About

Owned by the Merrifield Family - Andrea, Robert, Sarah and Pip, and run by Andrea Merrifield and 14 year old Pip, Kettlesnout is a small stud breeding miniature shetland ponies, all registered with The Shetland Pony Stud Book Society.

As well as her interest in ponies, Pip Merrifield designs websites (including this one!) and is a talented photographer - click here to see examples of her work. Sarah Merrifield is studying to be a doctor in her 2nd Year at Sheffield University, also working at the hospital and running a Student Union Drama Society. Robert works for Shell in The Hague putting the world to rights in all things "valves" (or so he tells us!)

The Stud was established following Andrea's longstanding love of horses which began at a young age when she spent her every spare minute at Whitaker's Riding Stables - home of the Whitaker Showjumping Dynasty! Being top showjumper Michael Whitaker's first groom (see Michael below right on Cappuchino at one of his first European Championships). Andrea has fond memories of that time and learnt a lot from Enid Whitaker and her family. The very first shetland pony she encountered was Hercules (pictured below left with Andrea bringing up the rear on Rusty). Hercules helped many children learn to ride.

After many years subsequently working for Acas, Andrea now concentrates on breeding shetland ponies, aiming for well mannered, friendly ponies. Cinderella, our 2007 filly, being a prime example!

We remain grateful to Sue and Peter Jackson ( Dilston Stud) from whom we purchased our first ponies. We appreciate the help and support they have given us.