NEWS

Mid-America Horse Show Association will host the 2020 Spring Fling Horse Show at the Ledges Sporting Horses in Roscoe, Illinois, March 26-29, 2020. “We are pleased to welcome our exhibitors to Ledges Sporting Horses as we kickoff the 2020 Show Season in a comfortable, well-run facility that is conveniently located for our members and their families," said Marilou Wilschke, MAHSA President. "The Spring Fling Horse Show is an early season opportunity for our exhibitors and trainers to try out new combinations, introduce new exhibitors to the show ring, and prepare themselves for the show season ahead. "New this year, we have added an Academy Division to the schedule and will be awarding Double Points fo

The American Hackney Horse Society's 2020 AHHS Grand Event and Limited Breeders Stakes Dinner and Auction will be held March 6-7, 2020, in Shelbyville/Simpsonville, Kentucky. Following is the current Stallion List as of February 11, 2020: FEATURED STALLION -- Heartland Firewalker Silver Oaks Lucky Pierre Dun Haven Phenomenal Lighting McQueen Kingsley Claim to Fame Kilbro’s Image Twin Willow’s Handsome Dan Handsome Harry Highly Respected LF Twin Willow’s Macerator Craycroft Tiny Tim Dun-Haven Dapper Dann Koal Nookwood Paradigm The Romancer

At the 2020 United Professional Horsemen's Association National Conference, the American Saddlebred Horse Association Equine Welfare Advocacy Committee (EWAC) made a presentation to both the American Saddlebred Registry and ASHA Board of Directors that sought to recognize champion sport horses with a permanent prefix of CH-SH (Sport Horse) on their registration. Both boards unanimously approved this new designation, which will be modeled on the 15 point scale of the current CH and CH-EQ designations. The initial tracks by which a sport horse can earn its CH-SH designation will be dressage, endurance, and eventing. ASHA EWAC was tasked with assisting in the promotion of the versatility of the breed in the 2019 A

Following are highlights from the American Morgan Horse Association Board of Directors First Quarter Meeting, which took place January 22, 2020, in Lexington, Kentucky, in conjunction with the United Professional Horsemen's Association National Conference. MEETING MINUTES: Meeting minutes from the meetings held on November 9, 2019, December 18, 2019, and January 15, 2020, were approved and are now posted for review on the Members Only side of the website here:  www.morganhorse.com/members/minutes/. (Minutes are posted to this web page once they are formally approved by the BOD or the corresponding committee.) BYLAWS: It was determi

The Intercollegiate Saddle Seat Riding Association has announced its 2020 scholarship winner, Sarah Langford from the University of Kentucky. Sarah is a third-year pharmacy student, with a long-list of academic accolades. Langford grew up riding and showing Morgan horses in Michigan, before attending the University of Kentucky for undergraduate studies and then continued on in her goal to become a pharmacist. Langford has been competing on the UK Saddle Seat Team for two years, and plans to continue riding and having horses in her life forever. She is a very deserving recipient of the ISSRA Scholarship.  In 2018, ISSRA created a scholarship to be given to an undergraduate, full-time student participating on an I

The photos from the United Professional Horsemen's Association Convention, hosted jointly with ASHA, AMHA, AHHS and ARHPA, and held in Lexington, Kentucky, January 21-26, are online, and can be viewed here.

The American Hackney Horse Society has announced that the 2020 AHHS Grand Event and Limited Breeders Stakes Dinner and Auction will be held March 6-7, 2020, in Shelbyville/Simpsonville, Kentucky. Two full days are planned, with Tony & the Tan Lines kicking off the weekend on Friday night at the 2020 LBS Grand Event Weekend Welcome Party, and the 2020 LBS Stallion Auction and Dinner on Saturday night. Register by February 23, 2020, and receive a discount. Click here for a paper form that can be printed and mailed with a check; click

US Equestrian has announced the launch of a new benefits program for members, offering access to expansive coverage, including medical, dental, vision, business, pet, and liability insurance for all competing USEF members and USEF subscribing members. Currently, promotional fan members are not eligible to enroll in the benefits program (but upgrading membership is simple - click here to upgrade). As an organization, USEF understands the challenges of finding affordable health insurance coverage for individuals and businesses. It can be a daunting process. USEF has customized a new insurance benefits program to best fit the needs and interests of its&nbs

