Shetland ponies will star at popular show (From Free Press Series)

Shetland ponies will star at popular show

TINY Shetland ponies could steal the show this weekend at Pontypool and District's fourth annual Horse Show, as they battle with other breeds for people's affection.

The show is set for another success this year and the number of entries to the classes have broken all records.

Organisers are expecting a bumper year for spectators too at this year's event in Pontypool Park.

And this year by popular demand, new classes have been introduced, especially for fans of the little Shetland ponies, whose cheeky characteristics were famed in the Thelwell books.

Not only well-loved they are an established breed - native to the Scottish Isles for more than 2000 years.

Initially the solid, strong Shetland was used for packing peat in the islands. They also made the ideal pit pony and hauled coal carts in British mines up until the 1970s.

On Saturday as well as taking part in the classes, some of the 42 inch high ponies will be available to take children for rides.

Many more breeds will be vying for people's attention such as the impressive Shire horses, Cobs, Arabs and many more which have been groomed to perfection for their classes.

For equine enthusiasts many demonstrations are planned, including how to plait Shire horses' manes in the traditional elaborate way, with ribbons and feathers.

Spectators can watch a slice of history in a side saddle riding show. There will also be a number of stalls selling everything from hot dogs to head collars.

Organiser Sue Malson said: "The horse show as we know it now has gone from strength to strength. We are rivalling the Usk Show horse section and have been really pleased with the number of entries we have had this year."

The show starts at 9am on Saturday, May 28.

All the action will take place over five show rings.

Ring one will stage the following classes: Welsh Cob Type Sections C and D.

Ring two stages, the Welsh Ponies Sections A and B. The Supreme Welsh In-Hand Championship runs over rings one and two.

In ring three are the Arab classes and the Palamino, Appaloosa and side saddle events.

Other classes will not start until around 1pm.

The heavy horse display takes place across all grandstand and rings. Rings four and fourB are staging events all morning with further classes taking place from 1pm.