The 2015 American Shetland Pony Congress will take place July 7-11 at the Iowa State Fair Grounds in Des Moines, Iowa. The Congress is the longest continually running show of the American Shetland Pony Club, Inc., one of the oldest breed registries in the United States.
With over 540 ponies registered for this championship event, this year marks the 69th anniversary and what better location than Des Moines, where the very first show was held in 1947 during one of the largest fairs in the world–the Iowa State Fair.
The Jacobson Exhibition Center in Des Moines will play home to more than 400 classes for small equine during the historic Congress. This Congress is the official national championship for all divisions of the American Shetland Pony (ASPC) and for the American Show Pony (ASPR). Competition classes will occur all day, every day, from July 7-11, and will range from beautiful halter to majestic fine harness to thrilling roadster and will include classes that highlight the versatility of ponies.
“The National Shetland Congress gives the world the opportunity to observe what the fantastic Shetland breed has to offer,” stated Jac-Lynn Tyler, president of the ASPC/AMHR. “I personally invite everyone to visit in person or online and experience the exciting competition in a beautiful historic venue. When in Des Moines, be sure and walk the barns, visit with the vendors, owners, breeders and exhibitors. It’s a great time for the whole family.”
The National ASPC/ASPR Congress will include several other fun activities for participants throughout the week. The volunteers and members from MCSBA Club will be hosting a dinner as well as surprise snacks throughout the event. There will be Youth activities and the winning Youth t-shirt design will be seen on shirts donned by many during the week. There will be shopping opportunities, social get-togethers and more.
Awards and presentations, both new and historic, will be made throughout the event. In addition to many memorial trophies in classes, there will be recognition for youth, amateurs and more. Exhibitors will also vie for thousands of dollars in prize money in various competition classes.
The complete schedule for the 2015 ASPC/ASPR Congress Show is on the ASPC’s website at www.shetlandminiature.com.
Make plans now to attend this historic event and see what American Shetland and American Show Pony enthusiasts already know–that these small equine offer something for everyone.
The American Shetland Pony Club, the American Show Pony Registry and The American Miniature Horse Registry are non-profit organizations established to preserve and refine the bloodlines of these small equines and promote the enjoyment of small equines. Recognized as the oldest and most versatile registry in the United States, the American Shetland Pony Club offer a variety of programs for Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse enthusiasts of all ages. Visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or 81-B East Queenwood Road, Morton, IL 61550.
