement and has to be completed within 30 days of the sale. When this is not adhered to, it presents problems further down the line and requires hours of work to trace past owners to update the passports. This is a recurring issue,
so please ensure that transfers are completed when you sell your ponies.
The next Council meeting of the Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society will take place on the 19th and 20th of February 2026. The membership of the Society is of utmost importance to the Council. We are here to assist and guide, promoting and safeguarding the future of the Shetland Pony.
I am looking forward to meeting you at events and sales in 2026 and would like to wish you, on behalf of the society, a wonderful holiday season.

Kindest regards

Corinna Seipp

President