Viking Show Report 2012

The 2012 Viking Show was held on Sunday 19th August, despite thick mist in the days running up to the show and many hours spent waiting at Sumburgh, eventually, one way or another all the judges arrived in time for the show. The show day itself was spent mostly in brilliant sunshine especially in the afternoon, with a welcome breeze to keep the midgies at bay! With just over 150 entries across the three rings the numbers were significantly down on previous years however the judges had their work cut out judging some classes of good quality ponies.

Miss Susan Dunnet was judging the Standard ponies in Ring 1 and when interviewed by Radio Shetland commented how impressed she was by the quality of ponies forward. After much discussion and a bit of civilised debate between Miss Dunnet and Miniature judge, Mrs Joan Lambert the Performance judge had to be drafted in to have the final say in who was to take the title of best foal, an award that eventually went to the Vatna stud with their standard filly foal, Vatna Heidi.

In Ring 2 judge Mrs Joan Lambert had a busy day as this year saw much larger entries in the miniature ring than in the standard ring. At the end of the day and after much deliberation the Overall Miniature champion was Rum of Berry, a 3 year old colt bred by the Berry stud and exhibited by Bjorn Larsen. Reserve Miniature Champion was awarded to Benston Kara, shown and bred by Mari Williamson of the Benston stud.

Mrs Kay Gibb judged the performance classes and was also impressed with the standard of ponies and riders. Hannah Anderson was awarded the prize Best Young Handler with her pony Clothie Zimbell and Kira Fraser won Best Driven Pony with stallion Hollydell Hazard who also went on to take Ridden Champion with Arianne Fraser. In the ridden classes Miranda Moss and Clothie Night Ginko were Reserve Ridden Champion with Mrs Gibb choosing stallion Hollydell Hazard ridden by Arianne Fraser as the Champion Ridden Pony.

After a long day of showing and judging all three judges came together to deliberate over the championship. In the end it was the island bred yeld mare, Merkisayre Dion bred by George Tait that took the title of Supreme Champion. The Reserve Supreme Champion was awarded to ridden stallion Hollydell Hazard, ridden by Arianne Fraser and owned by the Hollydell Stud.

Another highlight of the day was when Helen Thomson was gifted a Presidents Award to mark a lifetime of work and dedication towards the Shetland Pony. Society President, Joan Lambert took time out of judging in the Miniature Ring to make this special presentation to a quietly delighted Helen. As Mrs Lambert said, ‘It [the presentation] has been a well kept secret up until today, which in the Shetland Pony community is no easy job!’

A big thank you to all those who gave their time and effort to make the show a good experience for exhibitors and spectators alike. The show secretary, stewards, runners, caterers and all those who set up and tidied up the show park do a fantastic job and their contribution to the show ensures it’s continued success. The Viking Show Committee would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Tait family on winning Supreme Champion with Merkisayre Dion.

We hope to see you all again next year at the 2013 Viking Shetland Pony Show.