After nearly a decade in the Gordyville Arena in Illinois, the Shetland Pony Nationals Championship Congress is moving to the National Equestrian Center in Lake St. Louis, Mo.

“We were at capacity at the Gordyville facility,” explained show manager, Lenard Davenport, “It was simply time to move to larger facility.” The American Shetland Pony Club board members voted on the St Louis facility for the 2006 Shetland Pony Congress.

The show attracts the nations top American Shetland Ponies and American Show Ponies. This year the Congress show will also offer a new division for National Show Ponies. “There are large variety of classes including youth classes, halter classes, driving classes and very inventive costume classes,” explains Marketing Director, Johnny Robb, “It’s great fun for families and horse enthusiasts of all ages. After a summer of watching Dreamer and Flicka in the movie theatres, our show offers a great opportunity to get up-close and personal with some very special small equines.”

In addition, the club is in the process of organizing a celebrity driving class to be held on Thursday evening for local media personalities and government officials to compete in a fun driving class. “This class draws the local community to the show,” said
ASPC director and class originator, Larry Parnell, “and it’s always a lot of fun”