The American Saddlebred Horse Association of Michigan has announced the creation of the Frances Dodge Amateur Sportsmanship Award. This award will be presented each year by ASHAM during the ASHAM Charity Fall Horse Show, and given in honor of Frances Dodge to a current amateur ASHAM member who exhibits exceptional sportsmanship both in and out of the show ring. This individual also must help to promote the American Saddlebred and/or Hackney Pony in the state of Michigan and volunteer their time to the association at various events throughout the year.
Frances Dodge was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1914, to John and Matilda Dodge. She grew up with a special love for the American Saddlebred and also enjoyed showing Hackney ponies. She founded Dodge Stables at her mother’s estate, Meadow Brook Farms in Rochester, Michigan. By 1940, she was well on her way to establishing the finest equine complex and breeding program in the country. Frances was one of the top amateur exhibitors of her time and always received the highest praise from her competitors for her sportsmanlike manner in which she conducted herself, Dodge Stables and its show string.
Criteria for this award and a nomination form can be found on the ASHAM website at www.asham.org. It will be presented at the ASHAM Charity Fall Horse Show, October 10-12, 2019, during the Saturday evening session.
-- via ASHAM