American Shetland Pony Club, Inc., Upgrades, Expands and Diversifies   
2012 Plans Continue History of  Serving Small Equine World

Morton, IL — The American Shetland Pony Club, Inc., one of the oldest breed registries in the United States, is not sitting on its laurels in 2012.  Instead, this multi-faceted and multi-breed association is boldly expanding some of its offerings and upgrading other programs or division for a fresh new approach this year.  

The American Shetland Pony Club, Inc., (ASPC) was established in 1888 to govern the then-burgeoning interest in Shetlands in the United States.  ASPC is one of this country’s oldest equine governing bodies. In addition to championing and advancing the American Shetland, the ASPC established other breeds and divisions under its auspices that complement the association’s original vision and goals.

This summer, the ASPC will hold one of the oldest breed championships in this country when the National Shetland Congress celebrates its 65th anniversary.  The 2012 National Shetland and Show Pony Congress will be held August 7-11 in Tulsa, OK.

In September, one of the ASPC Inc’s, most successful divisions – the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) – will hold its 25th national championship show.  The AMHR is the oldest Miniature Horse registry in existence, and its show is the largest small equine event in the world.  

In 1971, the ASPC pioneered the first Miniature Horse registry in this country with the creation of the AMHR. In the 1980s, the club boldly enhanced this division’s long-term prospects when it expanded the height options and created a second division recognizing slightly larger, but still diminutive horses.  To date, the AMHR has registered approximately 225,000 Miniatures.  Watch for news on the 25th AMHR National Championship Show this fall. This year this competition is expected to draw between 1,600 and 2,000 Miniature Horses.  

Establishing the AMHR is not the ASPC’s only success in expanding its versatility.  In the 1980s, recognizing that some Shetland breeders were still enamored with the Shetland style and body-type prevalent in the mid-20th century, the ASPC established a “Classic” division.  Today, Classic and Foundation American Shetlands are one of the ASPC’s strongest divisions.

Next, the ASPC set out to meet the needs of those who were raising show ponies by crossing registered Shetlands and Hackneys as well as to provide a venue for larger American Shetlands or smaller Hackneys to compete.  The creation of the American Show Pony Registry in 1995 met all of these needs and continues to do so today.  

2002 saw the creation of the National Show Pony Registry.  The NSPR was geared to allow crossing of both ASPC Shetlands and AMHR Miniatures with other breeds, especially small horse breeds.   This division was designed to offer a place for children to find ponies to ride within their “home” association after they outgrew riding Shetlands.   

Currently, ASPC members are working to diversify and grow the NSPR.  The group’s first step is to rename this division in 2012.  The ASPC recently crossed the first hurdle in changing this registry’s name to the National Sports Performance Pony Registry (NSPPR).  The NSPPR committee is also presently working to expand performance classes and options for this division. It also recently embarked on a small promotions campaign to begin to grow the NSPPR.

The ASPC/AMHR/ASPR youth program has been around many years.  It embarked on an expansion in the mid-1990s that saw many new awards, educational opportunities and fun activities added for youth showing Shetlands and Miniatures.  That growth has never stopped.  For 2012, ASPC’s Youth Program re-established and expanded one of its essay contests giving youth members across the country a chance to win their very own pony.  In fact, the Chance of Love contest will give away three show-quality ponies this summer.  This contest is currently ongoing. More information about it and all of the ASPC’s youth programs are available on the registry’s website or on the related youth website, www.aspcamhryouth.com.  You can also follow the association’s youth activities on Facebook by searching for ASPC AMHR ASPR NSPR Youth, another new endeavor for this year.

In another area, the ASPC/AMHR/ASPR is ramping up its recognition of geldings in 2012 via a program created a few years ago.  Today, under new leadership, the gelding incentive program is growing and expanding.  More information on the program and its many rewards are available on the registry’s website at www.shetlandminiature.com

The ASPC/AMHR/ASPR will also mark several milestones in the near future.  In addition to marking the 65th anniversary of the Shetland Congress and holding the 25th AMHR National Show later this year, in November, the American Shetland Pony Club, Inc., will hold its 125th annual meeting during the association’s national convention in St. Louis, MO.

ASPC continues to offer a special membership incentive through July 1, 2012.  Anyone who joins the ASPC before that date will receive a $20.00 account credit that can be used toward other registry work – from purchasing books or decals, to advertising in the magazine, to registering or transferring animals.

