The spirit of world-renowned cartoonist Norman Thelwell lives on through its sponsorship and support for well-known and beloved charitable organisation, the Shetland Pony Grand National.
After a very successful 2024 racing season for Cherhill Shetlands, where jockeys also adorned Thelwell breeches, pony Oldeworlde Daniel has been selected as one of the nine chosen runners to feature in the prestigious London International Horse Show this December. Only those ponies who have ridden a certain number of podium finishes during the season are chosen to ride in what is widely considered the highlight of the equestrian year.
The Thelwell Estate and Shetland Pony Grand National are closely aligned in their shared value of enormous passion for ponies and their plucky riders.
2024 has been the second season that Thelwell has supported Cherhill Shetlands in the Shetland Pony Grand National. Not only will the iconic brand be supporting the pony, but it’ll also help the brave and talented rider, Fleur Smith who is the daughter of former Grand National jockey, Bill Smith.
Isabella Bride, Founder of Cherhill Shetlands, commented: “We are delighted that Oldeworlde Daniel & Fleur Smith will be representing Cherhill Shetlands in the Shetland Pony Grand National (SPGN) at the London International Horse Show this December. It is a true honour to own one of the 9 Shetland ponies selected to take part in this prolific event.”
David Thelwell, and his sister Penny, stated: “We have really enjoyed meeting some of the wonderful Cherhill Shetland ponies in the flesh this year – including Dan – some of them reminding us fondly of our father’s prolific illustrations. The passion and determination for ponies is apparent within Cherhill in both ponies and riders, and we’re thrilled that this spirit, that is wholly synonymous with Thelwell, lives on and will be represented at this year’s London International Horse Show. Dad would be delighted!”
Feature image: Moreton Show win, 7th Sept photo credit Shetland Pony Grand National.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.