The Maryland Pony Breeders (MPB) are holding their annual futurity this coming weekend, Sept. 12-13, at the Harford County Equestrian Center in Bel Air. The Yearling Futurity is both a celebration and a sneak preview of the next generation of champion Maryland-bred ponies.
MPB is the oldest multi-breed pony association in the United States. In the early 1950s, influential instructor and pony breeder Louise Este Hollyday (“Miss Louise”) and her business partner Pat Archer realized that unlike the Thoroughbred racing industry, which had robust organizational support, the regional pony breeders were un-organized and therefore un-seen. To rectify that, Hollyday and Archer established the MPB in June 1953 to organize and promote all pony breeds and pony disciplines.
Since then, Maryland pony breeders have purpose-bred what is now the ideal American Hunter Pony. Maryland-bred ponies dominate breed shows, driving competitions, and the show ring. They are known for their tight, symmetrical knee action over fences in the show ring, their balanced proportions and child-friendly temperaments in the breed shows, and their stamina and presence in combined driving events. Maryland-breds win at the US Pony Finals, they win WCPSA championships, and they win in the Olympic disciplines. Maryland-bred ponies are … winners.
Every day this week we will highlight one of the six breeders with yearlings entered in this year’s futurity: Copper Beech Farm, Fat Chance Farm, Land’s End Farm, Loafers Lodge, Locust Grove Farm, Severn Oaks Farm, and Slackwater Farm.
Come on out on Sunday the 13th to see the MPB champions crowned and the Horse Sport Maryland Future Champions ribbons awarded in each division.
Photo: Locust Grove Griffin, bred by Jean Greenlee and entered in the Welsh Section B Colts division. PC Kathryn Southard.