SaddlebredWeb News

Improving Weather for Saddlebred Convention Opening Thursday; Lexington, Kentucky - After weeks of relentless icy weather, some improvement is forecast for the American Saddlebred Horse Association's (ASHA) annual convention at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa in Lexington, Kentucky. Before the convention formally begins Thursday morning, pre-meeting activities are scheduled throughout the day Wednesday. United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) hosts a Judges' Clinic, open for auditing, and a Riding Instructor Certification meeting will also be held. Click here for details on the Judges' Clinic. Thursday is the traditional day for Saddlebred committee meetings, virtually all of which are open to all members, beginning with the Finance Committee meeting at 8 a.m. Another highlight Thursday is a meeting of the Charter Club Council as well as a Charter Club workshop with a video presentation of international activities from Great Britain, Germany, Sweden, Canada, and South Africa. The Thursday evening reception to welcome all attendees, sponsored in part by the FEI and Emerging Disciplines Committee, will premier a new video, "I'll Take You There," set to Beethoven's famous Ode to Joy, showing many of the ways Saddlebreds compete at the top level in so many disciplines, from the high performance World's Grand Championships in Freedom Hall, to Dressage, Eventing, Jumping, and Endurance, and are also enjoyed for recreation and sheer pleasure. Friday's schedule accentuates Judging, with open forums on developing standards for Western and Hunter Judging, as well as understanding the education and supervision of judges, and improving their performance. Friday's awards luncheon salutes ASHA competition award winners across all disciplines. Dr. Sue McDonnell, world-renowned equine behaviorist, will lead an open discussion on handling stallions, as well as answer questions on equine reproductive behavior. Dr. McDonnell, of New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania, will also deliver the keynote address at the Annual Members Luncheon Saturday.

Friday evening's festivities include the opening of the annual Youth Conference, as well as a Cocktail Buffet at the Lexington Country Club saluting Saddlebred Stars of Saddle Seat Equitation. Attendees will learn of the ASHA's progress in beginning a new Saddlebred Record (Champion) program for equitation mounts, with the celebration of great Saddlebreds who have carried their riders to the Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation. Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. will mark the formal Annual Meeting of ASHA Members -- the annual opportunity for all members to meet with their elected leadership, receive reports on the state of the breed and the financial condition of the Association, and discuss past achievements and future plans. Members present in person or by proxy also elect two of the 2010 Nominating Committee members at the Annual Meeting. Following Dr. McDonnell's presentation at the Annual Members Luncheon beginning at Noon, another open forum is scheduled headlined by USEF president David O'Connor, leading a discussion on the reason for and implementation of new medication rules, as well as plans for the World Equestrian Games, coming to Lexington in September. Saturday evening is the climax of the convention, the rollicking American Saddlebred Ball, featuring big band dancing and a mosaic of videos and salutes to the Saddlebred world's most prestigious annual awards. Redd Crabtree of Kentucky is this year's Lifetime Achievement honoree, and will be joined on the awards platform by other luminaries of the breed, including Theresa Vonderschmitt (Lurline Roth Sportsmanship Award), Fred Sarver (June Cronan Sportsmanship Award), Fern Bittner (Wing Commander Medal), Kay Richardson (Meritorious Service), the Raymond Bible Family (Paul and Dorothy Gillenwater Trophy), and others.

Saddlebred Association Search Committee Named Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association's (ASHA) annual convention presents a special appearance by United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) President (and Olympic Equestrian Gold Medalist) David O'Connor on Saturday, February 20, at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa in Lexington, Kentucky. O'Connor will lead a special open forum following the Members' Luncheon on Saturday, to discuss the Federation's new rules on medication, as well as the upcoming World Equestrian Games. He will be joined by a veterinary expert from Hagyard in Lexington, as well as Saddlebred officials who will present plans for the breed's exhibits at the Games. This open forum will give an opportunity for all attendees to participate in a question At the 2010 USEF annual meeting in Louisville in January, negotiation and cooperation among all breeds and disciplines represented produced an agreement on a landmark equine drug issue-allowing for only one nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to be administered to horses competing in USEF-licensed events. It was recommended and approved by the USEF board of directors that beginning December 1, 2011, exhibitors should be permitted to give only one NSAID, rather than two, to horses in competition, citing the harmful effects overuse of the substances can have on the animal's health and well-being. (GR410.1) In preparation for this change, the USEF board approved an interim rule (GR410.4), which will be in effect from April 1, 2010 through November 30, 2011. Members will be permitted to give two NSAIDs in accordance with current rules regarding the administration of NSAIDs, provided that an NSAID Declaration Form is filed with the show office. Under the current USEF rules, no more than two of the seven approved and quantitatively restricted NSAIDs are permitted in a horse at the time of a USEF licensed competition. The one exception to this rule is that currently phenylbutazone (bute) and flunixin (Banamine) are a forbidden combination, and are never permitted together in the horse at the time of a competition.

Rich Grand National Competition Schedule for 2010 Released Lexington, Kentucky - The 2010 American Saddlebred Registry Grand National prize program schedule of competitions has been announced. This year, the Grand National features 28 shows offering 60 classes with over $136,000 offered in prize money for Grand National-eligible American Saddlebreds. In addition, competitions that have traditionally supported Grand National were entered into a drawing for three Grand National Championship Stakes. The following competitions will receive additional purse allotments of $5,000 each in 2010: Bonnie Blue National, Lexington, Virginia May 12-15 Fine Harness Open Championship $5,000 Midwest Charity, Springfield, Illinois June 15-19 Three-Gaited Open Championship $5,000 Syracuse International, Syracuse, New York June 16-19 Five-Gaited Open Championship $5,000 Also, five ASHA Regional Championship competitions which held Grand National events in 2009 were selected to hold $5,000 Grand National Championship Stakes in 2010: North Carolina State Championship, Raleigh, North Carolina September 15-19 Five-Gaited Open Championship $5,000 Southeastern Charity, Conyers, Georgia September 16-19 Fine Harness Open Championship $5,000 Saint Louis National Charity, Lake Saint Louis, Missouri September 29 - October 2 Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship $5,000 California Saddle Horse Futurity, Las Vegas, Nevada October 22-24 Three-Gaited Open Championship $5,000 Arizona Futurity, Scottsdale, Arizona October 29-31 Three-Gaited Open Championship $5,000

Saddlebred Stars of Saddle Seat Equitation Honored Friday Evening, February 19 Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) convention will honor Saddlebred Stars of Saddle Seat Equitation in a unique setting on Friday evening, February 19. The Lexington Country Club on historic Paris Pike will be the site of the Cocktail Buffet beginning at 6 PM Friday. The new event was made possible this year when ongoing construction of the newly expanded Saddlebred Showcase at the American Saddlebred Museum in the Kentucky Horse Park prevented the usual Museum reception that evening from being held. The Saddlebred community and breeders have long felt that recognition was overdue for the many great horses who have taught young riders the finer points of Saddle Seat Equitation. The directors of the Association and Registry have discussed adding an equitation section to its important Saddlebred Record program, which recognizes Champions of the breed by affixing a permanent "CH" before the registered name upon a horse's earning sufficient levels of success in competition. For equitation achievements, a horse will be honored by affixing a "CH-E" or similar designation in the Registry's permanent records. Details of performance tracking and levels of achievement required remain to be finalized. In the interim, however, American Saddlebreds who have been mounts for the Saddle Seat Equitation Triple Crown (the "Good Hands" National Horse Show Saddle Seat Event; the United States Equestrian Federation Saddle Seat Medal; the United Professional Horsemen's Association Challenge Cup) will be the first horses honored, at the reception February 19. These horses are: Vanity's Sparkling Coin, rider Janice Christensen (1980, trainer Jane Bennett) Glenview's Warlock, rider Jama Hedden (1982, trainer Lillian Shively) Magic Marauder, rider Kate Harvey (1987, trainers Rob & Sarah Byers) One Step Above, rider Catherine Schuessler (1988, trainer Lillian Shively) Callaway's Will Gillen, rider Amanda Arrick (1994, trainer Lillian Shively) CF First Light of Dawn, rider Sarah Thorsden (2001, trainers Scott & Carol Matton) Amandari, rider Betty Cox (2003, trainer Lillian Shively) Amandari, rider Brittany McGinnis (2007, trainer Lillian Shively) Kiss of the Zodiac, rider Faye Wuesthofen (2009, trainer Lillian Shively) The fabled Adrian Van Sinderen Trophy, dating back to the earliest of the medal finals, the United States Equestrian Federation Saddle Seat Medal, will be on display at the reception, along with other trophies, historic photos, and memorabilia, honoring these great horses and all equitation mounts. The Cocktail Buffet begins at 6 PM at the Lexington Country Club, and continues until 9 PM. Tickets are now available at $40 per adult and $20 per youth, and can be purchased by calling ASHA at (859) 259-2742, or at the convention registration desk at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa in Lexington.

Saddlebred Association Search Committee Named Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association has announced the formation of its Search Committee to screen candidates for the open position of Executive Secretary/Registrar of the Association and American Saddlebred Registry. The committee is chaired by the Association's immediate past president Mary Anne Cronan, of Louisville, Kentucky, who is also a current director of the Registry. Joining Cronan on the committee are Misdee Wrigley Miller, Jim Ruwoldt, and Robert Ruxer. Applicants interested in the position should send letters and/or resumes to the attention of Charlotte Tevis, Administration Manager of the Association, at c.tevis@asha.net, or to her care of American Saddlebred Horse Association, 4083 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Kentucky 40511, fax 859/259-1628. Applicants should address any questions they have by email; no telephone calls about the position can be accepted.

2010 American Saddlebred Reference Directory now Available Online Lexington, Kentucky - The 2010 American Saddlebred Reference Directory, the breed’s most comprehensive publication each year, and the only breed publication distributed to the entire American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) membership, has been distributed, and is also now available to ASHA members electronically at the ASHA website. New this year is the listing of leading sires by various rankings, including rankings of living sires in all classes, specifically in Pleasure, In-Hand and Performance (those not Pleasure or In-Hand) classes. Also, the Grand National program has been added to the Prize Programs section, and the Gallery of Winners advertising section has been expanded. As in previous issues, the 2010 American Saddlebred Reference directory includes sections for Editorial, Recognitions, Sire Rankings, Advertised Stallions, a Geographical Sire List, General Sire List, Kentucky State Fair Data, Broodmare Hall of Fame, Champions, Prize Programs and a Resource Directory. ASHA members can log in and access the electronic version of the Reference Directory on the ASHA website.

Saddlebred Youth Conference Features Murray, Green, Conatser, Teater Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association’s 2010 Youth Conference once again features a stellar lineup of the breed’s greatest names, with its annual field trip scheduled for Saturday morning, February 20, in Lexington, Kentucky. Becoming more popular each year, Youth Conference attendees and chaperones board buses at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa after a breakfast Saturday morning, and head to Nelson Green Stables in Nicholasville, where Green (himself a multiple winner of World’s Grand Championships) will be joined by reigning World’s Five Gaited Grand Championship winner Merrill Murray, who in 2009 became one of the very few living horsemen who have won the “Big Stake” at the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville three times. Also on the tour this year is a stop at John and Tammie Conatser’s Carriage Lane Farm, boasting one of the most powerful show strings in the breed today. Martin Teater Stables and the Teater Family are showcased at the third destination, where the name is synonymous with excellence and success throughout American Saddlebred showing, breeding – and sales – history. Youth Conference attendees will enjoy their annual Awards Luncheon at The Red Mile, fabled in Saddlebred history as well. Preceding the youth field trip will be the Youth Breakfast and Academy Awards, during which awards will be presented to youth earning gold, silver or bronze medallions for their participation during the 2009 season, as well as the new Academy Master Medals. For more information, contact Brenda Newell at (859) 259-2742, or click here to email her. Hotel reservations can be made at the Griffin Gate Marriott by calling (800) 228-9290, or online. When making reservations by phone, be sure to identify that you are part of the American Saddlebred Horse Association Annual Convention & Youth Conference.

UPHA Chapter 18 Spring Riding Clinic Set for March, Will Feature Clinician Ellen Beard of Stephens College Lexington, Kentucky - UPHA Chapter 18 has announced that Ellen Beard of Stephens College will be the featured clinician for their annual Spring Riding Clinic, scheduled for Friday, March 12, through Saturday, March 13 at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia. The clinic will provide an opportunity for riders of all levels to polish their skills and learn new techniques from a gifted teacher. Classes will be offered for riders from beginners to advanced, privately or in groups, and driving lessons will be offered as well. Participants are encouraged to bring their own horses, but chapter members will also have plenty of quality school horses available for use in the clinic for those who do not yet own their own horse or are unable to bring their horse. The clinic will once again be held in conjunction with the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Virginia Convention, affording attendees the opportunity to participate in two events in one weekend. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Nancy Troutman at (540) 384-6909, or Smith Lilly at (304) 384-8800.

USEF to Conduct Judges' Clinics at 2010 ASHA Convention Lexington, Kentucky - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will conduct Judges’ Clinics in conjunction with the 2010 American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Convention, which is set to be held at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa in Lexington, Kentucky in February. USEF will conduct Judges’ Clinics for Saddlebred, Saddle Seat Equitation, Hackney and Roadster officials. These clinics will be held on Wednesday, February 17, a day before the ASHA Convention & Youth Conference, which is scheduled for Thursday, February 18, through Saturday, February 20. The Judges’ Clinics will begin at 8 AM and will conclude at 9 PM. There is room for auditors in addition to licensed officials and applicants for a full day of officials’ education. Registration applications are available at www.usef.org under the 2010 calendar in the Education folder. For further information click here to e-mail Chuck Walker or call him at (859) 225-6970.

Saddlebred Convention to Feature Dr. Sue McDonnell, Equine Behaviorist Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has announced that Dr. Sue McDonnell, Founder of the Equine Behavior Program at the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center, will headline its convention in Lexington, Kentucky, set to take place Thursday, February 18, through Saturday, February 20, 2010, at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa. McDonnell is the world’s foremost authority on studying and understanding the behavior of horses across all breeds, and has particularly emphasized stallion behavior. She is the acclaimed author of “Understanding Horse Behavior,” and has worked with equine breeding behavior for her entire career. One of her renowned accomplishments was recommending changes to the handling of the Thoroughbred War Emblem, standing in Japan, who was purchased for $17.7 million, but had become a very shy breeder. Acting on her recommendations, his behavior was changed and he developed into a normal breeding sire. She has been known to make successful recommendations to stallion owners, including those of changed behavior due to aging, upon just being told the problem. Her experience is unmatched in the world. Dr. McDonnell will host an open forum on stallion handling on the morning of Friday, February 19, and is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address to the convention on equine behavior during the ASHA members’ luncheon on Saturday, February 20. Both presentations will allow for ample time to question and discuss problems and horse management with her.

