The American Shetland Pony Club is sending two ponies to the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation to salute its efforts in hosting the 2008 Equestrian Olympics. The two Shetland riding ponies are currently in quarantine in Lexington, Ken., awaiting their flight to Hong Kong. They are scheduled to fly on June 6, in time to arrive at a special presentation ceremony on July 10th in Hong Kong.

“In these unsettled times, it was exciting to see one country put forth such energy and resources for an effort that will unite equestrians worldwide”, says ASPC Marketing Director, Johnny Robb, “It is an example of the true spirit of the Olympic games”.

Robb also read that there were only a few ponies in Hong Kong imported by the local riding schools to be used as school ponies.

The two ponies have impressive pedigrees. One is a National Champion riding and driving pony. The second American Shetland Pony heading to Hong Kong is PC’s Karmel Kid, who is trained in the Olympic discipline of Dressage and was purchased from Ingram Training Stable in Florida.

The Associated Press reports that Hong Kong, which is hosting the equestrian portion of the Olympics, has become a hot spot for potential protesters. Because Hong Kong allows visa-free access, it has already become a magnet for pro-Tibet protesters. The Hong Kong government has said police will assign sites to protesters during the equestrian competition.