The American Morgan Horse Association has announced two new members to its team. Brenda Newell joins AMHA as the office manager in Kentucky, and will be handling logistics and flow of incoming and outgoing mail, many of the new processes involving the move to an electronic vs paper office, and general membership assistance. Brenda can be reached via email at brenda@morganhorse.com or (802) 985-4944, Ext. 403. Nicole Scovotti joins AMHA as the Youth Programs coordinator handling all youth related programs from Youth of the Year Contests to the Horsemastership Badge Program and everything between. She also will serve as the liaison to the AMHA Y

The American Morgan Horse Association held its annual meeting of members as noticed on Thursday, January 23, 2020, in Lexington, Kentucky. The results of the election conducted in conjunction with that meeting are as follows: C.A. “Tony” Lee was reelected to the Eastern Region; Kelly Kraegel was elected to the Central Region; and Dallas Bolen was elected to the Western Region. In the annual reorganization meeting held following the Annual Meeting, the Board elected C.A. “Tony” Lee to serve as AMHA President. -- via AMHA

The Joint Leadership Teams of The American Saddlebred Registry and The American Saddlebred Horse Association met by phone on January 30, 2020. The following decisions were made: There will be an all day in person meeting of the Joint Leadership Teams of ASR and ASHA in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday, February 23. At this meeting, various presentations will be made of the go forward options they need to consider to address all problems and issues. After these presentations are made, the group will work together to find consensus on a path that is most appealing to all members. The teams will work together to try and implement that path if they can agree to one.

~ FOLLOWING IS THE ASHA'S RECAP OF THE UPHA NATIONAL CONFERENCE ~ It was a great time to be in Lexington, Kentucky, this past week for the UPHA National Conference. Since the collective gathering of the UPHA, AHHA, AMHA, ARHPA, and ASHA started in 2015, last week’s proved to be one of the best ones yet with an unprecedented agenda of engaging and enriching sessions that served over 600 attendees. The ASHA focused our efforts last week

Big Oak Ranch in Mocksville, North Carolina, has been purchased and is re-opening for business in March of this year. Now home to Gold Leaf Training, and along with training, boarding, and riding lessons, Big Oak Ranch also will be hosting horse shows and other events throughout the year.   The location features 18 stall barns; hot/cold wash areas; multiple tack rooms; overhead heating; a large, lighted outdoor arena; round pen; and multiple turnout areas. Select boarding opportunities are available, and  have ample parking, and two large arenas. Gold Leaf Training and Big Oak Ranch are located at 3604 US Hwy 158, directly across from Raylen Vineyards. 

The Texas Charter Clubs has announced that the 2019-2020 Texas Saddle Horse Hall of Fame Inductees will be Janie Hamilton and Charlie Smith. They will be honored with presentations during the Friday night performance of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Katy, Texas, March 20, 2020. JANIE LOVE HAMILTON got her start with saddlebreds almost by chance in Tennessee when she was a young woman. Finding her groove and success with five-gaited and walk-trot horses in the early days, she married Tim Hamilton in 1980 and moved to Dallas for Tim’s job in 1981. She spent 10 years riding with Sam Riley and then Milligan Stables, during which she enjoyed many winning rides on Western Pleasu

The American Saddlebred Registry Board made the following additions to the Saddlebred Record CH and CH-EQ Program. “The American Saddlebred Registry, in consideration of requests from its customers, has added to the Saddlebred Record Program," said ASR President Sandra Currier. "We feel in these changing times we need to listen to our customers and adjust for them.” These additions are effective January 1, 2020.  Point Values for ASHA Star Shows 1 point for 1st place – Championship class in which four or more horses have competed and qualified in a prior class. .5 point for 2nd place – Same as above. .5 point for 1st 

The American Saddlebred Horse Association, in conjunction with the United Breeders Committee (UBC), has announced the winners of the Stallion Sweeps program. All funds raised from this program will be used to promote American Saddlebred breeding through both national programs and state futurities. Tickets were available for purchase in person until Saturday January 25, 2020 at 3 p.m. Pacific Time and online until Friday January 24, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The drawing was held on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at 6 p.m. ET. The winners for each breeding are: Callaway’s Northern Kiss -- Joe O’Brien Carl Lynn -- James Monkemeir Designed -- Robert Allen

