A rescue Shetland pony who was found abandoned in a field of cows in Devon has been chosen to grace the cover of the National Equine Forum’s (NEF) 2025 programme, after a photo of him came out on top in a competition.
The photo of Arthur was taken by Amy Newton, a volunteer at the charity Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue where the nine-year-old pony resides.
The image, seen at the top of the page, was selected from more than 100 entries by the NEF organising committee and will feature on the programme cover for the 33rd NEF which takes place on Thursday 6 March at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) in London.
“Arthur is a very calm, gentle pony who is extremely empathetic towards other people and horses,” said Amy.
“We are all so excited that he has won the competition and that we will see his gorgeous face on the NEF programme!
“Given his lovely temperament he has undergone training to become our flagship therapy and petting pony. In short Arthur is an all-round superstar and is very popular with the sponsors of our permanent resident ponies.”
Arthur was found unwell and abandoned in a field of cows in Devon and was rehabilitated at Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue, a charity based in East Devon who rescues miniature Shetland ponies from abuse, abandonment and neglect.
Prizes galore
As well as seeing one of their residents on the cover of a programme and associated promotional material, the charity will also receive a special hamper for Arthur and his friends.
“We all agreed that the composition and quality of the photograph of Arthur would make for an excellent cover image for NEF’s 2025 programme,” said NEF publicity officer Sarah Shephard.
“Not forgetting the overall handsomeness of the subject himself! It’s also great to be able to celebrate one of the UK’s precious native breeds in this way.”
The competition received entries from the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, USA, India and Australia. Three of the pictures that were submitted have been accepted by the British Equine Trade Association for their 2025 calendar competition.
Image © Amy Newton/Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue.
