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Morton, IL- The Hong Kong
Equestrian Federation (HKEF) in conjunction with the Hong Kong
Jockey Club and ING Corporation, hosted an extraordinary “Hand-
Over” ceremony on July 10th in Hong Kong to receive two ponies the
American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) donated to salute Hong Kong’s
efforts in hosting the 2008 Equestrian Olympics.
ASPC Marketing Director, Johnny Robb, was on
hand to make a speech at the ceremony and to answer questions for
the media. ASPC Director of Operations, Zona Schneider was also
honored at the ceremony. “We thought it would be wonderful if the
American Shetland Pony Club could pay tribute to Hong Kong with a
gift of two of our American Shetland Ponies,” said Robb at the
hand-over ceremony. “I know these two American Shetland ponies
will be good ambassadors of the breed here in Hong Kong and I am
confident that they will bring many young riders a great deal of joy
for years to come.”
The ponies arrived safely in Hong Kong on June
6th. After being in quarantine for two weeks they were stabled in
the beautiful facility where the Olympic Eventing Competitions will
be held. The “Tiny Ambassadors” won the hearts of Hong Kong upon
arrival.
The media ceremony was well attended. During
the event, the HKEF in conjunction with the HKJC also announced a
“Name the Shetland Ponies Contest” to honor the new arrivals
with Chinese names. The first 300 entries will receive tickets to
the Equestrian Olympics and the two lucky winners will also enjoy a
riding lesson package.
Simon Ip, President of the HKEF, was delighted
with the response the ponies created in Hong Kong. “These
beautiful ponies will be stabled in public riding schools so that
they can be enjoyed by all members of the Hong Kong public,” Ip
said in his opening speech. “On behalf of the Hong Kong Equestrian
Federation, I would like to thank the American Shetland Pony Club
for their generosity and kindness in giving us this magnificent pair
of Shetland ponies.”
Robb and Schneider were treated to a week of
festivities surrounding the induction of the ponies. They toured
five of Hong Kong’s riding schools, visited the Olympic
competition sites and the Equestrian Olympic exhibit on loan at the
HKJC Racing Museum. “We were honored to be a part of this entire
process,” said Schneider. “We are here to offer our best wishes
for an exciting Olympic competition.” “The two Shetland Ponies
have carved a small place in Olympic history,” added Robb, “I am
grateful to the HKEF, the HKJC, the United States Equestrian
Federation, the American Shetland Pony Club, Pinto Horse Association
and the many businesses in the US and Hong Kong who joined forces to
make this event a reality.” For more information contact the
American Shetland Pony Club at: www.shetlandminiature.com |
