The American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry Partners with The American Driving Society

Fans and owners of Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses know that their small but mighty equines make great driving partners, a fact that is proven in carriages at shows and farms all across the country. The American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR) is now celebrating the driving skills of their small equines in a big way – by partnering with The American Driving Society (ADS).

“America’s love affair with small equines has been going on for many years, and for just as many years part of that love affair has included driving our small equines,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the ASPC/AMHR. “Partnering with The American Driving Society is a natural step for our organization and we are pleased because we know it will benefit our members, especially those involved in driving and those interested in learning more about driving.”

The ASPC/AMHR is becoming a Breed Partner with the American Driving Society as a way to promote Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses and the discipline of carriage driving. “Through this partnership we will be on our way to helping each other grow the Shetland and Miniature Horse presence in the American Driving Society,” said Susie Koos Acker, of the ADS.

The ADS was formed in 1974 and recognizes numerous pleasure shows and combined driving events across the country. ADS shows come in many formats and offers opportunities for all – from the beginning neophyte to the seasoned competitor with international aspirations. "I am so pleased that the ASPC/AMHR is joining into the ADS Breed Partnership program. It should be mutually beneficial,” said Maureen Happ, ASPC/AMHR Breed Steward.

As a breed partner, ASPC/AMHR members will receive a complimentary membership to the ADS, which includes copies of The Whip, the official publication of the ADS, and the Wheelhorse, the ADS’s newsletter.

Members of the ADS will also receive complimentary membership to the ASPC/AMHR, as well as our publications. “So many of our members are involved in combined driving, pleasure driving or recreational driving, which makes this partnership a win-win for both organizations. We are really excited about this partnership,” said Diane Zmolek, American Shetland Pony Breed Representative.

Dr. Pam Ripperda, the Miniature Horse Representative for the AMHR, said she is looking forward to building the program between the two organizations. “We have so many Miniature Horses involved in driving and I think this is a great step forward for our organization.”

In addition to membership in the ADS, small equine owners will also be able to enjoy Educational Webinars on the ADS website. The webinars range from teaching the basics of dressage to conditioning the driving horse to learning about ADS classes offered at area shows. American Shetland Ponies and American Miniature Horses already have the opportunity to compete in driving classes on local and national levels through ASPC/AMHR shows.

Started in 1888, the American Shetland Pony Club is one of the oldest equine registries in the United States. Incorporated in 1972, the American Miniature Horse Registry was first the registry for Miniature Horses in the United States and continues to be one of the foremost organizations committed to the preservation and promotion of these small equines. For more information on small equines, visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044. For more information on the American Driving Society, visit their website at www.americandrivingsociety.org.

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.