The American Show Pony

The American Show Pony goes back to the former Harness Show Pony division offered by the American Shetland Pony Club Inc., before the mid-1900s.

 

The Harness Show Pony offered a place for Shetlands which grew beyond that breed’s height limit, small Hackneys or crosses between Hackneys and Shetlands to compete.

 

For a number of years, The American Shetland Pony Club allowed a Shetland x Hackney cross to be registered as a “B” division Shetland with those offspring being incorporated into many Modern Shetland programs. Once The American Shetland Pony Club moved to close its registry in the mid-1990s, breeders using these crosses were left with no place to go. The creation of the American Show Pony Registry (ASPR) gave these crosses a legitimate place to be recognized and to compete.

Grand Illusion
Photo Courtesy of Jack Schatzberg

The American Show Pony must measure 48” or under at the withers to compete. These larger flashy ponies are impressive athletes with their animated gait and brilliance. They are especially suited to driving and performance and are always crowd favorites.

Seamair All That Glitters

Photo courtesy of Doug Shiflet

To learn more about this rapidly expanding breed, please feel free to contact us at:
aspr1@americanshowpony.com

You may also write or call the

American Shetland Pony Club

81-B East Queenwood Road

Morton, IL 61550

Phone:  309-263-4044

Fax: 309-263-5113

www.shetlandminiature.com
Swamp Gator
Photo courtesy of Washburn Photography

To qualify to be registered and compete as an ASPR,  the pony may be one of the following:

  • A registered American Shetland (ASPC); 
  • A registered Hackney Pony (AHHS);
  • A foal resulting from a cross between a registered Shetland and registered Hackney;
  • A foal resulting from a cross between two ASPR registered parents.
Youth Exhibitor showing Tijuana Playboy under saddle

Photo Courtesy of Washburn Photography

As part of the American Shetland Pony Club, American Show Pony have local, regional and national championship level competitions.

 

Classes offered range from In- Hand / Halter for stallions, mares and geldings; 4 distinct driving divisions - Fine Harness, Roadster, Formal Pleasure, Country Pleasure; and Under Saddle for Youth.  

 

In 2012 we will see the addition of Liberty classes along an ever growing selection of Under Saddle and Ladies driving classes.   

 

The American Shetland Pony Club also offers additional programs and recognition such as the Super Gelding program or the Triple Amateur Awards for the American Show Pony.

Synergy TAP