In a gesture of goodwill, the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) is sending a gift of two American Shetland ponies to the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation to salute their efforts for hosting the 2008 Equestrian Olympics. The two Shetland riding ponies are currently in quarantine in Lexington, Ky., awaiting their June flight to Hong Kong.

Established in 1888, the ASPC is one of the oldest breed registries in the United States.

When reading about the upcoming Olympic Games, ASPC Marketing Director Johnny Robb discovered that there were only a few ponies in Hong Kong imported by the local riding schools to be used as school ponies, as well as six mini ponies reportedly left by a Russian circus.

These Shetland ponies will be equine ambassadors to Hong Kong.

The ASPC purchased two very special Shetland ponies to serve as ambassadors. They are national champion riding and driving pony, FMF Imagination, and PC’s Karmel Kid, a pony trained in the Olympic discipline of dressage.

Other groups and companies chipped in to organize transportation, appropriate tack, grooming supplies, and health support for the ponies.

“Thanks to the vision of the American Shetland Pony Club and these fine companies we are able to share our wonderful American Shetland ponies with the riders in Hong Kong,” said Robb. “We are looking forward to July 10th when we can salute our fellow equestrians in Hong Kong and play a small role in honoring their Olympic effort.”