For those who don’t know me my name is Michelle Sutherland, Annette Currie’s daughter and Betty Myers granddaughter. Shetland ponies have been part of my life for as long as I can remember; I learnt to ride on Murdock and Camble the bomb proof Shetlands and helped out with all the activities that come with pony studs. Apart from riding and showing the ponies, my favourite memories are all around spring and autumn from the arrival of all the new foals and the fun of getting all the foals ready for the annual Pentland auction.

 

After school I moved to Melbourne for university then stayed on for work. In 2009 I married the love of my life and was lucky enough to get to work abroad in Canada for a couple of years and travel to some amazing countries. Before I left my grandmother was very sick and talk turned to what will happen to Pentland, both my mum and cousin Leora Gardiner had their own studs already and I explained to mum that I would love to continue the Pentland stud however would not be able to take it over until I returned. Happy with this my mum and cousin looked after Pentland until my return.

 

In 2012 I returned super excited to take over Pentland. When my mum asked me what mares and stallions I would like to join for 2012 my response was… all of them! Mum asked quite a few times ‘Are you sure?’ and yes I was, shaking her head mum said ‘Your just as bad as your grandmother!’ and I think I am.

 

So here we are 12 months later and the first foals are on the ground, it has been an amazing 12 months and lots of fun working with my mum and all of the ponies.

 

My aim is to keep producing quality Shetland ponies with good temperaments in many different sizes and colours. I am also looking at producing excellent riding and harness ponies to have about the stud so my kids can learn to ride the same way I did.

 

In keeping with tradition all foals are lip tattooed when a few days old with the same digits as used in subsequent fire branding to guarantee identification right from birth. At this stage I will be selling foals privately and there are no plans for an auction in the immediate future.

 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you would like to come and visit the stud.

 

Thanks, Michelle