The Shetland Pony Grand National

You may be familiar with the famous horse race in the UK, the Grand National, made famous by Liz Taylor in National Velvet eons ago.  Well, you might not know about the Shetland Pony Grand National. Yes, that's right, there is a beecher's brook for the ponies. 

(BBC photo)

Riders and ponies compete throughout the country for the 10 slots available to compete at the famed London International Horse Show at Olympia in December. 

(BBC photo)

The Ponies and Jockeys of the SPGN come from all over the country and from as far afield as the Shetland Isles in the North, and Devon in the South. At the start of the SPGN season combinations of jockey and pony attend Trial Days, where their riding skills and ability to race are assessed. If they meet the required standards they are then invited to race with the SPGN. Throughout the Season Ponies and Jockeys travel the length and breadth of the country racing at different county shows and equestrian events in hot pursuit of only ten slots. 

Who knew?