The Morgan Stallion Sweeps, a raffle program featuring services to 15 of the top Morgan stallions, has announced that tickets will be available at the upcoming United Professional Horsemen's Association National Conference and the New England Winter Weekend, and will continue to be available online at morganstallionsweeps.com. Ticket sales will continue through Sunday, February 9, ahead of the drawing on Saturday, February 15. The program offers the chance to breed to leading stallions for just $25 per ticket, each stallion has his own raffle and the service can be used for either the 2020 or 2021 breeding season. The lineup features some of the most in-demand sta

At US Equestrian’s 2020 Annual Meeting in West Palm Beach, Florida, federation President Murray Kessler unveiled statistics that show how a vibrant US Equestrian that is growing membership, boosting sponsorships, and building for the future with new initiatives and operational efficiencies. Themed “Focus on the Future,” the 2020 meeting emphasized how the strategic plan Kessler launched in 2017 is paying off—and set US Equestrian up for a brighter future to achieve both sporting and business goals. Video from the 2020 Annual Meeting—including General Session presentations by US Equestrian President Kessler, Chief Executive Officer Bill Moroney, and senior staff, as well as interactive panel d

Management for the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show, which will be held August 22-29, 2020, during the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, Kentucky, has announced the judges for this year's competition. Frances Crumpler – Louisville, Kentucky Kim Crumpler – Louisville, Kentucky Sandra Currier – Bellville, Texas Josh Greer – East Bernstadt, Kentucky James Nichols – Metairie, Louisiana These individuals will be responsible for judging classes for Saddlebreds, Hackney/Harness Pony, Roadster Horse, Roadster Pony and Equitation. -- via American Saddlebred Horse Association

The 2020 American Morgan Horse Association election portal is now open and ready to begin accepting electronic votes. Every AMHA member that is eligible to vote, and has a valid email address on file with AMHA, should receive an electronic ballot with the appropriate instructions for online voting. Because of the volume of ballots that are being sent from the balloting company (Survey and Ballot Systems), please wait until the end of the day today before reporting that you have not received a ballot. Mass emails such as these take time to get delivered appropriately. Also, check the junk email or spam folder if you don’t find your ballot by the end of the day. If you have still not received a ballot, you

The American Morgan Horse Association office is accepting resumes for the following positions (to be located in the Lexington, Kentucky office): Youth Programs Coordinator Registry Representative Marketing Manager (Communications/Press Releases, Web Site Updates, Social Media and Marketing duties; may eventually assist with production of "The Morgan Horse&qu

Robertson Equine Sales LLC has been selected to manage the complete dispersal of Dr. Alan Raun’s legendary Reedannland breeding and training operations. Featuring 50-plus American Saddlebred horses of exceptionally choice breeding, all tack, and all equipment and trailers, the consignments are placed by The Estate or Trust of Dr. Alan R. Raun. The auction will be held on Saturday, March 7, at 10 a.m., at Reedannland, 300 W. Beardsley, Norwalk, IA 50211. Hotels and travel tips will be listed at RobertsonEquineSales.com. Phone bids will be welcomed after RES has received the completed Phone Bid Form. The first “on the road” auction for RES, many features will be the same that RES clients have come to expec

The American Saddlebred Registry Kentucky, Kentucky Amateur and National 3-Year-Old Futurities payment deadline for previously nominated yearlings, 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds is Friday, January 31, 2020. Payments must be faxed, emailed or postmarked and mailed on or before January 31. In addition, owners of 3-year-olds (foaled in 2017), not previously nominated in the foaling year, may “buy-in” to the ASR National 3-Year-Old Futurity by January 31, 2020. Any registered 3-year-old will be allowed to be nominated for a one-time payment of $5,000. If the sire and/or dam were not nominated, an additional fee of $100 for the sire nomination and $25 for the dam nomination must also be paid by the a

The results are in and the American Hackney Horse Society congratulates these five successful candidates on their election to the AHHS Board: Tom Lowry, Karen Waldron, Carl Nichols, Andy Freseth, and Holly Nichols. Congratulations to Tom, Karen, and Carl on re-election to the Board, and welcome and congratulations to Andy and Holly. -- via AHHS

This year, the American Morgan Horse Association Annual Meeting of Members and First Quarter Board of Directors Meeting will be held in conjunction with the United Professional Horsemen's Association National Conference at the Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa in Lexington, Kentucky. All AMHA members are invited to attend the AMHA Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, January 22, at 1 p.m. ET in Salon D; and the AMHA Annual Meeting of Members on Thursday, January 23, at 10 a.m. in Salon F. Members do not have to register for the UPHA National Conference to attend either of these important meetings. Upon arrival at the hotel, let the UPHA Registration desk know you are at

