Shetland ponies fly to Hong Kong in goodwill gesture

June 7, 2008
 

Two shetland ponies fly to Hong Kong today in a gesture of goodwill to the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation for its efforts in hosting the equestrian events of the 2008 Olympic Games.

The ponies are a gift from the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC), and the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation (HKEF) will host a special presentation ceremony on July 10 to receive them.

The ponies were quarantined in Kentucky and flew out from Chicago today.

Established in 1888, the American Shetland Pony Club ASPC is one of the oldest breed registries in the United States. When ASPC Marketing Director, Johnny Robb, read about the efforts that the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation and the Hong Kong Jockey Club put forth to host the 2008 Olympics, she was moved. "In these unsettled times, it was exciting to see one country put forth such energy and resources for an effort that will unite equestrians worldwide," said Robb, "It is an example of the true spirit of the Olympic Games."

Robb also read that there were only a few ponies in Hong Kong imported by the local riding schools to be used as school ponies as well as six mini ponies reportedly left by a Russian circus.

"Our Shetland Ponies have truly been a part of the fabric of American life. I thought it would be so special if we could thank the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation by sending a gift of two of our ponies," Robb said.

 

FMF Imagination and PC's Karmel Kid before their departure.

The ASPC purchased two special ponies. One National Champion riding and driving pony, FMF Imagination, was bought from Brenda Basham and Jason Prince of Excalibur Training Stable in Illinois. FMF Imagination's holds dual registrations. Along with being a registered American Shetland Pony, his unique color pattern qualifies him for registration with the Pinto Horse Association of America (PtHA), an organization that accepts spotted equines from a wide variety of breeds. The second American Shetland Pony heading to Hong Kong is PC's Karmel Kid, who is trained in the Olympic discipline of dressage and was purchased from Ingram Training Stable in Florida.

With the help of International Racehorse Transport's Simone Glennie, the flight to Hong Kong was arranged.

The American Shetland Pony Club is proud to honor Hong Kong's efforts to host the Olympics, but a campaign of this magnitude takes a village. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the National Governing Body for US Equestrian Sports, gave their full support to the ASPC's tribute to Hong Kong. Along with USEF and the PtHA, several other organizations joined in to support the ASPC's effort. Ozark Mountain Mini Tack pitched in to supply saddles, bridles and accessories for the ponies.

"We were uncertain if there would be tack and equipment small enough to fit the ponies in Hong Kong," said ASPC Director of Operations, Zona Schneider. "We are grateful to Ozark Mountain for ensuring the riders in Hong Kong will have everything they need to enjoy these fine ponies."

The WF Young Corporation supplied Absorbine Show Sheen and grooming products for the ponies and Freedom Health supplied the ponies with Succeed, a digestive aid, during quarantine and for their transition period in Hong Kong.

 

 

The American Shetland Pony Club