Saddlebred Annual Award Honorees Announced; Crabtree Honored for Lifetime Achievement Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association announced its annual award winners, based on ballots tabulated from its board of directors. Nominees for each award are received from the general membership and committee volunteers, screened by the Executive Committee of the Association, and voted on by the full board from the candidates selected. The awards are presented at the Saddlebred Ball, to be held at Marriott Griffin Gate Hotel and Resort , Saturday evening, February 20, 2010. Honorees by award are: Lifetime Achievement - Redd Crabtree, Simpsonville, Kentucky Breeders Hall of Fame Inductee - Jim Orr, Lee’s Summit, Missouri Breeder of the Year, 2009 - Callaway Hills Stable, New Bloomfield, Missouri // Kathy Capsuto-Walker, Shelbyville, Kentucky C.J. “June” Cronan Sportsmanship - Fred Sarver, Carlisle, Kentucky Mrs. Wm. P. Roth Sportsmanship - Theresa Vonderschmitt, Jasper, Indiana Meritorious Service - Kay Richardson, Bloomington, Illinois Wing Commander Medal of Honor - Fern Bittner, St. Charles, Missouri Gillenwater Family Trophy - The Raymond Bible Family, Morristown, Tennessee Gordon Jenkins International - James and Jackie Hale, Columbiana, Alabama // Yvonne Sohlberg, Ruda, Sweden Frank Ogletree Youth - Amy Hein, Nashville, Tennessee

Saddlebred Board Nominations Released Lexington, Kentucky - Following submission of its proposed slate to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) at their meetings on Monday, November 2, the list of nominees standing for election as directors of the Association for terms beginning in February 2010 was released. In February 2010, six directors are to be elected by ASHA members for terms ending in 2013 from these eight candidates: Barbara Friedman (Indiana), Minna Hankin (Pennsylvania), Larry Hartsock (Virginia), Charles Herbert (Indiana), William Marple (Texas), Scott Matton (Wisconsin), Jimmy Robertson (Kentucky), and Judith Werner (Illinois). Write-in votes for others are also accepted. Four of the candidates on the slate (Herbert, Mattson, Robertson, and Werner) are incumbent directors eligible for another term. The other four are also widely experienced and knowledgeable friends and supporters of the American Saddlebred. All candidates meet the requirements in the Association’s bylaws for service as a director, and were selected in an arduous process from over 170 members who were suggested by their fellow members and considered in a series of detailed meetings. The Nominating Committee met formally in six lengthy meetings held from June through October. Ballots (including biographical information on the candidates) will be mailed in early January, and must be returned by eligible voting members of the Association on or before Friday, February 5, 2010. The election results will be announced at the Association’s convention and annual meeting, to be held from Thursday, February 18, through Saturday, February 20, at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa in Lexington, Kentucky. “The entire group of potential candidates was exceptionally well-qualified,” said Dr. Margaret C. McNeese, chair of the 2009 Nominating Committee, “and successive Nominating Committees over several years have refined the process to be certain that nominees on the ballot meet the detailed requirements in our Association bylaws. All those considered each year are forwarded to the next Nominating Committee so we can continue to expand the list of those who are available for this demanding volunteer service. I would say our only regret is that two of the exceptionally well-qualified people we’re putting forward will not be elected, since there are only six openings on the board each year." Biographies of each of the candidates and their personal statements will be posted at www.saddlebred.com as soon as available, prior to the mailing of election ballots.

Horse Camping DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. - The campground at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park near Dawson Springs will receive $1.1 million so horse camping sites can be added, First Lady Jane Beshear announced today. The expansion of the campground is in the design phase and state park officials estimate between 10 and 15 full service sites for horse camping will be added, along with other campground improvements. “These new sites will make a great addition for Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park and this region,” Mrs. Beshear said. “Horse enthusiasts will enjoy visiting and camping here because this is a beautiful area that’s perfect for horseback riding.” The funding comes from a $60 million bond pool that was approved several years ago by the General Assembly for state park improvements. Mrs. Beshear was joined by Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Marcheta Sparrow and Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer. The park currently has 68 improved campsites with water and electric hookups. The campground features utility hook ups, a dump station, and one central service building with showers, rest rooms and a laundry. Park officials are currently making plans for the horse camping sites. The campground will serve as the trailhead to approximately 40 miles of equestrian trails within the adjacent Pennyrile State Forest. Pennyrile Forest State Park has a lodge, cottages, restaurant, gift shop, 18-hole golf course, campground, boat rentals, swimming, mini-golf, hiking trails and picnic areas. Two other state parks – Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park and Taylorsville Lake State Park – have horse campsites available. The Department of Parks is also adding horse camping sites at Carter Caves State Resort Park near Olive Hill.

Performing Arts Wanted for Alltech FEI WEG FRANKFORT, Kentucky - The deadline is approaching for Kentucky performing artists to submit an application to perform at The Kentucky Experience pavilion, which will be part of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Professional artists and community and school groups in all performing arts genres may submit applications until December 15, 2009. A panel of professional performers and presenters who are knowledgeable about contemporary and traditional performing arts will review the applications. The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, September 25 – October 10, 2010, at the Kentucky Horse Park are being held outside of Europe for the first time. More than a half million ticket holders are expected to see eight equestrian events and visit more than 300 vendors and attractions on the grounds of the park during the 16 days of the games. In addition to a performing venue, The Kentucky Experience pavilion will be a marketplace and showcase for Kentucky’s rich culture, including arts and crafts, Kentucky Proud products and statewide tourist destinations. Two categories of artists may apply: Kentucky professional artists including individuals, companies or groups in dance, theatre, music, storytelling or other disciplines, and community/school groups. Selection will be based on artistic excellence and performance experience. To review the guidelines and instructions for the application process, log on to The Kentucky Arts Council or contact Tamara Coffey, individual artist program director for the Kentucky Arts Council at 888-833-2787, ext 479 or tamara.coffey@ky.gov. There is also a link to this information on The Kentucky Experience. The Kentucky Arts Council will produce an online directory of the performers selected for the Kentucky Experience. The directory will include a biography, photo, performance description and booking information for each artist and the schedule of performances during the games. The directory will also help market Kentucky performing artists to presenters for other venues and events. For more information about The Kentucky Experience pavilion, click here to log on to The Kerntucky Experience web site or contact Cheryl Hatcher at 502-564-4930 or click here to e-mail Cheryl Hatcher. .

Saddlebred Deadline Approaching for FEI Disciplines Year-End Competition Reporting Forms Lexington, Kentucky - The deadline to submit 2009 FEI Disciplines Year-End competition reporting forms to the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) office is Monday, November 30, 2009. The FEI Disciplines Year-End Awards are designed to acknowledge, reward and promote the versatility of the American Saddlebred within the various disciplines and are open to both registered purebred and registered Half Saddlebred horses that are enrolled in the awards program. The fee is $25 for lifetime enrollment. Disciplines in which horses may earn points are Distance Riding, Dressage, Driving, Eventing, Hunter, Jumper and Sport Horse In Hand. If you would like to have forms faxed or mailed, please contact the ASHA office at (859) 259-2742, ext. 324 or by email . Completed forms can be submitted by fax to (859) 259-1628 or can be mailed to ASHA, 4083 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511.

Saddlebred Enthusiasts Needed to Volunteer at 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ Lexington, Kentucky - The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will take place Saturday, September 25, 2010, through Sunday, October 10, 2010, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Equine enthusiasts and competitors from all over the world will be attending these World Championships in the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale, the international federation for equestrian sport headquartered in Switzerland). The World Equestrian Games are held in the even-numbered years every four years between Olympic Games. American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) President Judith Werner has appointed a committee to plan and execute the showcasing of the American Saddlebred during this wonderful opportunity for national and international exposure and demonstration of our breed. The American Saddlebred’s presence in the Equine Village at the Games has just been announced, where different breed exhibits, family activities, and equine demonstrations will take place. The breed demonstrations will be ongoing daily during the 16 days of the Games. The Saddlebred breed demonstration is scheduled to last approximately 30 minutes at each performance, including the time to enter and exit the ring. Those exhibitors would be committed to at least a four-day stay at the Horse Park to exhibit their horses at least once a day. The exhibit would showcase the versatility and suitability of the American Saddlebred for a range of equestrian sport and recreation, suitable for ages 7-70 . The ASHA WEG planning committee is asking those interested in volunteering their horses AND their artistic abilities to please fill out the ASHA Participation Applicationsand submit to committee secretary Germaine Johnson by Thursday, December 10, 2009. Click to e-mail: Jimmy Robertson Marilyn Macfarlane Nelson Green Germaine Johnson Mary Anne Cronan Laurel Nelson Rob Byers Liz Shatner

2009 UPHA Classics Incentive Sale Cancelled Lexington, Kentucky - The United Professional Horsemen's Association (UPHA) has announced that after much consideration, and due to insufficient entries, the UPHA Classics Incentive Sale will not be held this year. The UPHA Incentive Sale Committee felt that holding the sale with the small number of entries would not be profitable for the consignors or the Classics Incentive Sale program. The UPHA would like to thank the consignors who sent in entries for this year's sale, and look forward to their continued support in next year's sale, along with the UPHA Classics Championship, as Incentive Sale money will continued to be paid. The UPHA Classics Sale Committee, along with the UPHA Board of Directors, will be in talks in the coming days and weeks to brainstorm on ways to improve the sale for 2010.

Saddlebred National Pleasure Equitation Championship Accepting Bids to Host Competition Lexington, Kentucky - The National Pleasure Equitation Championship is accepting proposals from shows to serve as the new host for the class, beginning in 2010. For the past five years, the competition has been held on conjunction with the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival. The number of entries in the class at this year’s competition was nearly double the number of entries for the two years prior. In recent years, the class has used a three-judge panel, and has been judged using the Saddleseat Equitation Numerical (SEN) System; however, this system is not a prerequisite to host the class, as the host competition could ultimately determine the preferred judging system. Riders who have placed in the top three of the class have been awarded scholarship money in the amounts of $3,000 for first place, and $1,000 for both second and third place. Of this total $5,000 in scholarship money, $1,000 has traditionally been provided each year by the Knollwood’s Knockouts Youth Club. The format is optional as to how the preliminary and final rounds of the class are structured and scheduled, and the contribution of money toward the scholarships offered to winners is not necessarily a prerequisite for consideration. The length of the commitment is also negotiable. For more information, interested parties should contact Scott Matton, Chairman of American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Pleasure Committee, at (262) 227-6219, or (262) 367-9111.

UPHA Chapter 13 to Hold Sale Horse Preview Lexington, Kentucky - United Professional Horsemen's Association (UPHA) Chapter 13 is set to host a Sale Horse Preview to be held at the Champions Center in Springfield, Ohio, on Saturday, February 27, 2010. The event is intended to be an opportunity for owner/trainers to present their show horse and show horse prospects for sale to an audience at minimal expense. The preview will begin at approximately 1 PM, and will take place as long as necessary to give each entry an opportunity to be shown. All sales are by private treaty. Fees to enter a horse in the preview will be $150 for non-UPHA members and $100 for UPHA members. Entries may submit a video clip which will be incorporated into a media show and played continuously in the barn area. There will be a table for farm advertisements and brochures. A printed program will be distributed at the event and also maintained on-line prior to the date. Light refreshments will be served.

Saddlebred Enthusiasts Needed to Volunteer for Massachusetts Equine Affaire© Lexington, Kentucky - Beginning Thursday, November 12, through Sunday, November 15, 2009, the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) will once again sponsor a breed booth at the Equine Affaire© event, to be held at the Eastern States Exposition Center in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Equine Affaire©, the nation's premiere national equine exposition and equestrian gathering, organizes four days of clinics, seminars, demonstrations and exhibits, with an attendance of over 100,000 horse enthusiasts. According to ASHA members and event coordinators Susan Vine and Mark Strong, “Similar to last year, the ASHA booth will feature the versatility of the American Saddlebred Horse, highlighting the 'I’ll Take You There' campaign. This is an incredible opportunity for us to engage tens of thousands of people and educate them about the wonderful breed we all love." In addition to the informational breed booth, the 2009 exhibit will also feature a “Saddlebred Star” each day, allowing attendees to get up close and personal with an American Saddlebred. Following up on last year’s popular breed demonstration, which highlighted nine different divisions in which Saddlebreds compete, there will be an equally exciting and crowd-pleasing Saddlebred performance on Sunday afternoon at 1PM in the main Coliseum. Equine Affaire© organizers have also chosen to include two Saddlebreds in the musical extravaganza “Pfizer Fantasia,” which plays to a sold-out crowd of over 5,000 fans each night during Equine Affaire©. Saddlebred enthusiasts are needed to help staff the ASHA breed information booth. Volunteers are asked to sign up in 4-hour shifts throughout the 4-day event, answering questions about the American Saddlebred. If you would like to volunteer, or have any other questions, please contact either Susan Vine at esvine@gmail.com or Mark Strong at mstrong59@att.net or (617) 922-5501. For a complete schedule of events during the Equine Affaire©, visit www.equineaffaire.com.

Saddlebred Individual Award Nomination Deadline Approaching Lexington, Kentucky - With the competition season drawing to a close, the deadline to submit nominations for the American Saddlebred Horse Association’s (ASHA) individual awards are no later than the close of business Friday, October 30, 2009. Each year, the Association’s highest honors are presented at the annual Saddlebred Ball, held in conjunction with the ASHA Annual Convention and Youth Conference. This year both the Annual Meeting and the Saddlebred Ball will once again be held at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort in Lexington, Kentucky, beginning Thursday, February 18, through Saturday, February 20, 2010. The Saddlebred Ball is set for that Saturday evening. All of the awards – Lifetime Achievement, Meritorious Service, Breeders Hall of Fame, Breeder of the Year, C.J. Cronan and Lurline Roth Sportsmanship Awards, Frank Ogletree Youth Award, Gordon Jenkins International Award, Gillenwater Family Trophy and the Wing Commander Medal – are explained in detail on ASHA's website, here. Members wishing to make nominations should respond in writing explaining in detail why an individual is deserving of a specific award. The nominations are reviewed by ASHA's Executive Committee, and other committees as necessary. No more than three finalists in each category are chosen to be voted upon by the full Board of Directors. Please send nominations to ASHA, c/o Brenda Newell, 4083 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511, by fax to (859) 259-1628, or email to b.newell@asha.net; please include “Award Nomination” in the subject line.

Saddlebred Association Files Action for Declaratory Judgment to End Dispute Lexington, Kentucky - After months of letter writing and document productions, the directors of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) voted unanimously on Monday afternoon (October 5) to initiate an unusual legal action to settle a dispute with a small group of its members. The decision came following repeated and continuing threats of litigation against ASHA by these members and their representatives. It was taken by the ASHA Board of Directors to protect the best interests of the overall membership, the Association, all employees, and the long-term future of the American Saddlebred. At issue in this filing is a Kentucky statute referring to the right of members of a not-for-profit corporation to have access to all “books and records of account.” The inquiring members have demanded that the Association produce other documents, specifically payroll records indicating details of compensation by employee for the entire staff, and correspondence including electronic communications among certain directors and staff for a period of nearly two years. ASHA’s attorneys advised the directors of their strong belief that the board and staff have already fully complied with the law, and that any requests for such additional documents are well beyond not only what the law contemplates, but also what is reasonable and proper. “What we have here,” said Judith Werner (Illinois), president of ASHA, “is a situation that we apparently cannot resolve without the help of the courts. The attorney representing a group of members reads the law very differently than our own legal counsel does, and these are important issues to have settled. That’s what the courts are for. Many members have asked us to get the issues resolved so we can protect the personal privacy of all our hard-working staff members now and in the future, and spend our time, attention, and financial resources on advancing our beautiful breed of horse.” The members pursuing this dispute since April were invited to meet with all directors of both ASHA and the American Saddlebred Registry in July, which they declined. In the meantime, thousands of documents have been produced for inspection, in three document productions attended by attorneys and accountants. The offer to meet was extended again for the October 5 joint board session held in Lexington. Nine of these members and their attorney attended the meeting Monday afternoon at the Kentucky Horse Park with over 20 directors, but declined to discuss the specific matters of concern to them. Despite questioning from several directors of the members in attendance, their attorney simply repeated his legal interpretations. The members themselves offered only isolated, brief comments, and would not state a purpose, other than “oversight,” for their inquiries. The Action for Declaratory Judgment, filed in Fayette County, Kentucky, where ASHA is headquartered, puts the issue before a judge to decide. According to Alan F. Balch, Executive Secretary of ASHA, the directors felt that they had done everything they could to settle this matter cooperatively, including repeatedly offering to meet with the group of members to settle any issues, but that this resolution had been forced upon them when the members who attended would not even share their actual concerns. “We have been unable to undertake important new initiatives to serve the breed since April. Instead, we’ve been responding to constant requests for more documents, and additional inspection,” he said. “At the outset, as the senior staff person, I made my employment contract available for review, and all my own payroll documents. My compensation has also been regularly disclosed in our tax filings, of course.” Ed Stopher, of Boehl Stopher Graves in Louisville, the firm that has represented ASHA for decades, made it clear to the directors and their guests during the meeting that all staff members have a reasonable right to privacy as to their personnel files, including details of compensation and other matters. In addition, requesting copies of correspondence including electronic mail among staff and directors goes beyond the “books and records of account” cited in the law. “The efficient operation of any modern organization,” Balch added, “depends on email, and our volunteer directors use email to communicate on any number of both formal and casual matters, and to convey their opinions on sensitive and/or confidential issues. Such communication can range from confidential discussions of potential candidates for board and committee service, to payroll and privileged legal matters, to brainstorming on controversial topics. Any such correspondence was written with a reasonable expectation of privacy, and never intended to be public.” Werner emphasized the gravity of the step the ASHA leadership was forced to take. “We did not make this decision lightly,” she said. “We are responding to what we believe is the clearly expressed desire of the overwhelming majority of our members to get this matter resolved once and for all, so that their duly-elected leaders and staff can return to the important challenges facing our breed as well as every breed of horse.”

