TV Coverage for the Native Pony Olympia Finalists

To the BBC

'We the undersigned wish to present to you the following petition: We would like the BBC to show more of the Pre-Christmas Horse Show at Olympia - Specifically, (even if it is only a few minutes) the section containing the Final of the Best of our British Native Breeds - the National Pony Society Mountain and Moorland Ridden Final.

We submit the following reasons:

1. It is the culmination of the year-long quest for the native pony owner to qualify for the creme de la creme of competition, the Mountain & Moorland Ridden Finals - as much the Holy Grail of the Pony world as Crufts is to the dog world, except that it is much harder to qualify.

2. Interest in the British Native Pony is hugely popular - just look at the number of websites, associations etc with 1000s of members throughout the British Isles.

3. It cannot fail to interest the general public; who could not be moved by the 'aaah' factor of the small child piloting her Shetland Pony, to the spectacular gaits of the fiery Welsh Cob, and the grace and elegance of the Connemara, to name but 3 of them. We are a nation of animal lovers.

4. Ordinary people can own, show, and win on these ponies, and compete on an equal footing with professionals - every pony has a story, and every breed has a fascinating history. They are within the reach of anyone who wants to own one, as they are not expensive and difficult to keep.

5. Finally, and most importantly, we could raise awareness of the heritage of our Native Breeds - some of whom are and have been on the endangered species list. Can YOU name and recognise our Nine Native Breeds?'

So please give them a chance - they are considered enough of a spectacle to compete at Olympia - so why not show them to the nation?

From: Janet Pound, on behalf of Hamlet's House Mountain & Moorland Discussion Forum -http://www.modbod.proboards49.com/index.cgi
and the rest of the Native Pony enthusiasts' community.