The Shetland Pony Evaluation Scheme

Until July 2005 the Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society (SPS-BS) had in operation a Stallion Assessment Scheme whereby stallions, in order to be registered as breeding stock were required to pass not only a veterinary inspection by a Society appointed vet, but also assessment by a Society senior judge. From July 2005, under EC Decision 96/78, it was declared that the only criteria necessary for full acceptance in the Stud-Book of a stallion and his progeny, was that both parents of the stallion be themselves registered with the Stud-Book. The SPS-BS then abolished its assessment scheme, retaining only the veterinary examination part but placing it on a voluntary basis, naming it the Voluntary Veterinary Examination (VVE).

This left no programme in operation for selection of a stallion displaying good conformation and breed characteristics nor, perhaps more importantly, the rejection of one with bad. On the grounds that the abolition of the SPS-BS Assessment Scheme could possibly lead to a deterioration of breed standards, Shetland, under the Pony Breeders of Shetland Association (PBSA), has set up a stallion evaluation scheme of its own. This scheme gives breeders the opportunity to have their stallions fully evaluated by not one but by three senior Panel Judges as well as the SPS-BS VVE. The VVE in operation in the SPS-BS, which is in fact a compulsory part of our scheme, is not impringed upon nor affected in any way by the PBSA scheme.

To avoid confusion with the previous SPS-BS Assessment Scheme, the PBSA scheme is called The Shetland Pony Evaluation Scheme. This scheme is entirely voluntary and participation is available to all.

The aim of this scheme is to do what we can to ensure that at least the quality and purity of the breed is maintained and at best continues to improve.

At the conclusion of a successful evaluation, stallions will receive a certificate of attainment on the day’s performance. Although the scheme itself and the certificate will not be used by the SPS-BS in their Stud-Book, those in possession of certificated stallions can have the confidence that their stallions have been scrutinised thoroughly by means of the PBSA initiative and have been evaluated by senior SPS-BS judges.

The wide interest shown and commendation on the PBSA’s stance on stallion evaluation, received from outside the Islands, both from the UK and abroad, indicate the marked preferences of many people for fully evaluated stallions and their progeny.

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This scheme is voluntary and is open to anyone who wishes to join it. It is the property of the PBSA and we have in place rules and regulations that we require to be followed.

The scheme requires that breeding stallions undergo two rigorous examinations. The first is the Voluntary Vetting Examination (VVE) currently in use within the SPS-BS. The second is by three senior Shetland pony judges selected from the SPS-BS Judges panel, who independently give evaluations on breed characteristics. For the PBSA scheme both these examinations are compulsory, however stallions having been through the SPS-BS Stallion Assessment Scheme prior to July 2005 are exempt from the VVE.

A vet will be on duty on the day of evaluation to conduct a brief check on general health and signs of lameness on every stallion taking part.

There are senior and junior sections – senior stallions being those aged six years and over while juniors are less than six years.

To enhance a stallion’s award, an opportunity may be available for him to participate in a temperament and performance test of your choice. Three disciplines, ridden, driven and long reining may be available at the discretion of the organising committee. These tests are not complicated and copies of the tests will be available in advance to those who request them.

Groups outside the Shetland Islands must register with the PBSA Area Organiser, who will be the point of contact for all groups.

To ensure uniformity, the PBSA will provide all documentation required. The PBSA holds a comprehensive record of all stallions that go through the scheme, therefore results of all evaluations must be sent to the PBSA Area Organiser on completion of evaluations.

The PBSA undertake to promote all stallions which are successful through the scheme on the www.shetlandponybreeders.com website. Photographs and stallions’ results may be available subject to owners’ consent.

Further information and application forms are available from:

Area Organiser (Shetland)
Mrs Leona Smith, Bretta, Dunrossness, Shetland, ZE2 9JG
Tel: 01950 460531; e-mail: spesareaorganiser@hotmail.co.uk

Secretary (Shetland)
Mrs Roselyn Fraser, 32 Gardentown, Symbister, Whalsay, Shetland, ZE2 9AB
Tel: 01806 566479: e-mail: roselyn.fraser@btinternet.com

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