PARTNERS FOR THE RIDE
Competition Information
When motor vehicles diminished the utility of horses, man looked for another avenue to continue his relationship with the horse. The creation of structured competition started with horse shows becoming organized events, instead of casual gatherings of people with an opportunity to show off to one another. Horse shows became one of the most popular forms of entertainment around the turn of the 20th century. With their exceptional beauty and outstanding athletic abilities, American Saddlebreds dominated the saddle seat and elegant, high-action driving disciplines.
The American Saddlebred is the personification of the ultimate show horse. He carries himself with an attitude – he is alert, with his neck arched, head up and ears forward, every movement saying, "Look at me!" The ideal American Saddlebred is well-proportioned and presents a beautiful overall picture. Large, wide-set expressive eyes and gracefully shaped ears set close together are positioned on a well-shaped head. The neck is long with a fine, clean throatlatch and is arched and well-flexed at the poll. The American Saddlebred sports well-defined and prominent withers, while the shoulders are deep and sloping. Well-sprung ribs and a strong level back also characterize the breed. The legs are straight with broad flat bones, sharply defined tendons and sloping pasterns. Masculinity in stallions and femininity in mares are important qualities to be expressed. The American Saddlebred has a clean, rhythmic and fluid action, which is straight and true.
The American Saddlebred with its conformation, personality, and stamina is well suited to accomplish any task requested. Following is a look at the traditional American Saddlebred in the show ring, as well as other disciplines.
Competition Calendar, Recordings and Results
You have a show coming up? Record your show now!
All competitions must be recorded with the ASHA in order for exhibitors to earn qualifying for the Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show and ASHA Point Awards programs. The ASHA Competition Recording Form must be received by the ASHA at least two weeks prior to your show’s dates (the earlier the better). If results are to be counted for WCHS qualifying, exceptions must be approved by WCHS management.
Beginning with the 2019 competition year - Owners, riders, drivers, handlers and trainers of American Saddlebred horses showing at USEF licensed competitions, who are not current ASHA competing members, will be required to become a competing member within 30 days after receiving a notice from ASHA. After 30 days, the show records (including points for KSF/WCHS Qualifying, CH, CH-EQ, National Pleasure, and ASHA High Point) of American Saddlebred horses whose owner, rider, driver, handler &/or trainer that have not joined ASHA, will be removed from ASHA records and the website.
For the ASHA High Point program, the horse owners and riders/drivers/handlers must be current ASHA members in good standing. If a horse has multiple owners, at least one owner must be a member.
- COMPETITION RECORDING FORM (This recording form includes Affiliate State Futurities classes that belong to the State Futurity Programs. These classes are part of the regular American Saddlebred competitions at both open and USEF licensed shows)
Results MUST be submitted to the ASHA within ten (10) days of the last day of the competition in order for the exhibitors to qualify for the KSF World’s Championship Horse Show.
- SUBMITTING SHOW RESULTS: If you compete in a Saddlebred or open breed category at a horse show, please download and submit your results using our template (excel).
ASHA Youth Programs
ASHA Horse Shows and Awards
ASHA AOT Award Program is to recognize the achievements of AOTs exhibiting horses registered with the American Saddlebred Registry competing in all disciplines at all levels.
- Improve recognition of AOTs
- Provide incentives for AOTs to show their Saddlebreds
- Identify and attract new Saddlebred members
- ASHA AOT Awards Official Points Report Form
ASHA High Point Award Program recognizes competition achievements by registered American Saddlebreds and Half-Saddlebreds in a wide range of categories and disciplines, at all levels, not only in the “traditional” Saddlebred show ring, but also in open breed competition (such as open English pleasure, etc.) and sport horse disciplines
ASHA National and State Pleasure Award Program
Competition Information & Class Specification
- Competition Points of Emphasis
- Driving Competition Accident Guidelines
- Horse Show Manual
- USEF Rule Book
- Map and Region Listings
Kentucky State Fair: World's Championship Horse Show
