NEWS

The deadline to nominate American Saddlebred weanlings for the ASHBA National and Amateur Futurities is Friday, March 31, 2023. Nomination requirements for stallions and mares have been eliminated for the ASHBA National and National Amateur Futurities. Weanling nominations will act as the starting point of the nomination process for futurity horses. Foals not born will need to be nominated in utero by the March 31 deadline.  In 2022, more than $167,000 in prize money was awarded in the National and National Amateur Futurities. For more information on ASHBA Prize Programs, contact Patricia Edwards at 859-259-3899 or p.edwards@saddlebred.com. -- via ASHBA

Jimmy Robertson, president of Robertson Equine Sales LLC, reports that the 2023 live spring sale — previously scheduled for Shelbyville Fairgrounds, in Shelbyville, Ky. — has been scratched. To assist consignors who were depending on that opportunity, Robertson has added twice-monthly online sales dates at RobertsonEquineOnline.com. Additionally, the six remaining Standardbred 100 Roadster nominations will now be offered one per online sale instead of two per online sale, providing purchasers a longer time to buy an entry in the historic $100,000 roadster class to be held at the 2023 American Royal/UPHA National Championship Horse Show. Updated info on all sales — including the popular upcoming live Autumn Sale on Nov.

The United Professional Horsemen's Association (UPHA) Ribbons of Service program teaches youth the importance of community service by donating their time to those in need while learning the value of helping those less fortunate by raising money for charity. Since the Ribbons of Service program's inception, the UPHA Foundation has donated over $890,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and other charities. The program is open to UPHA members 21 & under who compete in equestrian competitions in the American Saddlebred, Arabian, Half-Arabian, Morgan, National Show Horse, Hackney Pony, Saddle Seat Equitation, Academy, and Exceptional Challenge Cup divisions. Each participant is responsible for

The Indianapolis Charity Horse Show is excited to announce a new look and a new
venue for the show’s 50 th Anniversary. The show committee invites everyone to join them this summer for a “Party at the Park” at Indy’s new location, the beautiful Hoosier Horse Park in Edinburgh, IN. Dates are June 28 through July 1, with proceeds from the show benefitting Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding. Best known as the site for the equestrian competition of the 1987 Pan American Games, the Hoosier Horse Park is set amid the countryside of Johnson County Park just off I-65, one hour north of Louisville and 30 minutes south of Indianapolis. Competition will take place in the bright and spacious Baker Arena, which features a

With the competition season just starting across the country, the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is pleased to announce exciting new changes to the National Select Series, presented by State Line Tack, including the addition of a National Championship for 2023. The National Select Series National Championship will take place at the All American Horse Classic in Indianapolis, Sept. 12-16, 2023. To qualify for the National Championship, you must show in one qualifying class or be a ribbon winner in any 2022 Regional Championship class. Qualifying for the National Championship runs from Sept. 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Classes offered at the National Championship include: Five Gaited Amateur/

The American Saddlebred Museum is pleased to announce Kendall Kelledy has been selected as the Keith Bartz Impact Scholarship Award recipient. Currently, Kendall is a senior at St. Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School, and is making her college decision in the upcoming weeks.  In addition to her academics, she is actively involved in her barn and the Saddlebred community. She helped start the Liz Bolton Stables Crew youth group, and has competed at the World’s Championship Horse Show and the UPHA/American Royal. Kendall is an active participant in the UPHA Ribbons of Service with over 450 service hours, and has raised significant funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. In addition, she has

The 2023 Annual Membership Meeting of the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association Inc. (ASHBA), a Kentucky nonprofit corporation, has been scheduled by the Board of Directors for Friday, February 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the ASHBA Annual Convention and Youth Conference at the Hilton Hotel Ballroom, Hilton Lexington/Downtown (369 West Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507). Attendance at the Annual Meeting by voting members is free of charge. The meeting will also be live-streamed via Zoom for members. The following matters will be voted upon by eligible members of ASHBA at the 2023 Annual Meeting:     1.    The election of two (2