Throughout 2012, there will be sale on hardshipping registration work within the American Miniature Horse Registry. The AMHR slashed its fees for hardshipping qualified horses into the AMHR by half from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012.  The hardship fees for eligible stallions will drop from $400 to $200 for the next calendar year while the fees for eligible mares and geldings will be reduced from $200 to $100.

Other exciting plans for this small equine powerhouse will be forthcoming.  ASPC/AMHR/ASPR will continue to grow many of its programs.  It will also soon reveal plans to celebrate its long and unique history.

To learn more about this historic association and both its traditional and new programs, watch for a variety of articles and information through outlets like the magazine Horse Illustrated, which features small equine in its April/May issue, or Society Pony Online, a website devoted to covering small equine activities and events.

Or, check out information on the American Shetland Pony Club, the American Miniature Horse Registry, the American Show Pony Registry and the National Sports Performance Pony Registry – as well as these breeds and their array of programs – by visiting www.shetlandminiature.com.

April 3, 2012

GALVA, Ill. – The Black Hawk College East Foundation recently honored professor emeritus Jon Wolf, inducting him into the Wall of Fame. Honorees have provided outstanding service and/or leadership to the foundation and/or the Black Hawk College East Campus as well as the community.

Jon is a native of Polo, Illinois and a graduate of the University of Illinois.

Submitted photo: From left are Black Hawk College President Dr. Thomas Baynum; Wolf’s wife, Jane; Steve Spivey, president of the foundation, presenting Wolf with a recognition plaque; Chanda Dowell, vice president for the East Campus; and Liz Breedlove, executive director of the foundation.

“There’s a building on the hill that stands now as a symbol – not a symbol of a man or a woman who in a moment in time either opened their wallet or who exercised political clout – but a symbol of how one man’s disciplined and tireless passion and career grew to become a shared passion among faculty and students for nearly 40 years … and counting,” said Chanda Dowell, vice president for the East Campus, referring to Wolf.

“It’s both a tale and a legacy grounded in passion – the very passion that has become the fabric of the East Campus culture and its reputation of excellence in equine programs and across disciplines,” she said.

Wolf was hired in 1974 to develop and implement a horse science program at the East Campus where he served as a faculty member for 31 years. He also created the college’s Horse Judging Team and developed it into a nationally recognized program before retiring and leaving it in the capable hands of his successors.

“On Sept. 20, 1974, we had three students in the horse science program,” Wolf said. Now – 38 years, thousands of students and numerous national horse judging team championships later – Wolf continues to support the college.

Outside the college, Wolf developed and promotes his own DVD horse judging instructional series to continue to educate interested people, serves in the Kewanee FFA Alumni Association and is an approved judge for the American Miniature Horse Association, the American Miniature Horse Registry and the Ponies of the Americas Club where he has judged nationally and internationally. He also has served as a 4-H leader and temporary ag teacher and FFA advisor at Kewanee High School.

In retirement, Wolf  has worked as a substitute teacher in local school districts where his skills as a grandfather carry him through a day as a kindergarten teacher or where his relational skills find him equally adept at managing a high school classroom. Wolf is the executive secretary of the Black Hawk College Agri-Business Club Alumni and has filled in two times as college recruiter during transition periods, inspiring potential students with his quiet guidance and encouragement.

“I have personally relied on Jon’s passion for and knowledge about Black Hawk College. When I became the vice president of the East Campus, Jon willingly sat down with me for lunch and talked through the history of how programs were developed and the future of where programs could go, mentoring me in that which I was entrusted to lead,” Dowell said.

Steve Spivey, president of the BHC East Foundation, said, “I’ve known Jon since I was a student here. He is a distinguished member of the faculty who has touched the lives of so many students and so many have gone on to serve this institution and themselves well.”

“Jon is an incredible part of the campus community,” said Dr. Thomas Baynum, recently hired president of Black Hawk College. “When you see him working with parents and students (thinking of coming to Black Hawk College), you see him connect with them on their level.”

“Tonight is dedicated to 38 years of students,” Wolf said. “They are the ones who inspired me to be a better teacher and a better coach.”

He said he has “enjoyed every minute” of 31 years of teaching, but said working as a part-time recruiter was his favorite job.

“Black Hawk College East Campus is an easy sell,” he said. “We have great facilities and an outstanding faculty, which makes it easy to meet prospective students.”

Wolf thanked Jane, his wife, for “almost single-handedly” raising their three daughters Julie, Jamie and Jackie (all are East Campus alumna) while he was away building a nationally recognized equine program.