October Saddlebred Deadlines Include Reference Directory Advertising and Stallion Service Reports Lexington, Kentucky - Two key deadlines are approaching for owners of Saddlebred stallions, including the deadline to reserve advertising in the 2010 American Saddlebred Reference Directory, which is Wednesday, October 14, and the deadline to submit Stallion Service Reports, which is Saturday, October 31. For Saddlebred stallion owners, this is the opportunity to showcase your stallion in the American Saddlebred Reference Directory, the source of superior stallion information for Saddlebred breeders. The final closing on the Reference Directory’s special advertising section for stallions is Wednesday, October 14, 2009. Reserve your stallion’s page now, before it’s too late. To be included, return the reservation form you have received, or will be receiving in the mail, download the form from the ASHA Web site by clicking here or click here to email Dede Gatlin. The American Saddlebred Reference Directory is the essential guide for breeders, the book breeders turn to for information affecting their breeding decisions throughout the season. No other Saddlebred publication features as much information on as many stallions as does the Reference Directory. Additionally, no other Saddlebred publication reaches the entire membership of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, which currently includes 8,000 plus members. Each stallion ad features a four-generation pedigree, a listing of the stallion’s top get, stallion’s show record, records of his get and of the horses in both his male and female lines, plus much more. Another important date for stallion owners is the deadline to submit Stallion Service Reports. Stallion owners must submit a Stallion Service Report to the American Saddlebred Registry by the deadline of Saturday, October 31, 2009. Late fees will be assessed for submissions received after this date. The Stallion Service Report form can be found on the American Saddlebred Horse Association website. All Stallion Service Reports are due no later than October 31 of each year. Late filing penalty fees increase in proportion to when the report is filed. The penalty is $25 for filing up to ten days late, $50 for 11-20 days, $75 for 21-30 days, $200 for 31-60 days, and $300 for a filing date of 61 days or more past the deadline. No exceptions can be made to these penalties. Once filed, a Stallion Service Report can be amended without further penalty. For questions about Stallion Service Reports and/or Registry fees, click here to email the American Saddlebred Registry or call (859) 259-2742.

Saddlebred Sweepstakes Shows Near Record Total Payout at All American Horse Classic Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) Sweepstakes classes were held recently at the All American Horse Classic (AAHC), with payouts expected to reach near record numbers. The ASR Sweepstakes’ estimated total payout of over $222,000 tops the 16-year high of $210,000 in 2008, and is the most prize money awarded in one year since the Sweepstakes all-time high set in 1992. This is in addition to the $160,000 in prize money expected to be paid out to top-placing Kentucky-bred horses, from the Kentucky Breeders' Incentive Fund. For Kentucky Saddlebred Owners & Breeders Association (KSOBA) members, this marks the second year of the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund. Kentucky-bred horses nominated to compete in the ASR Four-Year-Old Sweepstakes classes will be awarded added prize money courtesy of the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund. The top three highest placed Kentucky-bred horses in each of the four divisions: Five-Gaited, Three-Gaited, Fine Harness and Park Pleasure, are set to receive over $13,000 with 70 percent awarded to the breeder (must be a Kentucky resident), and 30 percent to the owner of the stallion (must have been standing in Kentucky at the time of service). Members of KSOBA must have been current members prior to the competition.

October Saddlebred Shows Include Mid-America Mane Event, Regional Championships Lexington, Kentucky - The Mid-America Mane Event is set to take place beginning Thursday, October 22, through Sunday, October 25. The event will host the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Regional Championships for the region, as well as Finals for Good Hands and Pleasure Olympics, along with a full schedule of performance classes at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The facilities available at the venue are highly regarded by many exhibitors. The Coliseum’s banked oval arena and the three warm up rings (two indoor arenas plus a huge covered arena with a 50’ round pen), are all next to the Coliseum in-gate, available to exhibitors 24/7. The facility also provides quality stabling. Mane Event provides a wide range of classes for Saddlebreds (performance, park, pleasure), Road Horses (bike, under saddle), Hackney Ponies (harness, roadster, pleasure, with all Hackney wins earning triple points from USEF) and equitation (saddle seat, pleasure, adult, walk/trot). Michael Craghead, Fran Crumpler and Tom Sworm will judge all divisions. A Mane Event entry booklet is available online at the show website, here. For additional information, click here to email Show Manager Joy A. Meierhans.

Nominations Now Being Accepted for USEF Youth Sportsman's Award Lexington, Kentucky - Applications are being accepted for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®. Focused on developing leaders in equestrian sport, this award recognizes youth who are members of both USEF and a USEF Recognized National Affiliate for their participation in the community and equine industry. To be considered for the award, the following criteria must be met: Active membership in good standing with USEF and a USEF Recognized National Affiliate Must be 17 years old or under as of December 1, 2008 Demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of the horse Serve as a positive role model for peers Participate at any level of competition, including local, regional or national events Exhibit characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles Applications may be obtained on the USEF website, here, or through the youth's USEF Recognized National Affiliate. The USEF Recognized National Affiliate will select a nominee (and an alternate) and submit to the USEF by October 31, 2009. Each nominee will be considered for the overall award. In addition, each Youth Sportsman's Award nominee will be recognized during the USEF Annual Meeting and invited to a career workshop to learn about different career opportunities in the equine industry. The overall winner of the USEF Youth Sportsman's Award will receive a trophy, a $1,000 scholarship to be paid to the educational program of their choice, and a lifetime membership to USEF (valued at $2,500). Additionally, the award winner will be submitted as a candidate for the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Award. For more information regarding the USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, please contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates and Youth Programs, via e-mail at jmellenkamp@usef.org.

American Saddlebred's Biggest Stage Crowns New and Repeat World's Grand Champions Lexington, Kentucky - The 2009 World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS), held annually in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair, was held at Louisville's Freedom Hall from Sunday, August 23, through Saturday, August 29. There was plenty of excitement at WCHS this year, as new World's Grand Champions were crowned in the Five-Gaited and Fine Harness World's Grand Championships, while the 2008 Three-Gaited World's Grand Champion repeated as such in 2009. Among a formidable field of competitors, as in each class, Courageous Lord emerged victorious in the Five-Gaited World's Grand Championship, owned by Marsha Shepard and Bill Carrington of Shelbyville, Tennessee, and ridden & trained by Merrill Murray. In the Three-Gaited World's Grand Championship, for the second year in a row, CH Our Charming Lady won the top spot for owners Jack and Donna Finch of Greensboro, North Carolina, once again ridden by Mary Marcum Orr. The Fine Harness World's Grand Championship was won by CH Castledream, owned by Hillcroft Farm, LLC of Paris, Kentucky, and piloted by Larry Hodge. To view the full results of all competitions held at the 2009 WCHS, visit the Kentucky State Fair WCHS section of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) website. Here you will find links to all class schedules, entries and results, as well as judges' cards. You will also find online versions of the American Saddlebred Daily, a daily results magazine that includes competition results from classes held the previous day, editorial feature stories, and graphic photos of the previous day's events. Additional 2009 WCHS coverage and content can be found on Club Equestrian's website, here. This site provides media content of the show including photos and videos, which include footage of this years events, as well as interviews with notable Saddlebred personalities.

Horses Starved in Danville, Kentucky Boyle County, Kentucky - See these links for the story: http://www.amnews.com/stories /2009/08/12/boy.092941.sto Lexington Herald-Leader http://www.kentucky.com/181 /story/893168.html

Saddlebred Sponsorship Opportunities Available for World’s Championship Horse Show Webcast Lexington, Kentucky - Saddlebred Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the American Saddlebred Horse Association's (ASHA) live streaming video Internet webcast of the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS). For the first time since ASHA has begun webcasting multiple Saddlebred events throughout each year, ASHA is now offering the opportunity for these webcasts to be sponsored, starting with the webcast of this year’s WCHS. ASHA has recently implemented technological advances which enable the capability for sponsors to have an “in video” presence during the actual webcast. For the 2008 WCHS webcast, there were upwards of 4,000 distinct subscribers who viewed the event from various and widespread geographic locations. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Laura Waldock, at l.waldock@asha.net, or (419) 215-8464. The sponsorship application form, along w/ payment, and any accompanying image and/or video media should be received by close of business on Wednesay, August 19.

$5,000 Top Prize, $20,000 to Winners in Annual Saddlebred Raffle Lexington, Kentucky - Tickets are now being sold for the annual Saddlebred Raffle, with winners to be drawn during the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Youth Auction, in Crowne Room A of the Crowne Plaza Louisville, during the week of the Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS). The raffle is one of ASHA's most important fund-raisers. Only 400 tickets are sold worldwide, at $100 each, for gross proceeds of $40,000. Of that, $20,000 goes into the Saddlebred Futures Fund, and $20,000 of it is returned to winners in cash prizes. The Grand Prize is $5,000, with two prizes of $2,500 each, one each of $2,000 and $1,500, three of $1,000 each, and seven of $500. The lucky 15 winning names will be drawn on Thursday afternoon, August 27, at 2:30 PM, in Crowne Room A of the Crowne Plaza. Ticket holders need not be present to win. Then, the lucky winners or their representatives will draw for their actual prizes on Thursday evening, August 27, during WCHS in Freedom Hall. Ambassadors selling tickets include the following individuals: Jennifer Robertson, Simpsonville, KY Susan Reimer, Turin, GA -- reimerstables@mindspring.com Mary Anne Cronan, Louisville, KY -- macron@insightbb.com Betsy Boone, Concord, NC -- boonescabin@aol.com Bill Whitley, Cary, NC Louise Gilliland, McAlester, OK -- winsdown@cheroketel.com Germaine Johnson, Lexington, KY -- auburntiger@insightbb.com Art Zubrod, Versailles, KY -- azubrod@ix.netcom.com Jimmy Robertson, Simpsonville, KY -- jimmy8infinity@aol.com Jeff Streepey, Louisville, KY -- jstreepey@bsg-law.com Chuck Herbert, Evansville, IN -- cedfa3@aol.com James Nichols, Metairie, LA -- jlnichols1@comcast.net Alan R. Raun, Cumming, IA -- reedannland@att.net Mary Ann Pardieck, Columbus, IN -- map@pardiecklaw.com Judy Werner, Waterloo, IL -- redwingfarm.werner@gmail.com Nelson Green, Nicholasville, KY -- reverie299@aol.com Margaret McNeese, Houston, TX -- margaret.c.mcneese@uth.tmc.edu Lisa Duncan, Lexington, KY -- lisabduncan2@aol.comv Scott Matton, Hartland, WI Laurel Nelson, Versailles, KY -- lamadre911@aol.com Sandy Lilly, Princeton, WV -- mercerspringsfarm@suddenlink.net Kristen Cater, Dunbarton, NH -- kspann1@comcast.net Barbara Molland, Petaluma, CA -- bmolland@farfieldfarm.com Paul Treiber, Hartland, WI -- paul@walshproducts.com Mark Strong, Boston, MA -- mstrong59@att.net ASHA is organized under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and all contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Association’s Kentucky License for the annual raffle is Number 0557. For more information, contact Brenda Newell at b.newell@asha.net.

Saddlebred Community Loses Longtime ASHA Member and Breeder Lexington, Kentucky - Marilyn E. Smith passed away on Friday, August 7. Marilyn was born May 14, 1939, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. For the past six years, she was the office manager at Hamilton Family Medical Center in Hamilton, Indiana. Marilyn was a graduate of Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and Indiana University, and had a Master's Degree in Education. She taught second grade at Slocum Elementary School. Marilyn had been President of the Junior Division of the Fort Wayne Women's Club, and current president of the Phi Mu Fraternity - Fort Wayne Chapter. She owned The Wedding Place in Fort Wayne for 17 years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of the Covenant - Fort Wayne. Marilyn, along with her husband Ken and daughter Teresa, bred, raised and showed American Saddlebreds for approximately 35 years, under the tutelage of such trainers as Marty Mueller, Jim & Mike McIntosh, and more recently with Travis Higgins and Jimmy & Helen Robertson. Ken and Marilyn owned and stood the stallion Pentagon, at their Cedar Creek Farm. Marilyn always supported local shows, both with her horses and as a volunteer. For ten years she and her husband ran a local one-day show in Auburn, Indiana, the Classic City Charity. At this show, Saddlebreds were showcased along with other English breeds, presenting full classes of three-gaited, five-gaited and fine harness Saddlebreds, many of which had been shown at Louisville. Marilyn is survived by her husband, Kenneth F. Smith, of Garrett, Indiana, and her daughter, Teresa L. Smith M.D., of Angola, Indiana.

ASHA Youth Auction Adds Big Ticket Items Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has added additional items to its Youth Auction, held annually during Kentucky State Fair (KSF) and World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS). Among the items up for bid at the 2009 ASHA Youth Auction are two tickets to the sold out Taylor Swift concert, scheduled for 7 PM on Sunday, August 30. Included with the concert tickets is a night's stay at the Crowne Plaza hotel on the evening of the concert. Another "big ticket" item that will be up for bid is a week's stay at a three-bedroom ocean front condo in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Full details about the condo can be found here. The silent auction will begin at 10 AM on Wednesday, August 26, in Crowne Room A of the Crowne Plaza hotel. Bid numbers can be obtained at that time. Bidding in the Silent Auction will conclude for the day at 6 PM. Silent Auction bidding will resume at 10 AM on Thursday, August 27, and end with the conclusion of the Silent Auction at 3 PM. The Live Auction will begin at 1:30 PM on Thursday, August 27, and in addition to the aforementioned, items up for bid will include such items as Kentucky Derby tickets, a Tommy Lovell Rocking Horse, Breeders’ Cup tickets, and bound volumes of The Horseman dating back to 1891. As in the past, a free reception and cash bar will be offered beginning at noon on Thursday, along with a poster signing by winners at the previous year’s World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS). A $20,000 raffle drawing will also be held on Thursday, at 2:30 PM, as well as a $1,000 Grand giveaway, which will take place during the Silent Auction, for which a bid number is required, and participants must be at least 18 years of age and present to win. The ASHA Auction and Youth Committees are currently in the process of gathering items for this annual event. The Auction is the sole fundraiser for ASHA Youth Scholarships and all ASHA Youth Programs (Junior Judging, Saddletime Awards, Academy Awards, Showmanship at Halter Awards, and the ASHA Youth Award). If you would like to donate an item please contact Brenda Newell, ASHA Sr. Program Administrator, Ron Merwin, ASHA Auction Chairman, or Germaine Johnson, ASHA Youth Chairperson. All donations are tax deductible, as the ASHA is a 501(c)3 corporation. A donation form can be obtained from the ASHA website.

ASHA Announces Deadline to Submit Declaration of Intent to Show for 2009 ASR Futurity Lexington, Kentucky - The deadline to submit a Declaration of Intent to Show for the 2009 American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) Futurity is 2 PM on Sunday, August 23, 2009. Nominated horses entered to compete in ASR Futurity classes at the 2009 World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS) must have a signed Declaration of Intent to Show completed and submitted, and the starting fee paid for each entry to the ASR Futurity Secretary, by 2 PM on Sunday, August 23, 2009. Prepayment for declarations may be sent to the ASR office if postmarked or faxed by Wednesday, August 12, 2009. ASR Futurity representatives will be in the Horse Show Office on Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23 to accept declarations and starting fees. No entry will be allowed to show in any futurity classes unless the declaration has been filed and the fee paid by the deadline. All starting fees will be added to the purse for the appropriate class. Total prize money awarded in 2008 for the Kentucky, Kentucky Amateur, and National Three-Year-Old Futurities totaled more than $262,000, with the National Three-Year-Old Futurity reaching an all-time high, awarding more than $140,000, the most prize money awarded in over 30 years. If you have any questions or have not received a declaration for eligible horses that have been entered to show in futurity classes, or may be switched to a futurity class, please contact Patricia Edwards.

Saddlebred Registry Continues Enhancement of Registration Certificates, Transmittals Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) has announced additional enhancements for the use of its new Certificates of Registration, which were introduced recently. “Since we announced and started mailing the new, larger Registration Certificates within the last several weeks, and the accompanying new transmittal memorandum which doubles as an official ‘Statement of Registration and Recorded Ownership’ for use in submitting entries to competitions, we have received very favorable feedback in the office from the membership at large,” said Alan F. Balch, Registrar. "However," he said, "some directors and constituents have suggested we make it easier to copy the pedigree and other breeding information, which was more convenient to do ‘above the fold’ on the old certificates." In response, Registry staff devised a method of showing all pertinent pedigree/chain of ownership information in an easily readable format on the back of the new transmittal memorandum. Examples of the enhanced document can be seen using the following links, front and back, of the standard-size 8.5 inch by 11 inch single page. ASR is now producing and mailing the memorandum to accompany each new Certificate of Registration processed for either a registration or a transfer. For any questions, click here to e-mail ASHA.

