by Tina Hartley

Created on: September 28, 2010

The American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) was established in 1888 as a registry to keep track of the Shetland ponies that were brought to America from Europe. As with any organization dedicated to the pedigree of a specific breed of animal, the ASPC defines guidelines for breed characteristics such as height and coloring.

These hardy little ponies originated in the Shetland Islands north of Scotland in the North Sea. They are popular as a child’s first pony and as pets. Due to their formidable strength, relative to their size, they are often used as cart horses.

Shetland ponies were widely used in the mines in the 19th century and were imported to America in large numbers due to their ability to travel through narrow mine shafts. The International Museum of the Horse states ponies could still be found underground throughout Great Britain as recently as the late 1970s.

According to the ASPC, all registered Shetlands and “R” Miniatures are governed by this organization. The board of the ASPC makes the policies and procedures, in addition to registering and promoting the breed. Awards are also given to recognize animals and handlers.

Four distinct breeds are recognized by this club; The Classic American Shetland Pony, The Modern American Shetland Pony, The American Show Pony and The American Miniature. According to information found on the club’s website, a larger pony, The National Show Pony is now recognized.

The ASPC maintains a list of sanctioned and non-sanctioned events around the country. An international breeder’s directory and a list of recognized clubs in the United States, by area, are also available. Many relevant forms for pony registration, gelding certification, stallion service and membership applications are available at the ASPC website, www.shetlandminiature.com
The ASPC website also provides information on board directors, board members, and committee members. Registered ASPC members may also access the minutes of past board meetings.

For individuals interested in becoming a show manager, a judge, or a steward a variety of forms are available including clinic registration and evaluation forms. Current judges are required to attend an ASPC/American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) clinic every three years and stewards every five years. A pony’s eligibility for registration with the club is affected by a variety of factors including heritage and size. More registration information is available by phoning the ASPC headquarters near Peoria, Illinois, or on the club’s website.

The ASPC and AMHR publish a bi-monthly magazine, The Journal of The American Shetland Pony Club. A subscription is available to non-members for $30. A free subscription is included with a regular membership. A standard membership fee is $65. Junior memberships and memberships for individuals within the same household are also available at a reduced cost.

Learn more about this author, Tina Hartley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.