The following United States Equestrian Federation rule change proposal was initially approved by the American Saddlebred Registry and American Saddlebred Horse Association Boards of Directors and submitted to USEF for consideration by their board of directors:
"Half American Saddlebred Horses shown in the American Saddlebred division must have been issued a certificate of registration from the Half American Saddlebred Registry of America. Horses registered with the Half American Saddlebred Registry of America may compete in the following divisions: Five-Gaited, Fine Harness, Park, Park Pleasure, Show Pleasure, Country Pleasure, Western, Hunter Country Pleasure, Dressage Suitability, In Hand, Model, Parade, and Roadster. It is recommended that competition management offer separate classes restricted to Half American Saddlebreds. However, management may permit Half American Saddlebreds to show in American Saddlebred classes when separate classes are not offered and is stated in the prize list."
However, following an August 15 press release and prior to USEF’s September 1 deadline, there was discussion among ASHA and United Professional Horsemen's Association members regarding the rule change proposal; after reconsideration by both boards, the resulting modified rule proposal was submitted to USEF by the September 1 deadline reading as follows:
"Half American Saddlebred Horses shown in the Half American Saddlebred division must be registered with the Half American Saddlebred Registry of America. Horses registered with the Half American Saddlebred Registry of America may compete in the following divisions provided competition management offers separate classes restricted to Half American Saddlebreds: Five-Gaited, Fine Harness, Park, Park Pleasure, Show Pleasure, Country Pleasure, Western, Hunter Country Pleasure, Dressage Suitability, In Hand, Model, Parade, and Roadster. Competitions may offer classes restricted to American Saddlebreds &/or Half American Saddlebreds. The breed restrictions must be clearly published in the prize list. Half American Saddlebreds may not be shown in American Saddlebred classes with purebred American Saddlebreds in the American Saddlebred and Half American Saddlebred division."
This rule was approved by USEF at their January 14, 2017 meeting, and is effective December 1, 2017 for the 2018 competition year.
-- via ASHA