HISTORY

 

In 2010, The NPOTY Show became reality when Melissa Blaikie (nee McVeagh) put forward her idea of a “National Pony Show” with a “Pony of the Year” type format to the NSW Branch Committee of the Australian Pony Stud Book Society (APSB) who, were, to her surprise more than happy to move forward with the project. Word spread and the NSW Branch of the Riding Pony Stud Book Society Ltd also came on board along with the Australian Saddle Pony Association. Unfortunately, the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Australia Inc. decided not to be a part of the venture. The NPOTY Show is a fabulous “promotional” tool for all of the Breeds catered for.

 

It was agreed that a Show Committee would be formed and initially be made up of members from the three Societies. The three Societies all contributed a $2000.00 unconditional loan that was to be paid back within 5 years. The National Pony of the Year Show was going to happen!

 

We then decided that for the show to succeed and become a “must attend” prestigous event and for it to have a true “National" feel that would attract Exhibitors from all corners of Australia, we needed to ensure we chose the right time of year. We could not have asked for a better “time” when, with our heels dug in and some shuffling on behalf of the venue, the Sydney International Equestrian Centre allocated us the weekend before the SHC Grand National Saddle Horse & Rider Championships. This gives Interstate Exhibitors the opportunity to attend 2 major shows over a 2 week period at the same venue.

 

We also knew that for the show to succeed, we needed a Major Sponsor that we envisioned and hoped would stay with us for many years. “The Rug Rack” is the sponsor we could have only dreamed of and we can’t thank Kiri Jenkins enough for her support and effort. “The Rug Rack” has no doubt contributed to the success of our show with the beautiful Kersey Rugs donated each year. We now have special NPOTY binding for the rugs that will be worn proudly for years to come. We ask that visitors and exhibitors support Kiri’s stand at the show which is always located next to the secretary’s tent. Kiri always has an array of fabulous rugs available and excellent show specials. Kiri also offers a very prompt service should you place an order. .

 

Our “Pony Head” logo was kindly donated to us by the Tyre Family, we knew that we wanted a logo that would represent the many breeds covered at the NPOTY Show and Jen Tyre sent us the perfect photo of “Koorana Buttons and Bows” who has now become the “face” of the NPOTY Show.

 

In 2012 Melissa came up with a new concept of an invitation only event where ponies would qualify at major shows around Australia and would receive personalised invitations to attend. An event of this kind had not been held in Australia and we were on unknown ground as to how to run the event as it had to “work the first time”. Melissa made several phone calls to people who had seen the “Cuddy” Championship in England. So, with some tweaking to suit the Australian show scene, we set out our plan. Again, this event would need a Sponsor that we new we could rely on for years to come and for the event to cement itself as an event that will grow in history and prestige. Robert Grant of the Bamborough Pony Stud was to become our sponsor and in 2012, The “Bamborough” Australian Champion of Champions was created. It is so wonderful that Robert came on board as his late wife, Mrs Jill Grant was one of our founding Committee Members and a huge advocate for the show.

 

After the 2012 Show, The Committee decided we were financial enough to pay back our debts to the three founding Societies, we sourced our own Insurance and the Show was registered with Fair Trading. It is now a stand-alone event with our own constitution and set of rules and regulations based on those of the various breeds the show encompasses. We acknowledge that the NPOTY Show would not have been possible without the input from the three Societes. We can assure them that their initial investment will at some stage in many years to come become a worthy investment.

 

The NPOTY Show would not be possible without our fabulous Sponsors, some of which have been with us from the first show. We also have a fabulous Committee that work together and have a genuine interest in the show without personal agendas who ensure the show moves forward and with the times. We also have a group of Non-Committee people made up of personal friends and family that work tirelessly on the weekend of the show to help ensure that it runs as smoothly as possible.

 

The NPOTY Show will always be developing with a focus on continually improving and moving forward with current trends. Whilst we have succeeded in developing a formula that works, our small but committed Committee will not rest knowing there is always room for improvement. We are more than happy to consider new sections and the input and ideas from Exhibitors is most welcome and your ideas, whether negative or positive will always be listened too and taken on board for discussion.