He also thanked his early fellow ag staff members Lanny Anderson, Dan Hoge and Eldon R. “Bud” Aupperle for “showing by example.”

“They set the bar high and showed if you want students to give something to you, you first have to give something to them,” he said. Wolf also noted he was “especially proud” of the current equine teaching and coaching staff, Donna Irvin, Aaron Callahan and Drew Cotton.

The honoree also praised Liz Breedlove, executive director of the Black Hawk College East Foundation, for taking support of college programs to a new level with scholarships and assistance for classroom and coaching needs.

Breedlove said that since last year’s Wall of Fame reception, the BHC East Foundation has continued its mission by providing the following support to the East Campus:

1)      $6,000 in mini-grants for the science, equine and art departments for instructional materials and special

2012 CLINIC DATES

STEWARDS CLINIC
May 28, 2012
9:00 AM – 12:00
Comfort Inn & Suites
2250 S 1200 W
Ogden, UT 84401
For Reservations:  Call 801-621-2545
Room Rate - $69.00 plus tax

JUDGES CLINIC
Sunday, October 14, 2012
8:00 AM -- 2:00 PM
LaQuinta Inn & Suites
6801 Tower Rd
Denver, CO 80249
For Reservations:  Call (303) 371-0888
NO STEWARD CLINIC AT THIS LOCATION
(Special room rates may apply after meeting room is booked)


2012 ASPC/AMHR/ASPR CONVENTION CLINIC'S

Steward’s Clinic will be Saturday, November 10, 2012
Please Check Convention Agenda For Time
Judges Clinic ~ Sunday, November 11, 2012
8:00 AM -- 2:00 PM
Following the 2012 ASPC/AMHR Convention in St. Louis, MO
MORE INFORMATION (Hotel) AT A LATER DATE


PLEASE PRE-REGISTER FOR ABOVE CLINICS
Registration Forms Available on the Website Under Judges/Stewards
Or Call the ASPC/AMHR/ASPR Office (309) 263-4044

...and its a Filly!

"Stalheijden Velvetbuck Silver Diva" of the Netherlands owned by Erica and Marco Van Der Heifden.  She is a beautiful black pinto out of Ravenwood Aristocrat Sweet As Pie and by Libertymeres Velvet Buckeroo (owned by Angelique van Nederpelt).

American Shetland Pony Club/American Miniature Horse Registry Youth Program Gears up for 2012

Offers Activities for Youngsters Interested in American Shetlands,
American Miniature Horses and American Show Ponies

Morton, IL — The American Shetland Pony Club, Inc.’s, Youth Committee is gearing up for a stellar 2012 with a new small equine give-away and many programs and awards for youth involved with Shetlands, Miniatures or Show Ponies.

The ASPC’s Youth Committee recently announced that the 2012 Youth Packet is now available from the dedicated youth website at www.aspcamhryouth.com This packet summarizes all of the youth activities, programs and awards for 2012 and provides all of the necessary rules and forms for these offerings as well.

For 2012’s ASPC youth program, the biggest change will be the cancellation of the essay contest at both the Shetland Congress and AMHR Nationals. However, in an exciting and bold move, the Youth Committee is replacing these activities with a Chance of Love essay contest.

The Chance of Love contest is open to all youth who are members of ASPC, Inc., and its subsidiary associations, the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) and the American Show Pony Registry (ASPR). Youth memberships are free and are available through the ASPC/AMHR/ASPR website at www.shetlandminiature.com.  Adult members of ASPC are encouraged to sponsor youth in their area, thereby giving youngsters a chance to participate in the contest and possibly win an equine of their very own.

Presently, the ASPC/AMHR/ASPR’s Youth Committee is accepting nominations for Shetland or Miniature Horse donations for the contest.  Donations may be considered from any current member of the association.  For those willing to donate an essay equine, the application and selection process is open until February 15. The information to apply as well as rules for selection may be found in the 2012 Youth Packet.

ASPC/AMHR/ASPR youth members are reminded that they must renew their youth card each year in order to show or take part in youth activities sanctioned by the association. However, youth memberships are free.  

Several programs, projects or deadlines for youth members will soon happen.  First, the 2011 year-end award winners will soon be announced.  Next, when the 2012 show season kicks off shortly, many local shows sanctioned by the ASPC/AMHR/ASPR will offer Youth Committee-sponsored awards.  