USEF to Co-Sponsor ASHA Youth Auction at World's Championship Horse Show Lexington, Kentucky - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will be a co-sponsor for the 2009 American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Youth Auction. The auction is set to take place at the Crowne Plaza during the World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS), during the 2009 Kentucky State Fair. The silent auction will begin at 10 AM on Wednesday, August 26, in Crowne Room A. Bid numbers can be obtained at that time. Bidding in the Silent Auction will conclude for the day at 6 PM. Silent Auction bidding will resume at 10 AM on Thursday, August 27, and end with the conclusion of the Silent Auction at 3 PM. The Live Auction will begin at 1:30 PM on Thursday, August 27, and will include such items as Kentucky Derby tickets, a Tommy Lovell Rocking Horse, Breeders’ Cup tickets, bound volumes of The Horseman dating back to 1891, and tickets to the sold out Taylor Swift Concert. As in the past, a free reception and cash bar will be offered beginning at noon on Thursday, along with a poster signing by winners at the previous year’s World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS). A $20,000 raffle drawing will also be held on Thursday, at 2:30 PM, as well as a $1,000 Grand giveaway, which will take place during the Silent Auction, for which a bid number is required, and participants must be at least 18 years of age and present to win. The ASHA Auction and Youth Committees are currently in the process of gathering items for this annual event. The Auction is the sole fundraiser for ASHA Youth Scholarships and all ASHA Youth Programs (Junior Judging, Saddletime Awards, Academy Awards, Showmanship at Halter Awards, and the ASHA Youth Award). If you would like to donate an item please contact Brenda Newell, ASHA Sr. Program Administrator, at b.newell@asha.net, Ron Merwin, ASHA Auction Chairman at rmerwin919@aol.com, or Germaine Johnson, ASHA Youth Chairperson at auburntiger@insightbb.com. All donations are tax deductible, as the ASHA is a 501(c)3 corporation. A donation form can be obtained from the ASHA website, here. Additional details about the 2009 ASHA Youth Auction and Raffle, and auction item photos can be found on the ASHA website, here.

American Saddlebred Museum to bring Disco to World's Championship Horse Show Lexington, Kentucky - Are you ready to Disco?! On the night of Wednesday, August 26, during the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS), the Saddlebred Café will transform into the hottest disco club since Studio 54! As WCHS passes the halfway point, exhibitors can take a break and dance the night away. Friends of the American Saddlebred Museum have put together a Disco Extravaganza, and horse show attendees are invited to join in the fun! The party begins at 10 PM in the Saddlebred Café, in the new North Wing adjacent to Freedom Hall. Celebrity American Saddlebred DJs will entertain guests, spinning their favorite disco tunes. Among those headlining the event are Jimmy Robertson, Todd Miles, Peter Cowart, Melissa Moore, Elisabeth Goth and Carson Kressley. A special appearance by Donna Summer (aka Gayle King) will highlight the event. Additionally, a selection of photographs of many well known Saddlebred trainers and riders from the disco era will be on display, both for fun and to test the knowledge of attendees. Guests will be treated to a viewing of “Saddlebred Stars,” the Museum’s collection of historic film footage of more than 60 of the breed’s greatest show champions and breeding stock. The film will run continuously through the evening. Of special note will be a unique auction. Approximately ten World’s Grand Champion (WGC) trainers and riders have generously donated items connected with their WGC wins. The items will have been worn by either them or their winning horse. Just a few examples of offerings are: Don Harris’s hat, worn on both Imperator and Prize Contender;

John T. Jones’ bowtie, worn every time he won with Callaway’s Copyright; Mother Mary’s hind shoes, donated by Smith Lilly; the top hat worn by Elisabeth Goth atop Hollywood Excellence; and George Knight’s spurs, worn on both Winter Day and Man on the Town. This will be an unprecedented opportunity to purchase a true piece of Saddlebred history. A limited number of tickets are available for the event, so advanced purchase is recommended. The cost is $50 for adults, $25 for individuals under 21. With each admission come heavy hors d’oeuvres, two complimentary drink tickets, great music and an evening of fun and entertainment. Special VIP lounge seating areas for groups up to 8 are also available. These areas, located around the dance floor, provide comfortable seating on couches and chairs and come with complimentary champagne, wait service and amenities. Only two of the ten areas are still available and may be reserved for $5,000 each. Disco attire is optional, but encouraged! Join fellow exhibitors, disco kings and queens and Museum supporters for this entertaining event. All proceeds go to support the mission of the American Saddlebred Museum to collect, preserve and display the history of the breed. The Museum is a 501 (c) 3 organization and donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Call the Museum for reservations at (859) 259-2746.

Good Hands Finals Joins Pleasure Olympics Finals at Mid-America Mane Event Lexington, Kentucky - The National Horse Show Association (NHSA) has announced that the 2009 Good Hands Finals will be held at the Mid-America Mane Event Horse Show, on Thursday, October 22, through Sunday, October 25, at the state fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois. Since 1929, the Good Hands Finals has been held at horse shows in the East, many years at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and most recently at the Pennsylvania National show in Harrisburg. Last year, 222 riders qualified by winning preliminary Good Hands classes and, 12 competed in the Finals at the Pennsylvania National. Good Hands is considered a premier national competition for saddle seat equitation riders. At Mane Event, Good Hands joins the prestigious National Pleasure Equitation Olympics Finals, now in its fifth year at the central Illinois show. With the Good Hands Finals moved to an American Saddlebred show in the Midwest rather than the predominately hunter/jumper shows in the East, stables with Good Hands Finals-qualified riders can now bring their entire showstrings, as Mane Event’s class schedule offers complete divisions for Saddlebred performance and pleasure horses, as well as saddle seat and pleasure equitation, road horses and Hackney ponies. The Good Hands Finals will be judged by Michael Craghead, Fran Crumpler and Tom Sworm, as will all other classes at Mane Event. The show is produced by Mid-America Horse Show Association, one of the largest charter clubs of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA). Not only is Mane Event a totally Saddlebred-friendly competition, but the facilities at the Illinois State Fairgrounds are widely recognized by the show horse community and others as the best in the country. The excellent Coliseum arena and footing, three warm-up areas (two enclosed, one covered – all available 24/7), and outstanding stabling are popular with Saddlebred stables as well as other breeds and disciplines. The facilities are in continuous use from March through October for regional and national shows, including the Midwest Charity Show in June. With the Good Hands Finals now centrally located in the Midwest, more equitation riders and instructors may want their local shows to offer the qualifying class, which has a $35 fee. Contrary to expectation, the show does not have to be affiliated with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) or even have a USEF judge to host a Good Hands qualifying class. To receive an application to hold a Good Hands class, contact the NHSA by email at NationalHS@aol.com. Mid-America Mane Event entry booklets will be available in August. To request one, contact Show Manager Joy A. Meierhans by phone at (630) 557-2575, by email at JM@TheMeierhans.com; or download from www.MidAmerica HorseShow.org.

American Saddlebred Performs at Dedication of Kentucky Horse Park Indoor Arena Lexington, Kentucky - The Kentucky Horse Park dedicated its new highly-touted indoor arena at a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, attended by Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and his First Lady, along with officials from various other industry and breed organizations, including the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA). In addition to reining and vaulting exhibitions, an American Saddlebred demonstration was also on the list of events slated for the arena’s unveiling. Hundreds of media and spectators were on hand as Wendy Sogoloff conducted a Saddlebred demonstration atop High Point Memories, a tandem that recently took first place in the Park Pleasure Class at the Rock Creek Horse Show. Sogoloff is employed by notable Saddlebred trainer and ASHA Director Jimmy Robertson. High Point Memories is owned by Willow Wind Saddlebreds in Louisville, Kentucky, and trained by Robertson. The new $45 million indoor arena, which seats 5,500, will be inaugurated for Saddlebreds at the UPHA Fall Classic Horse Show, which is set to take place Wednesday, September 30, through Saturday, October 3. The arena will also host eight events at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Governor Beshear expects the new indoor arena to help in securing the Kentucky Horse Park’s place among the top equine facilities in the world. According to the Lexington Herald Leader, Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear, a horsewoman herself, expects the arena to assist in bringing business to the state, saying, “These events don’t just bring horses; they bring people.” The first event scheduled to take place at the new indoor arena is the WEG Reining Test Event, set to take place beginning Monday, July 20, through Thursday, July 23, with nearly 30 events that have also already been booked for the coming years.

ASHA Announces Youth Scholarship Recipients Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has announced the names of five ASHA Youth Scholarship recipients. The individuals receiving scholarships are Crystal Atwood of Hermiston, Oregon, Shelby Reimer of Senoia, Georgia, Anna Stoddard of Gibsonville, North Carolina, Allison Strash of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, and Katie McAuliffe of Goodrich, Michigan, who received the ASHA Youth-to-Youth Scholarship. The purpose of these scholarships is to encourage, support and recognize participation in all aspects of the American Saddlebred industry, as well as to strengthen the American Saddlebred industry and breed through education. Four general scholarships of up to $5,000 are awarded, as well as the Youth-to-Youth Scholarship which is also for $5,000, and is funded by donations and fund raising efforts of ASHA Youth Clubs, with ASHA making up the difference if such donations do not meet this amount. Scholarships are awarded only to high school graduates or those students whose graduation is imminent. Applications must be received by April 30 of the year in which the applicant wishes to receive the scholarship. The scholarship money will be paid directly to the institution, university, college or trade school for post-secondary educational expenses.

Park/Pleasure Qualifying Finalized for American Saddlebred's Biggest Competition Lexington, Kentucky - The Kentucky State Fair's World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS) has announced that qualifying is finalized for Park and Pleasure entries at the 2009 WCHS. Qualifying points are not being used, and all entries that showed in the required number of classes and competitions have been accepted.The entries for the Western Country Pleasure Invitational have also been notified of their acceptance. WCHS is the richest and most prestigious competition in the world for American Saddlebreds, and has been held in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair since its inception in 1902. More than 2,000 horses and ponies compete for over $1 million in awards. WCHS at the Kentucky State Fair is scheduled to begin Sunday, August 23 through Saturday, August 29 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky.

Saddlebred Association Enacts New Governance Policies, Releases Documents Lexington, Kentucky - At its regularly scheduled meeting of the directors of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA), held Monday, July 6, in Lexington, Kentucky, the board formally adopted several new policies, continuing its commitment to increasingly open governance and inclusion begun in 2005. For the last five years, the Association’s annual convention in February has featured committee meetings which are open to all members. In particular, the Finance Committee’s meeting which begins the convention each year has been open, and attended by the Association’s independent auditor; financial statements of the Association and the American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) are discussed in detail. Further, the schedule each year has included an open members’ forum, as well as the formal Annual Meeting of members, where the volunteer leadership, staff, legal counsel, and auditor are all available for questioning, and the independent audits are made available to Association members upon request. The Association’s magazine, American Saddlebred, which is mailed to all senior members, has historically featured an annual report in its March/April issue, which has been formalized and expanded in recent years. Its web site, www.saddlebred.com, in its Governance tabs and elsewhere, provides a window into the Association’s governance, through video streaming of the annual meeting, special events, and publication of the organic documents of the Association and Registry, as well as minutes of directors’ meetings once approved. This month, with the Internal Revenue Service having released a new and lengthy tax return for all charitable and non-profit organizations to file each year (Form 990, available to the public upon request from any such organization once filed), the Association’s directors adopted a policy of reviewing the annual return line-by-line before filing. The Registry’s board did the same. In addition, each of the two boards adopted formal, written policies on Document Retention, Employee Protection, and elaborated upon their previously enacted Conflict of Interest policies, consistent with questions in the new Form 990.

The directors also formally considered a series of letters received over the last several months from a group of Association members demanding financial, personnel, and other documents. The boards voted to disclose to the general membership of the Association all such correspondence including its responses on the member-secure area of its Internet web site. Further correspondence with this group of members will be posted in this area as well, along with materials (such as general ledger detail) produced for those members inquiring about financial data and other documents. Certain documents not available on the web site, relating to personnel or private matters, will be subject to inspection at the Association’s offices only on written request. Information furnished to ASHA on a confidential basis, and other records legally privileged or determined upon advice of legal counsel to be inappropriate for disclosure, will not be released. The Association’s directors also approved new bylaws relating to Litigation and Inspection of Records. In addition, the Association’s staff suggested and the directors approved a new policy enabling any member, upon providing appropriate notice to ASHA, to visit the offices on the third Tuesday of each month beginning at 10 a.m. on August 18, to inspect financial documents of the Association. This policy will be in place from August until the Association’s annual convention in February 2010, so that all members will be permitted to review material they’re interested in, as well as documents produced for other inquiring members. Senior members are also invited to attend a document production scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Association’s offices in the Kentucky Horse Park, per correspondence released today. Any member wishing to attend must provide ASHA written notice by the close of business on Wednesday, July 22.

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK OFFICIALLY OPENS NEW INDOOR ARENA Lexington, Kentucky (July 15, 2009) -Today, the Kentucky Horse Park secured it's position as the world's leading equestrian venue with the opening of a $45-million, state-of-the-art Indoor Arena. "If one were to chronicle the highlights of the past decade at the Kentucky Horse Park, a decade already distinguished by significant accomplishments, the opening of our new Indoor Arena stands as the crowning achievement," noted John Nicholson, Executive Director of the park. "Today the Kentucky Horse Park, together with Governor and Mrs. Steven Beshear, the General Assembly, civic leaders and citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky celebrate not only the opening of this impressive structure, but also the successful partnership that produced it, and the legacy of benefits that will flow from it for decades to come." The arena was designed by GBBN Architects (offices in Lexington and Louisville), and built by DW Wilburn, a Lexington company. It was designed specifically for the park, after consultations with the leaders of numerous equestrian disciplines, so that it would be the most versatile and user-friendly facility possible. While designed for equestrian competition, the arena will also be used frequently for other types. Special features include 5,700 stadium seats and nine suites with 200 suite suite seats, a 135 x 300-foot event floor (equal to one football field or four basketball courts) with special equine surface, 20,000 square feet of exhibitor space, six concession areas, a warm-up barn, outdoor warm-up ring, high-tech sound system, 568 parking spaces, and bathrooms with 91 stalls. Additionally, the fundraising arm of the park, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, is in the process of constructing a three-barn complex with 312 stalls adjacent to the arena, to provide stabling for the thousands of horses who will compete in the arena. These state-of-the-art barns, funded entirely by the private sector, will allow the Kentucky Horse Park to serve as a competition facility 365 days per year, making the park even more attractive to potential horse shows currently held in other states.

Kentucky Governor Steven Beshear, today's special guest speaker, stated, "This arena is not just a contribution to the horse industry; it will have a positive effect across the commonwealth. Every citizen in each corner of the Kentucky can take pride in this arena because we will all reap the rewards in terms of additional business and increased awareness around the world." The First Lady, Jane Beshear, is an accomplished horsewoman whose involvement with the Kentucky Horse Park began in the late 1970s as a volunteer for Equestrian Events, Inc, the organizing body for the Rolex Kentucky Three Day event, and continued as a member of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and then as a competitive rider. She observed, “Representatives from a wide variety of equestrian disciplines were integral in the design process to ensure that this facility would meet the needs of the horses and people who will be competing here. There isn't another equine center in the world that offers the breadth of competition facilities that are now available at the Kentucky Horse Park.” The arena is already booked with approximately 30 events. Among the events contracted to use the arena is the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010. The first event to take place will be next week's WEG Reining Test Event, July 20-23. Nicholson concluded, "We are grateful to Kentucky's General Assembly which has been so supportive of this and the other capital improvement projects here at the park. We applaud their foresight and vision in recognizing the long-term benefits that this arena will provide to Kentucky's citizens. We are very proud to be in a position to draw business into this area to contribute to the prosperity of the commonwealth."

