Gordon and I started the Byways Stud in 1980 when living between Romsey and Southampton, Hampshire. Our first pony was a miniature black mare North Wells Poppet, who was placed 4th in a large mixed class only a month after we bought her.
We were then 'hooked' on both

Shetlands and showing from then on !!
Poppet duly produced a chestnut colt foal Byways Easter Bramble the following Spring, and he was Best Foal many times that summer.

We gradually added to our stock, and also kept black standards to show and breed as well as the miniatures.

We now show and breed mainly Miniatures, based on Kerswell,

Thirteen years ago, both now retired, we moved to the Isle of Wight, and now enjoy the 'luxury' of having the ponies outside the back door!

That strip of water does make showing on the Mainland more expensive and makes a longer day, but we still enjoy our days showing when we can.