2019 Select Sale of Registered Shetland Ponies

Sunday 28th July saw the Pony Breeders of Shetland Association (PBSA) hold the first ever Select Sale of Registered Shetland Ponies associated with the Shetland Pony Evaluation Scheme at the Shetland Rural Centre, Lerwick. Rod Mackenzie and Alan Donald made the trip up to provide auctioneer services and online bidding facilities. This was the finale event to the PBSA’s week of Shetland Pony Celebrations. The week started with the Annual Shetland Pony Evaluations on the Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July, at the Gilbertson Park, followed by a week of stud visits throughout Shetland, the International Shetland Pony Committee meeting, AGM of the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society then the 37th Annual National Shetland Pony Stud Book Society Breed Show, which was returned to Shetland for only the 2nd time ever. A huge international presence attended the whole week of celebrations, and the sale was no exception. There were visitors from France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Holland, Canada and Australia to name a few of the countries present. The auctioneer commented at the start of the sale, that it was the fullest he had ever seen the auction room.

The day began with a parade of the ponies for sale, giving potential purchasers the opportunity to see each pony moving. Sheena Anderson provided excellent commentary on the ponies whilst they were paraded around for the audience. Glorious sunshine again beckoned spectators to the outdoor parade area. Following the parade, visitors were treated to a fabulous complimentary buffet lunch and refreshments, provided by Jane Rendall and her team of helpers. This also gave potential purchasers time to have a closer look at the ponies they were interested in. 27 lots were forward, including two significant prize winners from the Breed Show the day before. The sale of ponies started at 2pm. With some fantastic quality ponies for sale, there were some very respectable prices obtained. Top price pony of the day was the 11 year old, 39” Black Stallion Strauss of Auckhorn, a prolific prize winner throughout the years, including Reserve Senior Black Ring Champion at the Breed Show the day prior to the sale. Strauss, jointly owned by Steve Rendall of Hollydell Stud, Catfirth and Ian Spence of Warrackston Stud, Alford, topped the day with a magnificent 6,000 guineas and sold via the online bidding facility. Merkisayre Sea Dancer, an 11 year old 40” Chestnut, Gold Award Stallion jointly owned by Sheena Anderson of Filska Stud, Ollaberry and Pam Williamson of Lunna Stud, Lunna was the next highest price at 1,600 guineas and sold to Denmark. 3rd highest price was Breckenlea Solomon a piebald 2 year old colt bred and owned by Amanda Slater of Breckenlea Stud, Tresta. Solomon was Reserve Miniature Ring Champion at the Breed Show the day before and sold for 1,400 guineas. See below a list of prices from the sale

Strauss of Auckhorn - 39” Black Stallion – Gold Award - 6,000 guineas

Merkisayre Sea Dancer - 40” Chestnut Stallion – Gold Award - 1,600 guineas sold to Denmark

Breckenlea Solomon - Miniature Piebald 2 year old colt - 1,400 guineas

Breckenlea Little Gift - 31” Piebald Mare - 1,000 guineas

Milquoy Dior - 38.75” Black Mare – Gold Award - 1,000 guineas

Harviestoun Prosper - 40” Black Stallion – Gold Award - 1,000 guineas

Bigton Delta - Standard Chestnut Filly Foal - 900 guineas

Robin’s Brae Sapphire - 32.5” Skewbald Mare - 900 guineas

Mailand Marvella - Standard Piebald Filly Foal – 850 guineas sold to France

Hollydell Halliona - Standard Piebald 2 year old Filly - 750 guineas

Benston Whisky Galore - Miniature 2 year old Chestnut Colt - 550 guineas

Musselbrough Expo - 39.5” Skewbald Stallion – Silver Award - 400 guineas

Robin’s Brae Archie - Miniature Black Colt Foal - 360 guineas

Huge thanks must go to the sponsors of the event S J Rendall Plastering Contractor, Northlink Ferries and Promote Shetland; Jane Rendall for providing the amazing buffet, Auctioneer Rod Mackenzie, online bidding facility manager Alan Donald, Sheena Anderson for the commentary and Abigail Robertson for stewarding. All would agree life-long friendships were formed throughout the fantastic Breed Show week.

Strauss of Auckhorn sold for 6,000 guineas

The parade of ponies prior to the sale