World Equestrian Games Agricultural Liaison Named Frankfort, Kentucky - Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear and Roger Thomas, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy (GOAP), announced the appointment of Angela Blank as the World Equestrian Games Agricultural Liaison for Kentucky. She will also serve as the director of public affairs for GOAP. “The World Equestrian Games will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to our state and the Kentucky Experience will showcase the best Kentucky has to offer, including our agricultural heritage: Kentucky Proud products, which includes locally grown food,” said Mrs. Beshear. “With Angela’s background in communications and passion for promoting Kentucky agriculture, we are excited to have her as the agricultural liaison for this international event.” As the World Equestrian Games Agricultural Liaison, Angela will be in charge of coordinating and promoting Kentucky agriculture’s role in both the Kentucky Experience and the World Equestrian Games as a whole. Angela most recently worked as the director of public relations for Kentucky Farm Bureau. Previously, she worked in the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy, for nearly five years, as the director of communications. As director of public affairs for GOAP, Angela will be working on policy issues and public relations. She will work collaboratively to develop relationships and enhance the public's understanding of the mission of GOAP and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund. “I am pleased to have Angela leading the effort on this once in a lifetime opportunity for Kentucky agriculture,” said Thomas. “Angela’s background and expertise make her a perfect fit to serve as the World Equestrian Games Agricultural Liaison and to direct GOAP’s public affairs activities.”

New Saddlebred Registration Certificates - Confirmations Released Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) announced today that newly formatted and produced Certificates of Registration are now in use. The updated certificates are being mailed to owners beginning this week for all Registry transactions requiring new registration papers to be used, including new foal and other registrations, transfers, duplicate certificates, name changes, and the like. “This is the first significant upgrade in the production of our Certificates of Registration in 20 years or more,” said Alan F. Balch, Registrar. “We were able to innovate and more efficiently produce new Certificates because of our board’s decision a year ago to invest in the most modern technology available, including new IBM AS400 database hardware, continual software upgrading, and integration of our Registry database with a state-of-the-art Canon color printer. Our improved ability to design and produce certificates and other printed material on demand, combined with upgrading of our Internet website to provide more services to breeders, owners, professional horsemen, competition management, and general members, will lead to greater convenience for everyone. In addition, this investment will result in ongoing cost-savings in processing, printing and production for the foreseeable future.” Each certificate mailed is accompanied by an explanatory transmittal memorandum to the owner. According to Balch, this is a further improvement. “In the past, owners and horsemen had to wrestle with copying the cumbersome, large official certificates to comply with United States Equestrian Federation rules requiring copies of registration papers to accompany entries. Now, in order to comply with the rules requiring evidence of registration and recorded ownership, just copying the standard-sized transmittal memorandum which also serves as a ‘Statement of Registration and Recorded Ownership’ will be acceptable, saving everyone involved time and effort. We very much appreciate the Federation’s cooperation with us in taking this important step to make entering more exhibitor-friendly.” In the near future, the smaller Statement of Registration and Recorded Ownership, certifying the horse’s exact official name, pedigree information, registration number, official description, breeder and recorded owner, for each American Saddlebred already registered, will be available for downloading at www.saddlebred.com for use with submitting entries.

ASHA Nominating Committee to Meet, Membership Invited to Submit Suggestions Lexington, Kentucky -The 2009 Nominating Committee of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) is set to hold its second meeting on Tuesday, July 7, in Lexington, Kentucky, under the direction of Dr. Margaret C. McNeese, Chairman. Also on the committee are Nancy Boone, Barbara Molland, Shirley Trail, and Art Zubrod. The purpose of the committee is to prepare the ballot for ASHA directors to be elected to 3-year terms beginning in February, 2010. All suggestions received during previous years have been forwarded to this year’s committee, and the Nominating Committee has directed ASHA staff to undertake all possible means to solicit new suggestions from the membership, including by email and publishing releases in Saddlebred media. Article III, Part II of the ASHA bylaws governs the election procedures each year, explained Dr. McNeese. “The Nominating Committee is required to weigh and balance many factors in making its recommendations, including, but not limited to geography, experience with the breed and its governing organizations, other governance positions, committee service, and expertise required by ASHA. Those on the Nominating Committee also want to reach out to the entire membership to seek qualified candidates for consideration, so that anyone who wishes to be considered, or who has a recommendation of a qualified individual, can be encouraged to put those names forward.” To have nomination suggestions considered at the July 7 meeting, suggestions must be received by 5 PM Eastern Standard Time, on Monday, July 6. Suggestions can be sent by mail to: American Saddlebred Horse Association Attn: Charlotte Tevis, Administration Manager 4083 Iron Works Parkway Lexington, KY 40511 Suggestions may also be sent by fax to (859) 259-1628, or by email to c.tevis@asha.net. If members prefer, they may contact the members of the Nominating Committee directly at any time, as follows: Margaret McNeese, Nancy Boone, Barbara Molland, Shirley Trail or Art Zubrod.

Live Video of Lexington Junior League Horse Show Lexington, Kentucky -The prestigious Lexington Junior League Horse Show, first jewel of the American Saddlebred Triple Crown, and billed as one of the largest outdoor Saddlebred competitions in the world, begins Monday, July 6, at The Red Mile, in Lexington, Kentucky. Additionally, live streaming video will once again be available online at www.saddlebred.com, courtesy of Lexington Junior League and the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA). ASHA will once again provide live streaming video of each day’s performances from the historic Lexington Red Mile, in their entirety, beginning with the Monday evening performance at 7 PM Eastern Time. Subscription purchases for viewing the Webcast will be available on the ASHA homepage. Fees to view the Webcast are $15 per day, per computer, meaning the license to view the Webcast is exclusive to the computer on which it is purchased. ASHA members receive a 20% discount for daily purchase, reducing the member price to $12 per day, per computer. In addition, a full show, six-day package purchase is available at a 10% discount, which will be applied when all days are selected at the payment screen. Payment is accepted online using a credit or debit card. Sign-ups for the Webcast will begin Thursday, July 2. Viewers’ internet connection should be broadband, DSL or cable modem for optimum quality (dial-up connection is not sufficient). To purchase a subscription, follow the simple steps on the ASHA homepage. A link is provided to a "Help" page to assist Webcast subscribers. Revenues received from the Webcast go toward its technical and production costs. Any surplus is applied to the promotional efforts of ASHA, and benefit the Lexington Junior League. Since 1937, the Junior League has raised upwards of $3.6 million for the Lexington and Central Kentucky community. Volunteers for the Junior League give nearly a half-million dollars worth of volunteer time each year to their community, as well as grants totaling approximately $50,000 annually. For times, show schedule, ticket prices, and special events, as well as additional information about the Lexington Junior League and its community service, visit www.lexjrleague.com.

Supreme Court to Decide Animal Cruelty Video Case Click here for a link to the story. American Hackney Horse Society Foundation Offers Three 2009 Educational Scholarships Lexington, Kentucky - The American Hackney Horse Society Foundation (AHHSF) will be offering three $2,500 college scholarships. The scholarships will be awarded to students selected based on financial need, academic success and a commitment to the Hackney breed. The first scholarship is funded by the Al Haugen Memorial and is awarded on an annual basis to incoming freshman. The second scholarship is also awarded annually to an incoming freshman, and is funded by the AHHSF. The third scholarship is funded by the Ed Frickey Memorial and is awarded on an annual basis to a returning college sophomore, junior or senior. Presentation of these awards will be made at the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky, in August, 2009. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, July 1, 2009. Applications may be obtained by contacting: American Hackney Horse Society Foundation, Inc. Attn: Alan R. Raun, DVM, Scholarship Committee Chairman 2600 50th Avenue Cumming, Iowa 50061 Phone: (515) 285-9001 Fax: (515) 285-1119 Email: Reedannland@att.net Website: www.hackneysociety. com

Neglected Saddlebreds Moved - In Need of Assistance Lexington, Kentucky - According to a report in the Lexington Herald Leader, and based on information received by the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA), 14 neglected horses were removed from a Kentucky farm in early June. The horses were taken by a Mercer County animal control officer to an undisclosed location. The report indicates the specific complaint was that of the horses not being fed, as stated in a criminal complaint reportedly filed in Mercer District Court. The charge is second-degree cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor. ASHA has made a significant donation to provide assistance to these neglected horses. Additional contributions can be made through the ASHA Equine Welfare Fund, begun in April of 2001 by Bruce Hanson to guard the breed’s welfare on an individual basis by providing assistance in the care and placement of neglected American Saddlebred horses. Services may include on-site inspection and identification, court assistance and transfers to responsible ownership. Donations can be made online via the Donations page on the ASHA website. To donate specifically to the Equine Welfare Fund, and/or to a specific situation, simply submit a donation under the "General Donation" section of the page, and send an email to d.gatlin@asha.net specifying the amount you would like to apply. Donations may also be sent by direct mail, to the following address: ASHA 4083 Iron Works Parkway Lexington, KY 40511

73rd annual Lexington Junior League Horse Show at The Red Mile Lexington, Kentucky -The Junior League of Lexington is set to host its 73rd annual Horse Show, which will take place beginning Monday, July 6, through Saturday, July 11, at the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky. Officials for the 73rd Annual Lexington Junior League Horse Show will include Lenard Davenport, Manager; Kent Moeller, Assistant Manager; and Mary Lynn Whitley, USEF Steward. The judges include Anne Speck, Jay Wood, Lynda Freseth, Rodney Hicks, Ellen Beard and Karen Homer-Brown. The Lexington Junior League Show has been selected by the American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) Grand National as a Summer Showcase event and as such will offer an additional $9,000 in prize money for the Grand National owners of record, original recorders and sire nominators who place in the Fine Harness Junior Horse, Three-Gaited Park Open Championship, Three-Gaited Ladies Championship and Five-Gaited Amateur Championship and Five Gaited Pleasure Junior Exhibitor Championship classes. An additional $6,000 is being added to the Five-Gaited Open Championship, courtesy of the Kentucky Breeder’s Incentive Program. This year’s class schedule includes the addition of a USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal National Qualifier. An inaugural Pink Ribbon Night will be held on Tuesday, July 7, and is presented in partnership with UPHA. In addition to the complementary exhibitors party which will be held in the Red Mile Clubhouse and include food and a DJ, the Gala will also be held on Friday, July 11, and include complementary food, wine, and beer as well as tastings from Four Roses Bourbon and Pure Blue Vodka. Thumper and the Plaid Rabbits will provide the musical entertainment. Tickets are $35 per person and tables for eight are $400. For tickets, please contact Lisa Atkinson at (859) 494-8522 or lisa. atkinson@engr.uky. edu.

Kentucky State Fair World's Championship to Confirm Saddlebred Registrations Electronically Lexington, Kentucky -The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) and American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) have announced that the Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS) has made arrangements to confirm electronically all the registration, ownership, and membership requirements of all entries in American Saddlebred classes at its 2009 competition. Scarlett Mattson, Horse Show Manager, stated that for the last few years the WCHS and ASR had been working well together on electronic confirmation and close verification of Saddlebred registrations, ownerships, and memberships. Taking this step formally at this time, in accordance with applicable United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules, will ease a paperwork burden on most exhibitors, and also provide for more efficient mailing of entries to the Kentucky State Fair and office processing. "We are pleased to continue working this way with the World's Championship Horse Show," stated Katriona Adams, Registry Associate. "Anything we can do to simplify the entry process and assist ASHA and USEF members is of great benefit to everyone, and this step is consistent with the steps we have taken to reduce paperwork with our new Statements of Registration and Ownership."

Saddlebres World Saddened by the Loss of Gretchen Karles Traverse City, Michigan - Gretchen Holmes Karels ("GG" to some) passed away in Traverse City, Mich., on June 15, at the age of 92, after spending two weeks at the Traverse City Hospice House. She was the mother of Kim Karels Clements, owner and photographer for SaddlebredWeb and a long-time owner and promoter of American Saddlebreds. Gretchen’s outgoing personality has been missing from the Saddlebred show scene for a few years now, but she had continued to follow her friends through her daughter and the trade publications. Gretchen and her deceased husband, Florian, owned several Saddlebreds over the years, her favorite being CH Super Sultan who was purchased from Ruxer Farms as a three-year-old and shown to many accolades by Kim in three-gaited show pleasure and pleasure driving divisions under the direction of Ellis Waggoner and Zel Corkern. Gretchen was the ultimate horse show mom in the late 1960s through the 1980s. She almost never missed a class and did everything from driving the trailer to small shows the first two years, to handling customer sales at major shows for Kim’s Mi-Kim Photos, and later her daughter, Laurie’s, American Saddlebred clothing line, Parker Lines, as well as serving as a faithful volunteer (along with her late husband) at the Indy 500 Charity Horse Show (now the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show). Gretchen never missed attending the entire week of the World’s Championship Horse Show for 40 years until a couple of years ago when it became difficult for her to walk down to her box seats. Her passing is mourned by her daughters and their families: Kim Karels and David Clements of Lexington, Ky.; Laurie Karels and Michael Park of Suttons Bay, Mich., and Bonita Karels and Paul Stockmeyer of Williamsburg, Va.; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A perpetual memorial trophy will be presented in her honor at the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show.

ASHA Nominating Committee Accepting Candidate Nominations for ASHA Board of Directors Lexington, Kentucky - The 2009 Nominating Committee of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has conducted its organizational meeting under the direction of Dr. Margaret C. McNeese, Chairman. Also on the committee are Nancy Boone, Barbara Molland, Shirley Trail, and Art Zubrod. The purpose of the committee is to prepare recommendations for ASHA directors to be elected to 3-year terms beginning in February, 2010. The Nominating Committee directed ASHA staff to undertake all possible means to solicit suggestions from the membership, including by email and publishing releases in Saddlebred media. In addition, all suggestions received during previous years have been forwarded to this year’s committee. Article III, Part II of the ASHA bylaws govern the election procedures each year, explained Dr. McNeese. “The Nominating Committee is required to weigh and balance many factors in making its recommendations, including, but not limited to geography, experience with the breed and its governing organizations, other governance positions, committee service, and expertise required by ASHA. Those on the Nominating Committee also want to reach out to the entire membership to seek qualified candidates for consideration, so that anyone who wishes to be considered, or who has a recommendation of a qualified individual, can be encouraged to put those names forward.” Suggestions for possible candidates to serve on the board should be sent by letter to: American Saddlebred Horse Association Attn: Charlotte Tevis, Administration Manager 4083 Iron Works Parkway Lexington, KY 40511 Suggestions may also be sent by fax to (859) 259-1628, or by email to c.tevis@asha.net, and should be sent no later than Friday, September 11, 2009. If members prefer, they may contact the members of the Nominating Committee directly at any time, as follows: Margaret McNeese, Nancy Boone, Barbara Molland, Shirley Trail or Art Zubrod.

ASHA Continues Enhancement of New "My Membership" Website Feature Lexington, Kentucky - In mid-May, the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) launched the new "My Membership" section of its website. The new section offers such functionality as adding and updating user profile, bio and contact information, as well as adding photo and video media to a user's registered horses. Any horses with media attached will display that media on their pedigree pages for all members to see. Since the initial launch, ASHA has been working to improve functionality and optimize performance of the "My Membership" section, generally streamlining and simplifying the entire section. As a result of these efforts, ASHA has now released an improved version of “My Membership.” Among the new section’s more notable enhancements is the addition of a search utility allowing users to search other horse or member names, in an effort to identify horses owned by the user, but which may be linked to a separate user account. In addition to the “My Membership” section, ASHA is also planning other enhancements to the website, including new “My Trails," “My Activities,” and "My Meadows" sections. The “My Trails” section will be a trail riding tracking application, which will provide a utility for users to track their trail riding progress. The “My Activities” section will be a tracking program for an individual’s involvement in all the different activities related to the Saddlebred world. This section will allow users to enroll in a wide variety of activities, track time, and more. The "My Meadows" section will allow members to offer assistance in caring for retired Saddlebreds (additional details to come). As always, ASHA relies on member suggestions for improvements. Comments can be emailed to webmaster@asha.net. Additionally, comments can be left under the "Offer Suggestions" link in the new “My Membership” area of the website.

