Since the beginning of 2019, the American Saddlebred Horse Association has focused on strengthening partnerships and initiatives for the betterment of the breed. One relationship that has prospered under this focus has been with a sister affiliate, the Arabian Horse Association. After attending the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show, AHA leadership extended a reciprocal invitation for the ASHA leadership to attend their 2019 U.S. Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. David Mount, ASHA interim executive director, participated on behalf of ASHA to continue the work to find more opportunities for American Saddlebreds and increase the breed community.
This led to an opportunity for the American Saddlebred Registry to promote the Half Saddlebred Registry (HSR). One of the most significant contingencies of Half Saddlebreds for years has been in the Arabian industry. Currently, there are 21,716 registered with the AHA. Of those 21,716 horses, 13,369 are out of registered American Saddlebred dams, and 8,347 are sired by registered American Saddlebred stallions. A new program was created to recognize the highest placing Half Saddlebreds at the Arabian Nationals. Blazin Jewel HPF and Jessica Clinton was presented the inaugural Half Saddlebred Registry of America ribbon for winning the HA-AA English Pleasure Open Championship for owner Pat Thompson. These efforts were well received from the competitors at the Arabian Nationals and amongst breeders from both breeds.
“We look forward to making continued efforts to include and recognize full and Half Saddlebreds in the years to come,” said Mount.
The Half Saddlebred Registry offers opportunities for recognition across a wide array of disciplines and in conjunction with several other sister affiliates. In addition to this new program at Arabian Nationals, the ASR joined the Distance Horse National Championship, where both American Saddlebreds and Half Saddlebreds could earn awards in 2019. These join the longstanding high point and awards programs of ASR, ASHA and USDF All-Breeds.
“This was a great collaborative effort between the ASR and the ASHA to promote the Half-Saddlebred Registry. In addition, I would like to thank David for his efforts that helped make this a success,” said Sandra Currier, ASR President.
-- via ASHA