2013

Shetland’s Annual Sale and Show of Pedigree Shetland Ponies was held at the Shetland Rural Centre, Lerwick on Friday 4 October 2013. The Pony Breeders of Shetland Association (PBSA) have been working closely with the Shetland Livestock Marketing Group (SLMG) and Aberdeen & Northern Marts to identify was of developing and safeguarding the sale for future generations.

There was an air of anticipation at the sale this year as, for the first time, the sale was also on-line courtesy of www.i-bidder.com. This allowed visitors to the site to place bids over the internet in real time with live audio and video feeds communicating the auction to anyone logged in. The organisers were hoping that there would be some interest in this and were delighted when 20% of the ponies forward were sold on-line. Generally the feeling was that all the changes were well received and successful with a 400% increase in the overall sale gross. This will give the Pony Breeders of Shetland Association (PBSA), Aberdeen and Northern Marts and the Shetland Livestock Marketing group the confidence to go ahead with the same i-bidder system next year.

The Show started at 0900hrs and was very ably judged by Mrs Joy Barugh. The format of the Show was changed this year to reflect the fact that there were fewer foals and a higher number of older ponies forward. The Champion foal was Loanin Hevda owned by Mrs Jem Roberts. This foal went on to sale for 110gns and went back to a buyer from Unst. The overall Show Champion was Grutness Haldecam, a black mare from Mrs E M D Flaws which went on to make 200gns.

The sale of ponies followed on from the presentation of show trophies with bidding getting off to a slow but steady start. Sale entries were up by 22 on last year and trade was better although, as always, colt foals proved hard to sell with the exception of Robin’s Brae Rush and Scatness Delta making 240gns and 210 gns respectively. Top price of the day was 800gns for the first prize miniature filly foal; Robin’s Brae Ruby bought by Mr & Mrs Knight of the Hjaltland Stud. First prize stallion Grutness Hamwil sold for 500gns. There were also 6 ponies bought and exported to Norway. With the help and support of the PBSA the buyer was able to buy her ponies and take them home to Norway herself, arriving home less than a week later.

In total 58 lots sold during the sale, 20 ponies were bought online with i-bidder making up to 500 guineas. Internet sales accounted for 34.48% of the animals sold and for 42.47% of the total sales in guineas. 36 lots had i-bidder bids on them during the sale, although there were only the above 20 lots actually sold through i-bidder. A total of 54 bidders registered from the UL, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands and Norway. Of the 20 ponies sold 1 was sold to Norway and the remainder staying in the UK.

Show Results

Miniature Filly Foal

1stRobin's Brae RubyRobin's Brae Stud800gns
2ndRobin's Brae RheaRobin's Brae Stud275gns
3rdNortharrier SerendipityMiss P Gear200gns

Miniature Colt Foal

1stVallendale MansieMr W SharpUnsold
2ndVallendale RaasmieMr W SharpUnsold
3rdRobin's Brae RioRobin's Brae Stud90gns

Standard Filly Foal

1stLoanin HevdaMrs J Roberts110gns
2ndHildasay UrsulaMrs M Isbister120gns
3rdGue OrchidMs C LaignelUnsold

Standard Colt Foal

1stFilska IsaacMiss S Anderson10gns
2ndRobin's Brae RavenRobin's Brae Stud40gns
3rdNortharrier SilverMiss P GearUnsold

1, 2 & 3yr old fillies

1stHollydell FenicMr & Mrs S RendallUnsold
2ndLaaward OnyxMiss S FlawsUnsold
3rdLoanin AnnabelleMrs J Roberts20gns

1, 2 & 3yr old Colts & Geldings

1stLoanin BoracMr & Mrs S Rendall100gns
2ndHollydell RannochFraser FamilyUnsold

Mares 4 Year Old & Over

1stGrutness HaldecamMrs M Flaws200gns
2ndGriesta GlimmerMiss K Eunson140gns
3rdStruie PippaThordale Stud60gns

Stallions & Geldings 4yr old & Over

1stGrutness HamwilMrs M Flaws500gns
2ndGue KyleMr M LeylandUnsold
3rdMerkisayre Sea DancerMr G TaitUnsold

Champion Filly Foal: Loanin Hevda

Champion Colt Foal: Filska Isaac

Champion Foal: Loanin Hevda

Champion Colt Foal from all Shetland Shows: Hollydell Harken - Mr & Mrs S Rendall

Champion Filly Foal from all Shetland Shows: Loanin Hevda - Mrs J Roberts

The PBSA is committed to protecting the future of the sale for the sake of the pony and its native land and with the support of the SLMG and Aberdeen & Northern Marts we hope to develop the sale however this is only possible with the help of our members and breeders. On a final note the PBSA, SLMG and A&NM would like to offer their sincere thanks to the people who continue to support the sale and sell their ponies in Shetland. .

If anyone has any comments or feedback regarding the sale or would like to offer help or support then please contact [email protected]

The PBSA would like to thank Promote Shetland and Harbro Country Stores for sponsoring the Sale and to everyone who donated raffle prizes, especially to Northlink Ferries and Mark Donaldson.

We look forward to seeing you all at the 2014 sale on Friday 3rd October.

Overall Sale Show Champion: Grutness Haldecam - Mrs M Flaws