Saddlebred World Loses Accomplished Owner and Exhibitor Lexington, Kentucky -Saddlebred owner and exhibitor Jane Mueller passed away Saturday, June 6. Jane Mueller was a native of Decatur, Illinois, moved to California at the age of 12, and bought her first Saddlebred - an equitation horse - from Bob Lewis. Mueller graduated from Whittier College in California, subsequently becoming a travel agent, and eventually owning and operating her own travel agency for some ten years. Among her activities upon returning to Decatur in 1963, was the development of a museum dedicated to the Mueller Valve Company, the Mueller family business of well over a century. In 1995, Mueller was honored with the American Saddlebred Horse Association's (ASHA) Lurline Roth Sportsmanship Award, for her sportsmanship and contributions to the breed, as well as her participation in ASHA programs, support of ASHA, and contributions to the ideals of the organization. In 1964 Mueller purchased the top five-gaited mare CH Delaine's Winged Victory. Over the years, Mueller has owned such horses as Star Catcher, CH Comedienne, CH Cavalleria, CH Whiffenpoof, The Red Knight, CH Anaconda Copper, and CH Knightsbridge, who she took to Germany in 1989 as part of the ASHA delegation to Equitana. As recently as last year, Mueller won the Pleasure Driving National Championship with mare Open Arms. An accomplished owner, exhibitor, and supporter of the Saddlebred breed, she will be greatly missed by all.

National Academy Championship Finals Set for First Weekend in November Lexington, Kentucky -The National Academy Championship Finals will be held during the first weekend in November, and is a three round competition to crown the nation's best Academy riders. As part of the competition, riders must show all three levels in a two-day period, and must exhibit dedication and excellent physical condition to make it to the Final Round. The show provides an opportunity for young riders to learn how to show, and be better prepared for the show ring. It is one of the most competitive events throughout the country for the Academy rider, with last year's competitors coming from as many as 14 states, as far away as Texas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Winners at the competition will be recognized, with the top ten finalists in the Jr. and Sr. Divisions receiving tri-colored Grand Championship ribbons, custom created medallions, top ten neck ribbons, and $12,500 in U.S. Savings Bonds. Additionally, the Sr. Equitation Final Winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship to William Woods University, in Fulton, Missouri. The show will be held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, at Miller Coliseum, a multi-million dollar facility that boasts 500 stalls with mats, heated and air conditioned arena, and warm-up ring all under one roof. The judges for this year's competition will be Tammie Conatser, Chan Sutton, and Ken Swalla. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible. The organization's charity is St. Jude's Children's Hospital, to which the Academy Finals has donated nearly $100,000 to date. Last year's donations totaled $11,750. For more information, contact Joyce Webster at (256) 773-2182, or click here to e-mail her.

All American Cup Announces 2009 Stallion Review Tour Lexington, Kentucky - The All American Cup (AAC) is set to host the 2009 AAC Stallion Review. The event will take place on Friday, July 10, and will include a tour to several notable Saddlebred stables to view AAC stallions, broodmares and “babies.” Tour participants will meet at the American Saddlebred Museum, located at the Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington, Kentucky. A continental breakfast will be available for tour guests at the museum from 6-7:30 AM. While at the museum, those in attendance will have the opportunity to browse through museum items, which may be purchased at discounted prices. The Stallion Tour will begin at the Kentucky Horse Park’s “Big Barn,” where visiting AAC stallions will be paraded from the barn for review. Guests will then board the AAC buses, and continue along the tour, which will include stops at such notable locations as Leatherwood Stud in Paris, and Copper Coin Farm in Simpsonville, among others. Guests may take the tour aboard the AAC buses for a cost of $40, which includes a sack lunch, complete with candies from Nottage Cottage. Also included for each guest is admission to the Lexington Junior League Horse Show, which takes place July 6-12, at The Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky. Personal vehicles can also follow along the tour, for a cost of $25 per vehicle, and can purchase sack lunches for $5 per person. For more information, or to make a reservation for the Stallion Review, visit the AAC website, and please click here to email any questions to here to email any questions to the All American Cup.

Kentucky Experience Pavilion to Showcase Kentucky at WEG Lexington, Kentucky - Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear today previewed an interactive attraction to be assembled on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Kentucky Experience will feature nearly 25,000 square feet of exhibits, displays, products, entertainment, food and art from throughout Kentucky. The area will include a welcome center, entertainment pavilion, exhibit pavilion and product pavilion, plus a large courtyard. Since it will be on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park, attendees at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will be able to visit The Kentucky Experience without leaving the grounds of the park. “We are assembling – in one spot – the best of Kentucky for the world to see,” said Mrs. Beshear. “Our visitors will be able to walk through The Kentucky Experience, find out what’s available in Kentucky, and then make plans to visit that specific region of the commonwealth. Visitors also will be able to see how bourbon and wine are made, and purchase Kentucky-made products and food,” she said. “In essence, it is a mini- world’s fair focusing entirely on all things Kentucky.” “The Kentucky Experience will be the perfect complement to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said Jamie Link, CEO of the games. “It will allow our visitors from right here in Kentucky to world travelers, to take a break from the eventing competitions and sample all that’s Kentucky. While the Games will bring visitors to Kentucky, this exhibit will convince visitors to come back again and again.”

“Seldom does any city, state or region get an opportunity of worldwide significance as large as the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games,” said Marcheta Sparrow, Secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “The Kentucky Experience will showcase Kentucky’s assets, not only to those who come to the games, but also to their friends, associates and others who watch from anywhere in the world. That will increase interest—and business -- in Kentucky over the long term.” Visitors will enter through the Welcome Center where they may learn of the day’s special attractions, and then walk into the exhibit pavilion. Here, the visitor will be able to view attractions from each of Kentucky’s nine tourism regions. For example, in the “Caves, Lakes and Corvettes” exhibit, a Corvette will be on display, as well as a model of Mammoth Cave and a boat dock, jet ski and scenes that represent the area. This type of exhibit will be repeated for each of the eight other regions. Next, a visitor can enter the product pavilion to see how Kentucky bourbon and wine and made, plus purchase Kentucky Proud products and Kentucky-made arts and crafts. The last stop will be in the entertainment pavilion, where large screens and a live stage will offer nonstop music, dance and other art forms. A Web site that is devoted to The Kentucky Experience was also launched today which provides a sampling of attractions and events that occur in each tourism region. It’s available at www.TheKentuckyExperience.com. “We’re very excited to present The Kentucky Experience to an audience of travelers from here and abroad, who may have never experienced Kentucky,” said Mike Cooper, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Travel. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.” “The Kentucky Experience will be open September 25 - October 10, 2010 as part of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Kentucky Experience is being funded through public and corporate funds. Information on private sector sponsorships is available by contacting Cheryl Hatcher at the Kentucky Department of Travel, 502.564.4930 ext 114 or by email: Cheryl.Hatcher@ky.gov.

Kentucky Horse Park HORSEeNEWS Lexington, Kentucky -Click here to read the HORSEeNEWS from the Kentucky Horse Park. It has a schedule of Park activities including information about the American Saddlebred Museum.

American Saddlebred Museum Preparing Exhibit for World Equestrian Games Lexington, Kentucky - As September 2010 and the opening of the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky steadily approach, the American Saddlebred Museum is preparing for the arrival of the world at its front door. The museum plans to showcase the American Saddlebred horse in world class fashion for this unprecedented opportunity. The intention is to send international guests home full of enthusiasm and excitement about this wonderful and versatile breed! Along with construction of a new wing and renovation of the Museum’s current exhibit space, preparations include a special exhibit called This is the American Saddlebred, to display the versatility of today’s American Saddlebred by showing it in all possible disciplines. To that end, the Museum is seeking photographs, film footage, trophies and memorabilia relating to Saddlebreds participating in sport horse and non-traditional disciplines and events. “To mount an exhibit of this nature is definitely a departure from the Museum’s stated mission to preserve and display the history of our breed,” says Kim Skipton, museum curator, "but the board of trustees feels that we must not miss this unparalleled opportunity to display the talents and capabilities of the Saddlebred. In order to be successful, we need the assistance and support of the entire Saddlebred community.” If you know of any Saddlebreds who have competed successfully in eventing, dressage, endurance, driving, CDE, parade, circus, or any events other than saddle seat, the museum is asking for your assistance in acquiring the loan of materials for this important exhibit. In order to mount a successful and impacting exhibit, over 100 images, ample film footage and 30 or so artifacts will be needed.

As a part of this special exhibit, the Museum will put together a film that highlights children and the reasons they love their Saddlebred. The Museum is requesting the submission of film clips of children and youth with their Saddlebred, showing and telling why their horse is so special. To be included in the clip, which should be 30–45 seconds in length, are the child’s first name, age, name of their horse, how long they’ve owned (or known) the horse and why it is special to them. The clip can show them on the horse, with or without tack, inside or outside, standing next to the horse or doing something extraordinary. Imagination is encouraged! When 500,000+ international horse enthusiasts come to see the museum, it intends to present an exhibit that not only intrigues visitors, but also presents the American Saddlebred in its best light. The success of such an exhibit depends in large part on the support of the entire industry. If you have any hidden gems of historical significance, please share them with the museum during 2010. This is the time to display today’s Saddlebred participating in the myriad of disciplines in which he excels. The World Equestrian Games are a once in a lifetime chance to showcase the American Saddlebred. Let’s not miss it!

American Saddlebred Association of Arizona Announces New Southwest Pine Classic Horse Show Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Association of Arizona has announced a new annual horse show, The Southwest Pine Classic Multi-Breed Horse Show, which will be held at the Coconino County Fairgrounds in Flagstaff Arizona. The show is scheduled for July 24-26, 2009. The event will be judged by Ms. Gayle Lampe of Columbia, Missouri. Ms. Lampe will judge all horse show divisions, which include a full slate of classes for Saddlebreds, Morgans, Friesians, Saddleseat Equitation, Academy, and all-breed Opportunity classes. The Southwest Pine Classic will be held at Fort Tuthill County Park Fair Grounds, located just south of Flagstaff, Arizona. The horse show grounds are situated within a beautiful pine forest complete with camping sites, picnic ramadas, and bridle paths. The horse show will be managed and announced by Joe Husband, of Phoenix, Arizona, and the show secretary is Michele Wilson of Desert Hills, Arizona. Horse Show Chairman, Bobbie Reid is pleased that ASAA is able to continue the tradition of a Northern Arizona horse show event during the summer. This show will feature day classes only, leaving exhibitors free to enjoy the local scenery, activities, and restaurants. Hotels and cabins in the Flagstaff area book quickly in the summer, and it is advised to make reservations early. The show’s host hotel is The Radisson Woodlands Hotel, and offers a rate $129.00 per night for show attendees. To make reservations online, visit www.radisson.com/saddlebred, or call the (928) 773-8888. The Horse Show premium book is available online along with entry forms at the ASAA website. Please visit the American Saddlebred Association of Arizona or call Bobbie Reid at (480) 292-5361, or Joe Husband at (602) 821-4284 for additional information. Entries close July 15, 2009. here.

ASHA Youth Committee Announces Annual Youth Auction Details Lexington, Kentucky -The ASHA Youth & Auction Committees have announced that the ASHA Youth Auction will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2009, during the World’s Championship Horse Show. The auction will be held at the new Crowne Plaza Louisville (formerly The Executive West Hotel) in Crowne Room A (formerly The Mary Room). Bid Numbers may be obtained beginning at noon on Wednesday, August 26, and bidding on silent auction items will begin at this time. Silent bidding resumes Thursday morning at 10:00 AM, with the live auction portion of the event beginning at 1:30 PM. Items such as Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup tickets will be offered during the live auction. As in the past, a FREE reception and cash bar will be offered beginning at noon on Thursday. New this year will be special activities and prizes for ASHA Youth. All ASHA Youth Clubs are being asked to participate in the Basket Bonanza. Youth Clubs will put together baskets for the auction featuring items from their respective localities, or baskets geared towards a specific theme. The Youth Club basket that raises the most money at the auction will receive their ASHA Club dues paid for the following year. The Committees are in the process of gathering items for this annual event. This auction is the sole fundraiser for ASHA Youth Scholarships and all Youth Programs (Junior Judging, Saddletime Awards, Academy Awards, Showmanship at Halter Awards, and The ASHA Youth Award). Since 1991, these funds have helped to further the education of over 100 ASHA Youth members. If you would like to donate an item please contact Brenda Newell, ASHA Youth Programs Director, at b.newell@asha.net, or Ron Merwin, ASHA Auction Chairperson, at rmerwin91@aol.com or Germaine Johnson, ASHA Youth Chairperson, at auburntiger@insightbb.com. All donations are tax deductible.

ASHA Announces Saddlebred Regional Championship Guidelines for 2009 Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has announced that updated guidelines for the 2009 Regional Championships are now available on their Web site, here. The ASHA Regional Championships are a part of the Association’s ongoing effort to improve public education about the breed, as well as to increase competitive opportunities for all levels throughout the nation. Eleven Regional Championship competitions are scheduled throughout the country in 2009. In the west, they include the California Saddle Horse Futurity for the West Coast, and the Arizona Saddlebred Futurity for the Southwest; in the Northwest Region, the NWSA Fall Classic and Futurity; in the North Central Region, the Wisconsin Futurity; in the Heart of America Region, the Mid-America Mane Event; the South Central Region, at the State Fair of Texas UPHA Show; for the Bluegrass Region, the All American Horse Classic; for the Atlantic Coast, the North Carolina State Fair; in the Southeast, the Southeastern Charity Horse Show; in the Northeast, the ASHAV Horse Show; and in New England, the Eastern States Exposition.

Among the changes and clarifications in this year’s Regional Championship guidelines are: Declaration of region is no longer required. If a horse qualifies for multiple Regional Championship competitions and does not win the Regional Championship title at its first such event, it may compete for a Regional Championship title at other Regional Championship competitions for which it is eligible. However, a horse may earn only one Regional Championship title in any calendar year. As in prior years, horses and equitation riders must compete and receive a ribbon (1 through 8) in three (3) separate competitions within the region, in the qualifying period, in the same section within the Saddlebred division, to qualify for a Regional Championship title in that region’s championship event. Sections include Five-Gaited, Three-Gaited, Fine Harness, Park, Park Pleasure, Show Pleasure, and Country Pleasure, Saddle Seat Equitation, etc. This means that a horse does not have to qualify for a specific class, such as amateur or junior exhibitor, and allows this aspect of regional qualifying to be consistent with Kentucky State Fair qualifying. The qualifying period has been changed to include all competitions up to the starting dates of each respective Regional Championship. This adds urgency for all local competitions to submit their results to the ASHA as promptly as possible. The complete guidelines are available here.

There are additional incentives for participating in the Regional Championships. Each Regional Champion will receive an exclusive tri-color and neck ribbon and make a solo victory pass. The American Saddlebred Registry’s Grand National program is offering $5,000 added money to classes at five Regional Championships including the ASHAV Horse Show, the Mid-America Mane Event, the NWSA Fall Classic, the Southeastern Charity, and the Wisconsin Futurity. Sections for those $5,000 stakes are Three-Gaited, Fine Harness, Three-Gaited Show Pleasure, Five Gaited, and Three-Gaited Park, respectively. For more information on the ASR Grand National program, check here. ASHA will soon be displaying a complete database of all horses’ current regional competition records, by section, on the ASHA Web site, so that all competitors and managements can easily see the region(s) and section(s) for which a given horse is qualified

ASHA Youth Planning Committee Now Accepting Applications Lexington, Kentucky - The ASHA Youth Committee is recruiting Junior ASHA Members to be on the Youth Planning Committee. We are looking for motivated, creative, positive Youth Saddlebred enthusiasts willing to serve on the committee, which will plan Youth activities for the week of the World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS), and activities for the 2010 ASHA Convention and Youth Conference. Members must be able to attend a meeting to be held during The Lexington Jr. League Horse Show, July 6-12, 2009, at the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky (Exact location and date TBD). Members also must be able to assist with Youth Activities planned for the week of WCHS. An application can be obtained from the ASHA Web site, here.

River Ridge Show Management Has Rescinded All Restrictive Photography Policies for 2009. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE RIVER RIDGE CHARITY HORSE SHOW WISHES TO RESCIND IT'S CURRENT POLICY CONCERNING THE ISSUE OF FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE 2009 SHOW AT THIS TIME. MANAGEMENT WISHES TO ADVISE ALL EXHIBITORS THAT HOWARD SCHATZBERG PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE OFFICIAL SHOW PHOTOGRAPHER AND HE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TAKE YOUR PHOTOS. SHOW MANAGEMENT WILL BE REVIEWING IT'S POLILCIES AND PROCEDURES AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE SHOW. PLEASE WATCH OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES. SaddlebredWeb will provide full show coverage of the River Ridge Charity Horse Show.

