Exhibitor Bruce Ekstrom Steps Up to Support American Show Ponies and Hackneys

Competitor Bruce Ekstrom has many world championship titles to his name and is most passionate about driving his ponies and horses. He believes driving is one of the best-kept secrets in the equine world.

As the owner of Tuigpaarden Farm in Ocala, FL, and Shelbyville, KY, Ekstrom has endeavored to show his zest for this sport through a number of contributions to competitions and events. By sponsoring several important American Shetland Pony, Hackney Pony and Hackney Horse divisions throughout 2009, he is hoping to encourage new people, and those already established within the industry, to participate more extensively in the sport of showing harness ponies and horses.

Ekstrom noted, "The current economic trends in the U.S. have put a real squeeze on horse show management. Those of us who love the sport need to show our support as patrons and through entries." Ekstrom has put his money where his mouth is with over $30,000 in patronage this year alone.

Ekstrom, who owns Hackney Horses, Hackney Ponies, American Show Ponies, American Shetland Ponies, and Dutch Harness Horses, hopes that his sponsorship of so many driving divisions will help promote his passion. "It's my way of helping with the Hackneys and the American Show Ponies," Ekstrom said. He also added that the Hackney Horse is listed on the endangered species list.

"Driving is a great way for older adults to become involved in the equine world, especially those who have never had a horse before but always wanted one." Ekstrom then reiterated, "Driving really is one of the best-kept secrets and a great way for adults to enjoy horses."

Ekstrom sponsored the 2009 Hackney Horse World Grand Championship. The World Championships are held annually in November at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is hoping that this, his biggest donation, will help promote his beloved Hackney Horse. "It's the most prize money ever offered for the Hackney Horse at the World Championships," He also adds, "I am hoping others will fall in love with the Hackney Horse. I am enamored with their athleticism, coupled with their attitude and desire. It thrills me to see them in action."

Edstrom's sponsorships for 2009 include; the Hackney division and Hackney Horse Championship Stake at the Pro-Am Horse Show in Perry, GA; the Hackney Pony divisions and Hackney Horse Championships at the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show in Indianapolis, IN; the entire Hackney Horse division, the American Show Pony Registry (ASPR) and Shetland championships at the Ohio State Fair; and the ASPR and Shetland Championships at the Shetland World Congress show in Cloverdale, IN.

In addition, Ekstrom is a strong supporter and member of the American Show Pony Registry and is helping sponsor the incentive fund at the World Show. He also helped raise funds for the youth in both the Hackney Association and the American Shetland Pony Club. Ekstrom is an active member of the American Hackney Horse Society and the American Shetland Pony Club and Miniature Horse Registry.

Ekstrom closed by saying, "I would really like to see more people get involved in driving, and I think when prize money is involved there is an added incentive. Sponsoring these classes and shows is a great way for me to give back to an industry that has brought me so much joy over the years."