Rescued Shetland Pony Turns into the Face of Equine Excellence

Arthur, a rescued Shetland pony with an irresistible allure, has been chosen as the duvet star for the Nationwide Equine Discussion board’s (NEF) 2025 programme. His heartwarming picture, captured by Amy Newton, a volunteer at Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue, gained the NEF’s latest pictures competitors and can characteristic prominently on the programme for the thirty third annual discussion board, set for Thursday, sixth March 2025 (#NEF25).

The competitors attracted over 100 beautiful submissions from gifted novice equine photographers worldwide, showcasing evocative pictures of equine life. Entries ranged from the UK’s native ponies of their pure habitats to playful donkeys and majestic horses, and got here from as far afield as Eire, the Isle of Man, the USA, India, and Australia. Notably, three of those exceptional pictures have additionally been shortlisted for the British Equine Commerce Affiliation’s 2025 calendar competitors.

Arthur’s story is as charming as his {photograph}. Deserted in a cow discipline within the Devon countryside, he was rescued and now thrives at Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue, a charity established in 2014 to help miniature Shetland ponies affected by neglect, abandonment, or abuse.

“Arthur is a really calm, light pony who’s extraordinarily empathetic in direction of different individuals and horses,” stated Amy Newton. “We’re all so excited that he has gained the competitors and that we’ll see his attractive face on the NEF programme!

“Given his beautiful temperament, he has undergone coaching to turn out to be our flagship remedy and petting pony. Briefly, Arthur is an all-round famous person and could be very in style with the sponsors of our everlasting resident ponies.”

NEF publicity officer Sarah Shephard expressed the committee’s delight with the profitable picture: “All of us agreed that the composition and high quality of the {photograph} of Arthur would make for a wonderful cowl picture for NEF’s 2025 programme. Not forgetting the general handsomeness of the topic himself! It’s additionally nice to have the ability to have fun one of many UK’s treasured native breeds on this means.”

Because the winner, Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue won’t solely see Arthur gracing the duvet of the NEF programme and promotional supplies however will even obtain a particular hamper for Arthur and his equine associates.

The Nationwide Equine Discussion board is a prestigious annual occasion that unites key representatives from throughout the equestrian sector, together with authorities, equestrian sport, veterinary science, and welfare. Now in its thirty third yr, NEF continues to function a significant platform for dialogue and collaboration throughout the equestrian neighborhood.

For extra details about NEF and the upcoming #NEF25 occasion, go to www.nationalequineforum.com/forum-2025/.

P.C. Amy Newton/Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue

Arthur, a rescued Shetland pony with an irresistible allure, has been chosen as the duvet star for the Nationwide Equine Discussion board’s (NEF) 2025 programme. His heartwarming picture, captured by Amy Newton, a volunteer at Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue, gained the NEF’s latest pictures competitors and can characteristic prominently on the programme for the thirty third annual discussion board, set for Thursday, sixth March 2025 (#NEF25).

The competitors attracted over 100 beautiful submissions from gifted novice equine photographers worldwide, showcasing evocative pictures of equine life. Entries ranged from the UK’s native ponies of their pure habitats to playful donkeys and majestic horses, and got here from as far afield as Eire, the Isle of Man, the USA, India, and Australia. Notably, three of those exceptional pictures have additionally been shortlisted for the British Equine Commerce Affiliation’s 2025 calendar competitors.

Arthur’s story is as charming as his {photograph}. Deserted in a cow discipline within the Devon countryside, he was rescued and now thrives at Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue, a charity established in 2014 to help miniature Shetland ponies affected by neglect, abandonment, or abuse.

“Arthur is a really calm, light pony who’s extraordinarily empathetic in direction of different individuals and horses,” stated Amy Newton. “We’re all so excited that he has gained the competitors and that we’ll see his attractive face on the NEF programme!

“Given his beautiful temperament, he has undergone coaching to turn out to be our flagship remedy and petting pony. Briefly, Arthur is an all-round famous person and could be very in style with the sponsors of our everlasting resident ponies.”

NEF publicity officer Sarah Shephard expressed the committee’s delight with the profitable picture: “All of us agreed that the composition and high quality of the {photograph} of Arthur would make for a wonderful cowl picture for NEF’s 2025 programme. Not forgetting the general handsomeness of the topic himself! It’s additionally nice to have the ability to have fun one of many UK’s treasured native breeds on this means.”

Because the winner, Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue won’t solely see Arthur gracing the duvet of the NEF programme and promotional supplies however will even obtain a particular hamper for Arthur and his equine associates.

The Nationwide Equine Discussion board is a prestigious annual occasion that unites key representatives from throughout the equestrian sector, together with authorities, equestrian sport, veterinary science, and welfare. Now in its thirty third yr, NEF continues to function a significant platform for dialogue and collaboration throughout the equestrian neighborhood.

For extra details about NEF and the upcoming #NEF25 occasion, go to www.nationalequineforum.com/forum-2025/.

P.C. Amy Newton/Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue