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The American Saddlebred Horse Association of Michigan (ASHAM) has announced a new award: the Frances Dodge Amateur Sportsmanship Award. This award will be presented each year by ASHAM during the ASHAM Charity Fall Horse Show, and will be 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 must also 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 enjoyed showing Hackney ponies. Dodge founded Dodge Stables at her mother’s estate, Meadow Brook Farms in Rochester, Michigan. By 1940, she was well on her way to establishing one of the finest equine complex and breeding programs in the country. Dodge was one of the top amateur exhibitors of her time. She consistently received the highest praise from her competitors for the 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 American Saddlebred Horse Association