Wellington, Florida-For the third year in a row, Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses had an important role at the 123rd National Horse Show held in Wellington, Florida in December. Two American Shetland Ponies delivered the dignitaries to the National Horse Show's opening ceremonies on Friday Night and again on Sunday afternoon. MAM Spring Rain driven by owner, Marcia Yeager had the honor of delivering the Mayor of Wellington, Tom Wenham, to the opening ceremonies while thousands of fans cheered them into a trotting frenzy! Next came JT Pythagoras driven by Gary Yeager pulling the National Horse Show's Honorary Chairwoman, Betty Jane Henry. These distinguished guests caused quite a commotion with their flashy Shetland rides.

On Saturday, the American Shetland Pony Club and the American Miniature Horse Registry had a demo ring set up in the heart of the National Horse Show's popular, Family Festival. Throughout the day, Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses demonstrated their versatility in riding, jumping and driving to numerous children and their families. Tony and Nancy Lopes drove their champion Miniature Horses and garnered a great deal of attention.

ASPC/AMHR Executive Director, Zona Schneider and ASPC/AMHR Marketing Director, Johnny Robb were on hand to help with the small equine demonstrations, pass out breed literature and answer questions about the small equines. Many spectators and exhibitors alike, learned about Miniature Horses and Shetland Ponies and their versatility. "Because these small equines are so un-intimidating children and adults came over to greet our ambassadors in large numbers", explained Robb. "I felt like the Pied Piper leading our Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses through the show grounds", added Schneider. "As always we were trilled that our small equines were able to be a part of one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious horse shows", said Robb. There was no doubt from the faces in the crowd that the spectators at the National Horse Show were equally thrilled to have the Shetlands and Miniature Horses on hand.