The Scripps Miramar Ranch of San Diego, California, had their American Saddlebreds in perfect order and presented to the world for the 131st Rose Parade, presented by Honda. The owner of Scripps Miramar Ranch, Michele Macfarlane, is the individual who makes it all possible. Macfarlane and her Scripps Miramar team dedicate an immense amount of time, effort, and resources to continue to present the American Saddlebred horse on this prestigious stage. This parade introduces the breed every year to millions of spectators along the parade route and televisions across the country via NBC, KTLA and affiliated channels including Hallmark Channel, RFD TV and Univision. This year was Macfarlane’s 36th time riding in the Rose P

The line up of the 2020 UPHA Live Auction Items, as well as exclusive once in a lifetime Silent Auction Rides and Drives on Multi-Titled World and National Champions, is open now for live bidding. Click on the following link to place a bid: UPHALiveBidNow. REMINDER: The winning online Live Auction bid as of 3 p.m. EST on Friday, January 24, 2020, will be the starting bid at the UPHA Live Auction to be held during the "Friday Evening With D. Wayne Lukas at the Historic Keeneland Sales Pavilion Event." Phone bids will be accepted during the UPHA Live Auction. REMINDER:The Silent Auction online bidding for the World and National Champion Ri

The American Saddlebred Museum has announced Emily Brown of Louisville, Kentucky, is the recipient of the Keith Bartz Impact Scholarship Award. The scholarship committee chose Brown from an outstanding group of nominees. The scholarship celebrates the life of Keith Bartz who focused his time, talent and resources on building the American Saddlebred Museum and the celebration of the American Saddlebred Horse. The recipient is an individual who exemplifies the same character and enthusiasm for the breed. Brown has been involved with the American Saddlebred for more than 10 years, competing in Academy divisions and 4H including the Mounted Horse Drill Team and Horse Bowl. In addition, she has worked as a camp counselor at

The American Saddlebred Horse Association has announced the formation of a new “class” of shows for the 2020 show season. The “Star Show” program is the result of months of work by the ASHA Horse Show Task Force to bring organization and benefits to those shows that are currently unaffiliated with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). The ASHA Star Shows are modeled after the Morgan Horse Association’s Star Shows, as well as the Arabian Horse Association’s One-Day and Value Shows. The ASHA Star Show program recommendation also is a result of multiple surveys sent to both horse show management and ASHA members about the issues facing horse shows of all sizes nationwide. In addition to

The American Saddlebred Museum has announced the 26th Annual Victory Pass Raffle. This raffle is an annual favorite with a chance to win a premium package to the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The drawing will be held (before Kentucky State Fair room contracts are due) during the Kentucky Spring Premier Horse Show in April.  For $10 per ticket you can purchase the opportunity to win a prize package including: 8 Nights Convenient Hotel accommodations 4 Lower Level Box Seats for every performance A VIP Parking Pass for the week Golf Cart Rental for the week Two tickets to the Museum’s annual WCHS Party Give yourself

The goal of the American Hackney Horse Society Limited Breeders Committee is "Always Raising the Bar." Planning is progressing rapidly for the 2020 Grand Event Weekend, to be held March 6-7, 2020. The key event for the weekend is the AHHS Limited Breeders Sweepstakes Stallion Auction and Dinner which will be held Saturday, March 7, at the Cardinal Club in Simpsonville, Kentucky. The Grand Event Weekend kicks off on Friday evening at the Cardinal Club. The theme for the evening is Fun and More Fun. The evening starts with Thoroughbred owner and comedian, Mike Klein, who has owned Thoroughbreds for many years. Then, the evening heads into championship form with Tony and the Tan Lines, featuring Chad Graham (who

The United Professional Horsemen's Association Ribbons of Service program to date has raised more than $500,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and almost $150,000 to other nonprofit charities through the efforts of UPHA youth members. 2019 proved just as successful as participants volunteered a record 2,428 hours in community service and collected more than $59,000 in funds to be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and more than $4,800 to other nonprofit charities. The UPHA Ribbons of Service program teaches UPHA members, age 21 and younger, the importance of community service by donating their time to those in need while learning the value of helping those less fortunate by rais