Saddlebred Fine Harness Championship Adds $6,000 for Kentucky-breds at Spring Premier; KSOBA Membership Renewals Due April 30 Lexington, Kentucky - This year, more than $180,000 will be offered from the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Program, for Kentucky-bred American Saddlebreds exhibited by members of the Kentucky Saddlebred Owners and Breeders Association (KSOBA), a charter club of ASHA. The Fine Harness Open Championship at the Kentucky Spring Premier Horse Show, held at the Kentucky Horse Park beginning Thursday, April 30, is the first 2009 class to receive a supplement from the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund as added prize money. The top Kentucky-bred prize winner in that championship will be awarded $6,000, with the owner, breeder, and stallion owner each receiving equal shares of $2,000 each. Three other Kentucky competitions will also receive $6,000 in added prize money from the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund: Rock Creek (Three-Gaited Open Championship), Lexington Junior League (Five-Gaited Open Championship), and Kentucky Fall Classic (Park Open Championship). At the All American Horse Classic in September, Kentucky-bred American Saddlebreds that have been nominated to compete in the 2009 American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) Sweepstakes events for four-year-olds will receive cash awards from the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund as added prize money. The allotted pool for the 2009 Four-Year-Old Sweepstakes is $160,000. Purse supplements of $40,000 will be divided equally among the top three highest placed eligible Kentucky-bred Saddlebreds in each of four sections, with 70 percent awarded to the breeder, and 30 percent awarded to the stallion owner. To be eligible, a horse must meet certain criteria, including being foaled in Kentucky, sired by a stallion standing in Kentucky at the time of service, and bred by a Kentucky resident. KSOBA membership is required prior to competing. Membership year begins May 1 and expires April 30 the following year. Click here for full details and membership application.

Enter ASHA’s “Cutest Foal” Contest and be Eligible for a $1,000 Cash Prize Lexington, Kentucky - For the third year, ASHA is featuring a “Cutest Foal” contest for the upcoming May/June issue of American Saddlebred magazine. Photos for the “Cutest Foal” contest must be received in the ASHA office by Tuesday, May 5. For more information contact Dede Gatlin at (859) 259-2742 ext. 346, or by e-mail at atlin@asha.net. This year, as an added incentive, all entries in the “Cutest Foal” contest will be eligible for a $1,000 cash prize, which will be awarded to the “Cutest Foal” contestant placing first or second in any of the American Saddlebred Registry Futurities, and over 35 affiliated state and regional futurities. Foals may show and win in either the Open Weanling or Amateur Weanling In Hand division.

To enter, purchase a full-page color or black & white ad featuring your foal in the May/June issue. Once production of the May/June issue has been completed, each of the foals entered will be featured on ASHA’s Web site, www.saddlebred.com. Visitors to the Web site will have an opportunity to vote for the “Cutest Foal.” The owner of the foal winning the most votes will win a free, full-color ad in the July/August issue of American Saddlebred magazine. Online voting will close on June 30, 2009, and a winner will be announced. Entries must be received in the ASHA office no later than Tuesday, May 5, 2009. For questions or additional information, contact Dede Gatlin at (859) 259-2742 ext. 346 or by e-mail at d.gatlin@asha.net.

Kentucky State Fair Pleasure, Park, and Western Invitational Points Now Available on ASHA Web Site Lexington, Kentucky - Pleasure, Park, and Western Country Pleasure Invitational qualifying points standings are now posted on the American Saddlebred Horse Association’s (ASHA) Web site, here . The standings will update on a next-day basis whenever competition results are entered into ASHA's database. It should be noted that the first qualifying requirement prior to review of point totals accumulated is that any horse entered in Show Pleasure, Country Pleasure, or Park at the Kentucky State Fair must have shown in a minimum of six classes in three or more different shows during the qualifying period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. Points will come into play only after the minimum criteria are met, and if the number of qualified entries in any particular class exceeds the maximum number as specified in the Qualifying Requirements. Western Pleasure exhibitors are reminded of the change for 2009, which states that starting January 1, 2009, all competitions registered with ASHA, not just USEF-licensed, will count for points in qualifying for the Western Invitational.

All competitions hosting classes for Saddlebreds are encouraged to register their competitions with ASHA in order to be included in the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show qualifying system. There is no cost to register a competition. The registration form can be found and downloaded here. Competitions must register at least ten days prior to their competition dates and submit their prize lists and official results in a timely manner for exhibitors’ points to be included. Complete Pleasure/Park and Western Invitational Qualifying Requirements for the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show can be found here. A copy of the qualification system rules can also be requested in writing, at the following address: Kentucky State Fair Horse Show Office P.O. Box 37130 Louisville, KY 40233 Please direct inquiries to Susan Harris at s.harris@asha.net, or (336) 749-4681.

Saddlebred World Loses Notable Horsewoman Lexington, Kentucky - Chris Field, 59, of Shelbyville, Kentucky, passed away Monday night, April 6, 2009, after an eight month battle with cancer. Chris was born on December 9, 1949 in Salt Lake City, Utah. After graduating from Olympus High School in 1968, Chris attended the University of Utah. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, Chris married the love of her life on August 9, 1974, and would have celebrated her 36 year anniversary with her husband, William (Bill) Field, this year. Chris was employed as a legal secretary with Frost Brown Todd for the last 13 years where she will be sorely missed by all of her friends and co-workers.

In 2004, Chris realized her dreams when she rode the famous American Saddlebred, CH Rejoice, to a World Championship at the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show. Chris is survived by her husband Bill, son John and daughter-in-law Tara Field, step-daughter Kimber and her husband Stuart King of South Weber, Utah, mother Doris Jones of Las Vegas, Nevada, sister Vicky and brother-in-law Gerald Isakson of Salt Lake City, Utah, brother Ralph Jones of Las Vegas, Nevada and her grandsons, Stockton, 12, Braxton, 11, Walker, 9 of South Weber, Utah, Aidan, 4 and Brock, 21 months, of Shelbyville, Kentucky. A Memorial Service to celebrate Chris’ life will be held at 4 PM on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at Undulata Farm, 1600 Zaring Mill Road, Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Saddlebred Futurity Grace Period Deadline is Saturday, April 25 Lexington, Kentucky - The futurity grace period deadline to nominate mares and stallions for 2009 foals is Saturday, April 25. Nomination forms are available for download from the Association's Web site, here. The Kentucky Amateur, Kentucky and National Futurity programs paid over $262,000 to participants in 2008. For more information on American Saddlebred Registry Prize Programs, including futurities, please click here to contact Patricia Edwards.

Eastern States Exposition Big E Horse Show to host ASHA New England Regional Championship Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) 2009 New England Regional Championship will be held at the Eastern States Exposition Big E Horse Show. The show is set to take place September 17, through October 4, at the Eastern States Exposition, in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Saddlebreds will be competing in the portion of the show taking place beginning on Thursday, September 17, through Sunday, September 20. For details about the Saddle Horse portion of the show, visit the Eastern States Exposition Web site, here. Open classes added to this year’s events include Open Road Horse Championship, Open Carriage Driving and Championship, and NEHC Open Pleasure. The NEHC Saddle Seat Medal Finals will also be featured. For additional details and information about the Eastern States Exposition Horse show, visit their Web site, here.

Live Video of TSE/Tattersalls Spring Sale Begins this Friday on www.saddlebred.com Lexington, Kentucky - The TSE/Tattersalls Spring Sale will be broadcast over the Internet starting this Friday, April 10, through Saturday, April 11, on the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Web site, www.saddlebred.com. As it has done in the past, ASHA will once again provide live, streaming video of each day of the sale in its entirety. The Webcast will allow viewers to see the sale of each horse as it is presented, and hear the auctioneer’s call, as well as see the hip number and bids. Subscription purchases for viewing the Webcast are available on the ASHA homepage, www.saddlebred.com. Each day’s sale is scheduled to commence at 10 AM Eastern

Time. Lots 1-150 will sell Friday, April 10, and lots 151-300 will sell Saturday, April 11. Fees to view the Webcast are $15 per day per computer, meaning the license to view the Webcast is exclusive to each computer on which it is purchased. ASHA members receive a 20 percent discount for daily purchase, making the member price $12 per day, per computer. Two-day package purchasing is available at a discount: for ASHA members, the two-day package is $20, and for non-members, the two-day package is $24. Payment is accepted online using a credit or debit card. Viewers’ Internet connection should be broadband, DSL or cable modem for optimum quality (dial-up or satellite Internet connection is not sufficient). To purchase a subscription, follow the simple steps on the ASHA homepage. A link is provided to a “Help” page to assist subscribers in viewing the Webcast. Revenues received from subscribers go to offset the technical and production costs of the Webcast. Any surplus is applied to the promotional efforts of ASHA.

Deadlines Approaching for State Futurities Stallion and Mare Nominations Lexington, Kentucky - Stallion and mare nomination closing dates - for 2009 foals - begins in April for many State Futurities. In order to get a foal into a Futurity program, the sire and dam of the foal must be nominated by the deadline set forth by each futurity. Only those foals whose registered sires and dams have been nominated in the foaling year will be eligible to enter the Futurity. Futurities are held to encourage the breeding and showing of American Saddlebred horses. Showing a foal in a futurity enhances its value and increases its earning potential. The value of the sire and dam may also be enhanced through the success of their progeny shown in futurities.

Deadlines Approaching for State Futurities Stallion and Mare Nominations Lexington, Kentucky - Stallion and mare nomination closing dates - for 2009 foals - begins in April for many State Futurities. In order to get a foal into a Futurity program, the sire and dam of the foal must be nominated by the deadline set forth by each futurity. Only those foals whose registered sires and dams have been nominated in the foaling year will be eligible to enter the Futurity. Futurities are held to encourage the breeding and showing of American Saddlebred horses. Showing a foal in a futurity enhances its value and increases its earning potential. The value of the sire and dam may also be enhanced through the success of their progeny shown in futurities.

Rabies in Lexington Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky - Click here to read all about it from WAVE TV. American Saddlebred Registry Grand National to Kick-Off Summer Showcase at Lexington Junior League Horse Show Lexington, Kentucky - The Junior League Horse Show is the only show in Kentucky to host Grand National classes in 2009. The show is set to take place Monday, July 6, through Saturday, July 11, at the Red Mile, in Lexington, Kentucky. The show will offer a total of $9,000 in prize money, offering $1,800 in each of the following Grand National classes: Fine Harness Junior Horse Three-Gaited Park Open Championship Three-Gaited Ladies Championship Five-Gaited Amateur Championship Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Junior Exhibitor Championship The Grand National program is now in its 26th year, has awarded more than $2.8 million, and offered added prize money in more than 59 classes throughout 2008. This year, Grand National features 37 shows, including 70 classes totaling over $150,000 in potential prize money, for Grand National eligible American Saddlebreds. The Grand National competition schedule for 2009 can be found here. For questions about the ASR Grand National prize program, click here to e-mail Patricia Edwards. As always the best photographic coverage of this show will be on www.SaddlebredWeb.com. Click here to see coverage from last year.

Ohio Equine Affaire April 2-5; Saddlebred Volunteers Wanted Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred will once again be represented at Equine Affaire Ohio. The 16th annual event is set to take place Thursday, April 2, through Sunday, April 5, at the Ohio Expo Center, in Columbus, Ohio. This equine exposition and equestrian gathering offers something for all ages, all levels of expertise, and all equine disciplines. The American Saddlebred will be represented with a breed demo in addition to an exhibit featuring promotional and educational materials designed to inform attendees about the breed and attract newcomers. To assist with the effort of advancing the American Saddlebred, volunteers are needed to assist with various aspects of the Equine Affaire Ohio event. In addition to volunteers needed to man the promotional exhibit, the event also needs "petting horses," along with individuals to manage them throughout the day. For more information about the event, visit the Equine Affaire Ohio Web site. For information on volunteering to assist in promoting the American Saddlebred at Equine Affaire, click here to contact Jeremy Kelley.

ASHA Announces Schedule for 2009 Junior Exhibitor Driving Challenge Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has announced the schedule for the 2009 ASHA Junior Exhibitor Driving Challenge. The events currently scheduled for 2009 range from March to November, and are set to be held at various shows across the country. The ASHA Junior Exhibitor Driving Challenge, funded by Elisabeth Goth, was developed to promote the American Saddlebred driving divisions among junior exhibitors. Competitors 17 years of age and under are adding driving to their horsemanship portfolios as horse shows add Junior Exhibitor Driving Challenge classes to their class list. This program was designed with the intention of promoting both good sportsmanship and driving skills with ASHA youth members. All horses winning a ribbon in two official qualifying classes in their division are eligible to compete at the finals, which will be held in 2009 at the American Royal Horse Show in Kansas City, November 17-21. Custom trophies and ribbons are offered in qualifying events, with $10,000 in cash and prizes available at the finals. To view participation and eligibility rules, please visit the ASHA Junior Exhibitor Driving Challenge page on the ASHA Web site, here. To view the complete 2009 ASHA Junior Exhibitor Driving Challenge schedule, click here. To include an ASHA Junior Exhibitor Driving Challenge qualifying class to a show, have the show secretary or manager click here to e-mail Brenda Newell

Kentucky Breeders Incentive Program Offers Added Prize Money to Kentucky Saddlebred Owners and Breeders Association Members Lexington, Kentucky - This year, more than $180,000 will be offered from the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Program, to members of the Kentucky Saddlebred Owners and Breeders Association (KSOBA), a charter club of ASHA. Kentucky-bred American Saddlebreds that have been nominated to compete in the 2009 American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) Sweepstakes events for four-year-olds will receive Kentucky Breeders Incentive Funds as added prize money. The allotted pool for the 2009 Four-Year-Old Sweepstakes is $160,000. A total of $40,000 will be divided equally among the top three highest placed eligible Kentucky-bred Saddlebreds in each division, with 70 percent awarded to the breeder, and 30 percent awarded to the stallion owner. Beginning in 2009, Kentucky-bred American Saddlebreds competing at four United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) licensed competitions in Kentucky may receive the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Funds as added prize money. The top Kentucky-bred in each division will be awarded $6,000, with the owner, breeder and stallion owner, receiving equal shares of $2,000 each. The four competitions and classes include Kentucky Spring Premier (Fine Harness Open Championship), Rock Creek (Three-Gaited Open Championship), Lexington Junior League (Five-Gaited Open Championship), and Kentucky Fall Classic (Park Open Championship). To be eligible, a horse must meet certain criteria, including being foaled in Kentucky, sired by a stallion standing in Kentucky at the time of service, and bred by a Kentucky resident. KSOBA membership is required prior to competing. Click here for full details and membership application.

Kentucky Spring Premier Horse Show Announces New Classes Lexington, Kentucky - The 2009 Kentucky Spring Premier Horse Show will be held Thursday, April 30, through Saturday,May 2, 2009, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Brian Reimer of Turin, Georgia will judge the Saddlebred, Hackney and Friesian classes, with Katie Case handling the Academy division. Following the success of last year, the open stakes will be held Friday night with the amateur championships on Saturday night. The Kentucky Spring Premier is proud to be the first show to participate in the added money Kentucky Saddlebred Breeders and Owners Association (KSOBA) class this year. The Kentucky Spring Premier’s Fine Harness Open Championship has been chosen as the first class of the season. The Spring Premier is also a member of the Equine Roadster Cup Incentive Program. Points are offered for Open and Amateur Roadster classes if the entry is eligible for this $10,000 Added Point Incentive Program. Additional classes include the Amateur Fine Harness Championship, a Junior Exhibitor Park class and an Amateur/Junior Exhibitor Park Championship. A Kentucky Derby party will once again be held before Saturday’s evening session on the area next to the show ring. With the help of Richfield Video and a large screen television, the Derby will be easily viewable. The Blue Willow Youth Club will be providing fun games and entertainment for junior exhibitors of all ages. Barbecue will be provided along with a cash bar for the adults. With the coming of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the Horse Park is embarking on a huge renovation. New arenas, both covered and outdoor, are being added, as well as new and improved stabling. For more information please contact Scarlett Mattson at (270) 547-2407.

