The New Forest & Hampshire County Show is delighted to announce that the Shetland Pony Grand National will be held at the 2008 Show.

For those of you who have not come across this spectacle before, this is a fabulous display of pony racing over miniature steeplechase fences, a high speed dash, a blur of coloured silks, flying manes and tails and the roar of the crowd - the excitement of a day at the races condensed to Shetland Pony style, daily races will be held in the East Ring.

This concept was initially brought to life by famous BBC Equestrian Commentator, Raymond Brooks-Ward. Competitors battle to qualify at the Summer Agricultural Shows in order to win a place at the finals held at Olympia, the London International Horse Show in December.

In keeping with the charitable status of the New Forest Agricultural Show Society, staging this event is just another way of contributing to worthy charities. The Shetland Pony Grand National has raised over £250,000 over the past twenty years, for charities such as Tommy's Campaign and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Ponies are registered to the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society and ponies and riders are members of the National Shetland Pony Performance Scheme. Competitors have to run in display races until they are considered competent to race in the qualifiers. It is a great spectacle to watch, so make sure you obtain your tickets for the Show and join us for a great day out.