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The American Saddlebred Horse Association announced a new awards program aimed at Amateur Owner Trainers. The purpose of the award is to reward the achievements of AOTs competing in non-AOT classes in all divisions with their Saddlebreds. The award will help to improve recognition of AOTs, provide incentives for AOTs to show their Saddlebreds, and identify and attract new Saddlebred owners and ASHA members.

“I’m so excited about this opportunity for AOTs to be recognized by the Association and their peers for their hard work,” stated Tiffani Frey, the creator and sponsor of the award. “Since many charter clubs already give year-end awards for AOT classes, this is a way to reward the AOTs who compete in regular, non-AOT classes, where they are going up against professionally trained horses."

A Champion and Reserve Champion winner will be offered in two categories: to AOTs who only show one horse per season, and AOTs who own and show multiple AOT horses. Points will accrue across nearly every performance division, with the AOTs earning the most total points at the end of the season winning the awards.

For more information, please contact Brenda Newell, Sr. Programs Administrator at 859-259-3886 or b.newell@asha.net.

-- via ASHA