The applications for the junior royalty at both the ASPC/ASPR Congress and the AMHR National Show will be due April 1.  June 1 is the deadline for the youth T-Shirt design contest and scholarship applications as well as the Dan Langfeld, Jr., and Audrey Barrett award applications. These are all programs and awards available to ASPC/AMHR/ASPR youth members.

The ASPC/AMHR/ASPR Youth Program has offered a growing number of awards, programs and fun activities for the youth involved with Shetlands, Miniature Horses and Show Ponies since the mid-90s. Each year, ASPC/AMHR/ASPR youth members can apply for several dozen different awards, can earn prizes at local shows, can win scholarships, may try to win a free small equine and more. The Youth Program also offers a variety of educational and growth activities for youth such as the Quiz Bowl program, Junior Judging and more.

To learn more about the ASPC/AMHR/ASPR Youth Program, visit the dedicated youth website: www.aspcamhryouth.com

To sponsor a youth member or to learn about youth memberships, contact the American Shetland Pony Club, Inc., through its website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call the ASPC/AMHR Office at (309) 263-4044.

As of January 2012, Small Ponies (39" to 47.25") can compete in a CDE events with or without a Navigator. 

Check out an ADS Event near you!
ADS Calendar

Morton, IL – The American Miniature Horse Registry will slash its fees for hardshipping qualified horses into the AMHR by half from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012.

The hardship fees for eligible stallions will drop from $400 to $200 for the next calendar year while the fees for eligible mares and geldings will be reduced from $200 to $100.

These tremendous offers come by action of the organization’s national board at its recent national convention.

“Who doesn’t love a sale?” noted ASPC/AMHR officer Lewella Tembreull.  She added, “This particular sale is a win-win for our organization and our members.  Our members benefit because many have horses to hardship.   In turn, the association receives additional work, and there will be more horses registered that can then participate in shows or programs such as the Breeders Futurities.”

Miniatures that may benefit from this price drop are any horses currently registered with the American Miniature Horse Registry and American Shetland Pony Club that have reached their third birthday and that meet the height requirements of the AMHR.  Other horses registered with a competing registry may also be eligible.  

In other news for the American Miniature Horse Registry, owners and enthusiasts with registered three-year-old AMHR horses are reminded to update temporary registrations to permanent on those eligible horses.  Updates from temporary to permanent are due by Dec. 31.

The American Miniature Horse registry is the oldest Miniature Horse registry in existence.  Each year it registers anywhere from 7,500 to upwards of 10,000 horses.   AMHR conducts a national championship show each fall in Tulsa, OK.  This event draws more than small equine, making it the single largest event for Miniature Horses in existence.  Each year, AMHR gives away in excess of $60,000 in its futurities, incentives and stakes.  

For more information on the American Miniature Horse Registry, its programs or the sale on hardships, call 309-263-4044 or visit the association website at www.shetlandminiature.com.

Just the words Shetland Pony bring an immediate image to mind for many equine enthusiasts.  American Shetland Ponies and their slightly larger cousins, the American Show Pony, bear little resemblance to that preconceived notion many will conjure, however.

It’s no secret to American Shetland and American Show Pony (ASPR) enthusiasts: these dynamic, athletic and versatile smaller pony breeds make excellent driving partners.  Their driving panache is proven at numerous shows and competitions across North America each year.  

Driving options for American Shetlands and American Show Ponies are diverse. Roadster and fine harness spring readily to mind to those familiar with society pony show driving.  Beyond those divisions, these small equine thrive in several pleasure divisions and as hitch and carriage animals as well.  Obstacle driving is another venue where Shetlands especially excel.

Morton, IL —  Thanks to this fall’s member survey, Breed Promotions for the American Shetland Pony Club, Inc., and the American Miniature Horse Registry has collected some amazing stories it can share to further promote how wonderful small equine are.

AT THE ASPC/AMHR/ASPR CONVENTION HELD November 1-6, 2011 in Portland Oregon, President Pat Sanders officially established the American Driving Society Committee.

Kensington to be the Official Blanket of the ASPC and the American Miniature Horse Registry

Morton, IL — The American Shetland Pony Club, Inc., is pleased to announce that Kensington Protective Products will again be a corporate sponsor in 2012.  Kensington is becoming the official blanket of the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry.

Amateurs showing Shetlands or Miniatures next year will specifically benefit from the sponsorship.  Kensington will provide winter waterproof blankets for 45 amateur champions at the 2012 AMHR National Show and 35 amateur champions at the 2012 Shetland Congress.