European Success for Butterby Ponies

The International Shetland Pony Show at Redefin in Germany saw ponies from the Parlington Stud, Stonecellars Stud and the Birchmoor Stud travel 400 miles each way after the ferry crossing to compete in the International Shetland Pony Games.

Over 500 entries from France, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Poland and Austria with visitors from Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.

Di Johnson got a Gold Medal and first place and managed to get to the final four in her championship but sadly no further.

The rest of the group had mediocre success in the in-hand classes gaining silver and bronze awards.

It was in the Open Ridden and the long reining that things changed. 

Butterby Isis; eight year old bay mare, ridden by Sara White; won the Supreme Ridden prize and was awarded a special Silver Medal from the National Pony society of Great Britain as well as a gift of porcelain.  There was a huge trophy and sash as well as other rosettes.  The decision for Supreme in Show went to the black in hand stallion but Isis was looked at and despite almost an hour in the sun with temperatures over 30 degrees she did herself and her rider proud.

Meanwhile Butterby Shetlands had a second bite at the cherry with Kayleigh Wilkinson and Butterby Express in the long reining competition where Kayleigh was first in the senior group.  As this was only thefirst time that Express had competed at this discipline Kayleigh did really well to fend off some strong competition.

This first prize completes an impressive set of awards for the well respected stallion in what could well be his last International Show.

Posted:- 2008-07-31