Judges for the 120th World’s Championship Horse Show, taking place August 19-26, 2023, have been chosen. Divisions include Five-Gaited, Three-Gaited, Fine Harness, Saddlebred Pleasure, Equitation, Hackney/Harness Ponies, Roadster, In-Hand Division and American Saddlebred. World's Championship Horse Show Judges:
A.J. Bruwer, Versailles, KY Chad Cole, Louisville, KY Richard Harris, Somers, CT Rodney Hicks, Pittsfield, MA Raymond Krussel, Richmond, IL The 120th World’s Championship Horse Show is Aug. 19-26, 2023 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Freedom Hall. Learn about the history of this prestigious show. -- via KY Venues Communications

Registration and the hotel group rate for the 2023 ASHBA Annual Convention and Youth Conference closes on Tuesday, January 31. No onsite registration will be available for this event.  The ASHBA Annual Convention and Youth Conference will bring the best of the breed to the Bluegrass State for a weekend full of fun and educational events. Don’t miss your chance to attend fun events like the Saddlebred Legends Gala, awards presentations, Saddlebred trivia night, the Saddlebred Trail, and so much more! The 2023 ASHBA Annual Convention and Youth Conference will be held at the Hilton Downtown Lexington in Lexington, Ky, February 16-19, 2023. Click here to 

  The ESC is sponsoring the Adoption Fee and Transport (up to $1,250 each) of two Lesson
Horses sourced from Rescue Organizations in our show horse industry. Academy
programs in need of a lesson horse, particularly ones in “underserved” or new areas,
are encouraged to apply by January 31, 2023. Applications will be reviewed, and two
winners selected by February 15th. Rescue groups will be contacted, based on the
location of the winning stables, and ESC will assist in the sourcing, adopting and
delivery of the lesson horses. Visit https://equinesportscouncil.org/lesson-horse-application/ to apply by January 31. --via ESC

The AHHS Grand Event and Limited Breeders Sweepstakes Auction will be held from March 3-4, 2023, in Lexington, Kentucky. Plan now to be a part of this Grand Event. The Limited Breeders Sweepstakes Committee has planned a fun filled, educational weekend, highlighted by the LBS Stallion Service Auction at historic Fasig Tipton Sales Pavilion. The AHHS Stallion Services are being sold in the same sales ring that sold the $7.5 million Thoroughbred weanling. The weekend will be full of activities including A Night at the Hackney Races. Hackney enthusiasts will be able to “ride” in the evening’s races – Be sure to bring your silks!! The races will be held at the Lexington Marriott Griffin Gate (

It’s time for the 29th Annual Victory Pass Raffle! The American Saddlebred Museum is pleased to announce that tickets are now available for this annual favorite. The Victory Pass Raffle is an exciting chance to win a premium package to the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The drawing will be held April 7, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the American Saddlebred Museum.     Each $20 ticket is a chance to win a prize package including:   • 8 Nights Convenient Hotel accommodations ($2,100 value) • 4 Lower Level Box Seats for every performance($1,200 value)

The Equine Sports Council is excited to share news of their growth in 2022 and announces over $10,000 in Sponsorships & Grant Payouts. Congratulations to the Illinois American Saddlebred Pleasure Horse Association - they will receive over $1,600 in Sponsorship/Grant Funds generated from 25% of the fees that their show series collected. These funds may be used to sponsor classes, awards or hospitality events at the 2023 IASPHA shows.  Every show that joins our network receives a Grant equal to 25% of the ESC fees collected. ESC continues to grow their Network and welcomed new shows in 2022, including Wisconsin Futurity, Oshkosh Charity, ASAW Summerfun

Early registration for the 2023 ASHBA Annual Convention and Youth Conference ends January 6, 2023. This is one event you will not want to miss! Whether you are a trainer, breeder, Licensed Official, amateur, or youth member- the ASHBA Annual Convention and Youth Conference has something for you! Join us for a weekend all about the American Saddlebred. Youth will enjoy all the things they love about the ASHBA Youth Conference in a new & exciting location. Meet the 2022 World’s Grand Champions, enjoy fun educational activities, make new friends and hit the Saddlebred Trail for three field trips all about the American Saddlebred. This will be a weekend your child will remember forever! The All-Inclusive