A running of the Shetland Pony Grand National was displayed before the start of the Badminton cross-country test Sunday morning. It takes the cake on the cuteness scale, huh?
Around 50 riders start the season racing to qualify for one of 10 slots in the Shetland Pony Grand National at the Olympia Horse Show before Christmas. Riders must compete for a year in disciplines like jumping, eventing, and dressage before they can begin the qualifying process at Windsor in May.
Competitors must be ages 9-13 and no taller than 5'1". Ponies must be at least 5 years old and must be registered with the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society.
The Shetland Pony Grand National isn't just an adorable race, but kids raising money for other less fortunate children. Each year the organization picks a charity to race for. To date, the Shetland Grand National has raised over £400,000.
My brother, who otherwise finds horses rather uninteresting, is totally tickled by this premier equestrian event! Thank you for turning us on to something horsey that we BOTH get a kick out of!