Trouble with Headcollars

Does anyone else have trouble finding suitable headcollars for showing Shetlands?  I've used the same nice traditional dark brown leather headcollars for my miniatures from day 1, but now, faced with the 'should be simple' task of procuring a headcollar for our new Standard, I have struck a catalogue of difficulties.  Firstly, I found one, size 'Shetland' online.  Great - I ordered it promptly.  No, sorry, out of stock, discontinued.  The supplier referred me to the manufacturer.  I rang the manufacturer, they were unable to comment on the actual size of their headcollars, as they didn't know what they measured!!  Undaunted, I tried a local supplier - out of stock, awaiting new supplies from France (8 weeks and counting).  So I went to a saddler's, armed with the lilac webbing headcollar I use for everyday.  The assistant measured the headcollar briskly against a leather one, and said it was suitable.  Unfortunately, it wasn't.  It was too big.  I returned, it, but they didn't have a smaller one, so they ordered one.  That was too small, so they made an extra hole in the large one, as I needed it urgently for a show.  The headcollar was clearly still too big, so I tried one on ebay.  It was too small, so I am currently awaiting a further supply of a larger one.  Is it just me, or is this altogether too complicated???

Hanlith Hall Horse Show

What a lovely day at the Hanlith Hall show!  This is a really picturesque location, tucked away down winding roads between Gargrave and Malham. Not a serious show for Shetland ponies, as there is no specific Shetland class, although there are eleven in-hand classes, including youngstock, best condition, and mountain and moorland, so most shetlands would be eligible for at least two or three classes, not counting the novelty classes at lunchtime.  Judge was really helpful, and gave out lots of well received advice. Many different types of horse, pony, and competitor enthusiastically taking part, and a great venue for a picnic.

Shows in May

There are a lot more shows to choose from in May.  I have my eye on three:

May 8th, White Rose County Show, a 'real' pony show, BSPS Area 3B. There are classes for in-hand and ridden shetlands, and the last time I attended (2008) there was a good entry, with the added bonus that year of several Falabellas - a minature horse breed not seen very often.  This is in the lovely and convenient location of Temple Newsam, in Leeds. Closing date 25th April.

May 21st, Otley Show, a good traditional agricultural show, well attended with lots of livestock classes, trade stands, and entertainments.  A small number of classes for Shetlands, also the Glynn Greenwood Mountain and Moorland classes.  A good day out.  Entries close 16th April.

May 30th, Warrington Horse Show, the real deal so far as horse shows are concerned.  Serious horse riding going on, but usually a good entry for Shetlands, and a great show to see lots of good horses.  A selection of trade stands, and a well run show. Closing date 5th May.

Yorkshire Shetlands Spring Show

This was a show with an unusual venue.  It was held at the York Livestock Centre, and this turned out to be an auction centre, so there was a small field for showing livestock, and then a very large area of metal buildings housing sales halls, and stabling.  There seemed to be various 'car boot' type sales taking place at the same time in some of the halls, and the whole area was crowded with people attending these various events.  It was very noisy inside the stables, due to people, animals, and the general noise levels that come from busyness within metal buildings.  My ponies were a bit frightened by all the commotion, and one was definitly unhappy to be left alone.  Apart from this 'industrial' ambiance, it was quite conveniently laid out, with the stables being very near the showing ring. 
It was a pleasant day as there were many lovely Shetlands present, and lots of familiar faces.  Tip for this show - leave your picnic outside the stable, unless you like your sandwiches trampled a bit.

Hanlith Hall Horse Shows

Last year I went to a very enjoyable show at Hanlith Hall, near Skipton, which was one of a series of shows leading up to a Trophy show for the overall winners in September.  The series is running again this year, beginning on 10th April, and thereafter on 2nd Sunday in the month until the Trophy Show.  This was a really nice show in a lovely location.  Hanlith hall is steeped in history, and surrounded by extremely picturesque countryside.  Lots of keen competitors there and a really nice friendly atmosphere in a very well run show.  Classes are for Mountain and Moorland rather than specifically Shetland, but there was a good entry, and some really nice ponies there.  A strong class of black ponies, and an interesting display of coloured horses of all types.  There were no trade stands, but a little cafe run by the organisers to supplement your picnic.  Well worth a look, in a lovely part of the country.

Yorkshire Shetlands Spring Show

This year I will be attending the Yorkshire Shetland Pony Group spring show, at the livestock centre in Merton, York.  I am told this is a good show, in a good spacious location, with the added benefit of stables to hire for the day, where your pony can be left in safety and comfort while you enjoy the rest of the show.
As this is a specialist Shetland Show there should be a good attendance and the opportunity to see greater numbers of Shetlands than would be present at a local agricultural show.  There are classes for ridden, young handlers, veterans, and miniature ponies.  The centre features restaurant and bar facilities.  I am looking forward to this show as the first of the season and a chance to catch up with friends and competitors from last year.  If you would like contact details for the organisers, leave me a message.

Yorkshire Shetland Pony Group luncheon

On Sunday 20th February I attended the Yorkshire Shetland Pony Group luncheon at the Bridge Inn at Walshford, near Wetherby.  This was another very pleasant afternoon, where we all enjoyed the carvery lunch, and then were treated to a most enlightening and interesting talk on the voluntary Stallion evaluation scheme by Mr David Gibson.  Mr Gibson accompanied his full account of this scheme by some lovely photos of Shetland ponies taking part in the evaluation scheme in the Shetland Isles, where he had recently had the honour of being one of the three judges giving their opinion.  A lively question session followed his talk, and we all had ample opportunity to ask Mr Gibson about the ethos behind the scheme, and to air any concerns as to its' viability.  The luncheon meeting was once again a very pleasant opportunity to meet other Shetland pony enthusiasts in a social setting, and continue friendships formed over the summer showing season.

Willbeck Silver Mist 'Tony'

I can recommend this group as a great way to extend the Shetland pony showing experience.  The joining fee is very reasonable, and everyone is friendly and welcoming to new members.  If anyone is interested, send me a message and I will put you in touch with the organiser.  Likewise, schedules for their first show of the year will be out very soon.  Send me a message for the contact details.