2009 American Saddlebred Registry Futurity Nomination Forms Available On-line Lexington, Kentucky - The 2009 American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) Futurity nomination forms and general provisions are now available on the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Web site, and can be downloaded here. The deadline to nominate mares and stallions for 2009 foals is April 15, 2009. This year’s nominations consist of two new additions. Stallions and mares registered with any foreign registry approved by ASR will now be accepted for sire and dam nominations. If registered with an approved foreign registry, a copy of the stallion’s and/or mare’s registration certificate must be submitted with the nomination. A Three-Gaited Park class has also been added to the National Three-Year-Old Futurity. Beginning in 2012, the National Three-Year-Old Futurity will be held in five sections: Five-Gaited, Three-Gaited, Fine Harness, Three-Gaited Park and Three-Gaited Park Pleasure. These changes were recommended by the Kentucky & National Futurities Committee and approved by the ASHA Board of Directors. Total prize money awarded in 2008 for the Kentucky, Kentucky Amateur, and National Three-Year-Old Futurities totaled $262,122, with the National Three-Year-Old Futurity reaching an all-time high, awarding more than $140,000, the most prize money awarded in over 30 years. For assistance or more information, click here to contact Patricia Edwards

Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show Issues Clarification on Pleasure Qualifying Lexington, Kentucky - Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show announces a clarification in the new rule concerning professionals and their family members not being allowed to qualify pleasure horses for the 2009 show. This rule applies to adult exhibitors only. The rule has been re-stated to read as follows: Also for purposes of qualification, a horse in the Show Pleasure or Country Pleasure sections cannot be shown by its trainer on behalf of the owner of the horse, nor may a horse be shown by any adult family member of the trainer of the horse (provided, however, that this does not preclude a family member of a trainer from showing a horse if the horse is owned by the trainer or by such family member). Show management did not intend for junior exhibitors to be included in this new rule and apologizes for any confusion resulting from its previous announcement.

Another Successful Penn-Ohio Event: Notable Saddlebred Trainer Conducts Open Training Clinic Lexington, Kentucky - On Saturday, February 28, the Penn-Ohio Futurity offered an opportunity to learn training tips from accomplished horseman Bret Day, of Grey Ridge Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. The training clinic was held at Champions Center in Springfield, Ohio. Day is well known in the Saddlebred community, partly for his involvement with the United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA). Notable horses trained by Bret Day include WC Bono, WC Mahvelous Guy, WC Hallelujah Chorus, WC Go Big Blue and many other reserve world champions and national champions. Despite weather conditions deterring many who had intended to bring horses, alternate horses were provided by Mary Waickman Stables, Marcia Belcher at South Pointe Farm, and Wendy Lewis of Virtual Saddlebreds. The clinic included a demonstration by Wingate Farm, owned by Ray and Barbara Blanton of Delaware, Ohio, in which a horse was being tested for the academy program with one of the farm’s lesson riders. Another highlight of the clinic was a discussion in which Day emphasized the value of horses being happy, noting the importance of focusing on their national talents, and allowing a horse to have fun. The Penn-Ohio officers plan to continue their effort to promote the breeding, owning, training and showing of the American Saddlebred. “The American Saddlebred horse is the horse industry’s best kept secret. We need to work so that more people know what an exceptional breed this is,” said Day. For more information about the Penn-Ohio Futurity, visit their Web site at www.pennohiofuturity.com, or contact Marcia Belcher at (330) 421-4091.

Human Remains Uncovered at Kentucky Horse Park Lexington, Kentucky - What began as a simple backhoe procedure to install a fire vault for the new Outdoor Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park has become a historical mystery as construction workers accidentally uncovered a lost cemetery. Last November, a human skeleton was unearthed and eventually a total of 35 skeletons were discovered. As soon as the first remains were found, the Kentucky Horse Park contacted the Fayette County Coroner’s Office. The area – where there was no visible evidence of a cemetery -- was cordoned off and an archaeological dig was launched in cooperation with the Kentucky Heritage Council and the Kentucky Archaeological Survey. The Survey is administered by the Heritage Council and University of Kentucky Department of Anthropology. “This has been interesting and mysterious. While this cemetery was inadvertently disturbed, it is our hope that ultimately the identity of these early Kentuckians will be determined and their final resting place will no longer be forgotten,” said John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park. “Once the Kentucky Archaeological Survey has completed its research and releases the remains, these individuals will be reinterred with respect and dignity at the Kentucky Horse Park in a suitable location, and appropriately honored with a monument and historical information.” It has already been determined that the cemetery probably dates to the mid-1800s and the Horse Park expects to learn more about the cemetery when the research is completed, Nicholson said. Mark Dennen, Kentucky Heritage Council acting executive director and state historic preservation officer, said it was important to remember that “when remains are found the response must be to treat these with the utmost respect. Therefore, the careful removal of the remains and the research and reinterment will be done following established procedures. This also gives us the opportunity to learn more about our history and the history of the land at the Kentucky Horse Park. This adds depth and richness to the story the Horse Park can tell and ultimately helps preserve and inform us about our past."

Revised Grand National Competition Schedule; Missouri State Fair and St. Louis National Charity added to the 2009 American Saddlebred Registry Grand National Competition Schedule Lexington, Kentucky - The 2009 American Saddlebred Registry Grand National competition schedule has been revised to include the Missouri State Fair, August 12-15, and the St. Louis National Charity, September 23-26. The designated Grand National Class for the Missouri State Fair is the Five-Gaited Championship. Likewise, the Western Country Pleasure Championship will serve as the Grand National Class for the St. Louis National Charity. Click here to view the entire 2009 Grand National Show Schedule. The Grand National program is now in its 26th year and has awarded more than $2.6 million. Conceived by dedicated owners, breeders and trainers, Grand National is a prize program for American Saddlebred horses, created to generate excitement in owning and showing this special breed of horse. The goals of the Grand National program are to increase participation, popularity and marketability of the American Saddlebred by offering the opportunity for additional prize money to be won by Grand National recorded horses. Recorded horses compete for cash awards in selected classes at United States Equestrian Federation licensed competitions throughout the country. The awards are paid in addition to any other prize money offered in the class by the horse show itself.

American Saddlebred Museum Expanding Lexington, Kentucky - A 7,000 square foot addition onto the American Saddlebred Museum at the Kentucky Horse Park has been started. “This is the day we have been working toward for the past four years,” said Museum President, Laurel Nelson. Adding, “Building design is completed, interior design is well under way and the capital campaign is almost funded. The addition will be open by the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Convention in February 2010, and will be more than ready for the World Equestrian Games when the world arrives in September 2010!” The addition will divide the Museum into two wings – the John & Dorothy Lenore Gallery Wing and the Elisabeth M. Goth History Wing. The contemporary designed John and Dorothy Lenore Gallery Wing will feature three new elements that will add both substance and dimension to the visitor experience at the Museum. The Gaylord Family Changing Exhibit Gallery will house the Museum’s special exhibits; a George Ford Morris Art Gallery will showcase the Museum’s Saddlebred collection by the noted artist, as well as occasional pieces loaned by members; and a Pathway to the Kentucky Horse Park’s courtyard will allow visitors to enter and exit our facility inside the Horse Park. The History Wing will house a newly renovated, state-of-the-art theater, generously sponsored by James and Misdee Miller. The theater will boast electric glass walls that are clear when the movie is not running, but turn dark during the run time. Information regarding a host of additional new features will be released in the coming weeks as the interior design planning proceeds. Eventually, the newly relocated archives on the building’s lower level will be upgraded, compliments of Peter and Lynn Via. “The Saddlebred community has been extremely supportive of this project,” says Tolley Graves, Executive Director of the Museum. “$3.4 million has been pledged to-date. We would like to add several more interactive and entertainment-oriented exhibits, and, therefore, are still seeking additional funding of $150,000” said Graves. “It is important that we provide a superlative showcase for our breed during the upcoming World Games.” For more information, contact Tolley Graves at 859-259-2746 ext. 304, or visit the Museum’s Web site at www.asbmuseum.org.

American Horse Council Notifies ASHA of Benefits for Horse Industry in Economic Stimulus Bill Lexington, Kentucky - President Obama has signed the Economic Stimulus Bill into law, which is intended to provide a jump-start to the U.S. economy. The Stimulus Act continues the bigger write-off for horses and other property purchased and placed in service during 2009. These benefits were part of the 2008 Tax Stimulus Bill, but expired at the end of 2008. The Stimulus Bill also includes a few other provisions that may impact horse owners. The first incentive covers expensing allowance and allows an owner who purchases a horse or other business property and places it in service in 2009 to expense up to $250,000 of the cost. This so-called “Section 179” expensing allowance applies to horses, farm equipment and most other depreciable property. Once total purchases of horses and other eligible property reach $800,000, the expense allowance goes down one dollar for each dollar spent over $800,000. The second incentive continues the 50 percent first-year bonus depreciation for horses and most other depreciable property purchased and placed in service during 2009. It applies to any property that has a depreciable life of 20 years or less. Also, the property must be new, meaning that the original use of the horse or other property must commence with the taxpayer. For a horse to be eligible, it cannot have been used for any purpose before it is purchased. In addition, the Stimulus Bill provides all taxpayers with a deduction for state and local sales and excises taxes paid on the purchase of new cars, light trucks, and recreational vehicles through 2009. The deduction phases-out for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of $125,000 and $250,000 for taxpayers filing a joint return. Current law permits net operating losses (NOLs) to be carried back to the two years before the operating loss occurs and carried forward to the 20 years after the loss. For 2008, the bill would extend the maximum NOL carryback period to five years for small businesses with gross revenue of $15 million or less. Moreover, the Stimulus Bill reduces the 2009 required estimated tax payments for some small businesses. To read the document in full, provided by the American Horse Council (AHC), visit their Web site. Likewise, to view AHC’s beneficial tax tips for the horse industry, click here .

Swinging Saddlebred Ball Climaxes Convention; ASHA, Registry Seat New Boards; Nominating Committee Elected Lexington, Kentucky - Nearly 500 ASHA members, youth, and guests poured into the ballroom at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington, Kentucky, on Saturday night (February 14) to enjoy the 5th Annual Saddlebred Ball, topped by a series of emotional acceptances delivered by individual award winners. Standing ovations greeted several, including Earl Teater, Jr. and Ed Teater (representing Earl Teater and Sons, who were inducted into the Breeders Hall of Fame in a surprise announcement), and Lifetime Achievement honoree Don Harris with his beloved wife Judy. Mike Spencer, who received the Cronan Sportsmanship Award, recounted his first riding “lesson” from the legendary Helen Crabtree, in another highlight of the evening. In matters of governance at the convention which preceded the evening’s festivities, three new members of the Association board of directors were elected through balloting by the membership: Betsy Boone of North Carolina, Germaine Johnson of Kentucky, and William Whitley of North Carolina. Re-elected as director for three-year terms were Louise Gilliland (Oklahoma), Nelson Green (Kentucky), and Jim Ruwoldt (Georgia). Leaving the board due to their terms having expired were Bill Blacklaw (Oregon), Mary Anne Cronan (Kentucky) and Kay Richardson (Illinois). Elected as officers of the Association for one-year terms were Judith Werner (Illinois) as president, Vicki Gillenwater (Tennessee) as first vice president, Barbara Molland (California) as second vice president, Paul Treiber (Wisconsin) as secretary, and Ruwoldt as treasurer.

The American Saddlebred Registry board of directors was expanded to 11 members (from nine) as the result of a change in the bylaws. Those elected for one-year terms were Cronan, Lisa Duncan (Kentucky), Chuck Herbert (Indiana), Gilliland, Margaret McNeese (Texas), Molland, Brian Reimer (Georgia), Jimmy Robertson (Kentucky), Robert Ruxer (Indiana), Werner, and Art Zubrod (Kentucky). This board will have its organizational meeting to elect officers in the near future. At the Association’s formal Annual Meeting Saturday afternoon, per the procedures set out in the bylaws, nominations were made for candidates for the Nominating Committee to select directors to stand for election to the board beginning in February 2010. Members who voted in person or by proxy elected Nancy Boone (North Carolina) and Shirley Trail (West Virginia) from the membership; directors elected Molland and Zubrod to the Nominating Committee and the president will appoint the chair in accordance with the bylaws. Pro-Am Benefit Classic Horse Show to be dedicated to Lillian Shively Lexington, Kentucky - The 2009 Pro-Am Benefit Classic Horse Show of Georgia announced that it will be dedicated to Lillian Shively. Lillian has been a supporter of the Pro-Am Show for over 30 years and the show is proud and honored to dedicate this year’s show to her. The show, benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia, will be held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia, Wednesday, April 1, through Saturday, April 4. For more information on the show, click here.

Excitement builds for UPHA Equitation Update III Clinic Lexington, Kentucky - The United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) will host the “Equitation Update III” Clinic at William Woods University, Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, 2009. The topic of the clinic, “Inspiration for Today’s Rider, Instructor, and Judge,” will focus on horsemanship. Attendance to the clinic is free for all UPHA members and college students with proper ID. For the registration form, click here. A wide variety of topics will be covered including: starting your lesson program, pattern work, fitting the saddle, achieving an effective and balanced riding position, judging, and communication. Clinicians scheduled to appear include: Scott and Carol Matton, Betsy Boone, Mary Marcum Orr, Lillian Shively, Liz Jones, Kathy Boggs, Lynda Freseth, Gary Garone, Bonnie Kittredge, Kristen Cater, Cindy Boel, Sarah Byers, Barbe Smith, Tammie Conatser, Jennifer Dixon, Kent Swalla, Sandra Currier, Dale Becker, Donna Pettry-Smith, Julie Wroble, Bob Griffin, Cindy Muginer, Ellen Beard, Helen Robertson, Renee Biggins, Sandy Rafferty, Shelley Fisher, Maria Gilman, Nealia McCracken, David Erhart, Nancy Becker, Erin Richey, Lynn McNamara, and Gayle Lampe. A dessert reception, Friday evening, will cap off the day’s events, and a dinner will be held on Saturday night at Beck’s restaurant in Fulton, Missouri, which will feature a panel discussion entitled “Hot Topics” led by Barbe Smith. In addition, a Shively MMX Saddle, donated by Dabora Inc.and Lillian Shively, will be raffled off. Dinner tickets for Saturday night are $25. Likewise, on Sunday, a Freedman “Double Saddle,” donated by David Freedman, will also be raffled off. 200 tickets will be sold for $50 each. Contact Barbe Smith at (504) 460-7831 to purchase tickets. The Holiday Inn Express in Fulton, Missouri, will serve as the host hotel and reservations can be made by calling (573) 642-2600.

San Antonio Saddle Horse Association Annual Charity Horse Show Upcoming Lexington, Kentucky - The San Antonio Saddle Horse Association (SASHA) will host its annual Charity Horse Show on Friday, March 6, though Sunday, March 8, 2009, at the San Antonio Rose Palace in San Antonio, Texas, to benefit their local non-profit, Visitation House of San Antonio. The Visitation House is a transitional housing program for homeless women and their children. The mission of the Visitation House Transitional Housing Program is to assist women in ending the cycle of poverty and homelessness in their lives and in the lives of their children. SASHA will once again offer the special leadline class for the children of Visitation House. This class, held on Saturday afternoon, offers the children an opportunity to ride horses, generously donated by the competing stables in the Rose Palace ring. This event has proven to be fun for not only the Visitation House visitors – mothers, kids and Visitation House staff – but has been a crowd pleaser with the horse people, too. The competing stables make the class possible by donating their lesson or Academy horses for the children, and local businesses and stables give full support by sponsoring the children. For more information call 210-884-5567 or visit www.sashatx.org. To sponsor a child for the Special Leadline Class on Saturday afternoon at the horse show, contact Sandra Arguello.

American Saddlebred, Hackney, and Roadster trainer, Jimmy Miller, passes Lexington, Kentucky - A well-known member of the Saddlebred community, Jimmy Miller, died on Saturday, December 27, 2008. A private graveside service was held Monday, December 29, 2008. . Miller, a resident of Ashland, Missouri, has long been associated with World’s Champion road horses and ponies. His record of successful road ponies may very well be without equal and include World’s Champions: Adiamo, Free Willy, Lamborghini, and Dun-Haven Infatuation — just to mention a few. Likewise, Miller’s stellar lineup of road ponies is joined by such noted Saddlebreds as WC Wanna Rumba, WC Titleist, WC Rags To Rubies, RWC CH Callaway’s Claret, RWC CH Manhattan Man, RWC CH Sparkling Valley High, and RWC Sultan’s Colleen. Miller’s service in the horse industry has been vast. He was a chapter chairman to the UPHA, USEF clinician for the Hackney division, and representative on the USEF Roadster and Hackney Committees, as well as serving on various horse show committees. As a recognized judge in the American Saddlebred, Roadster, Hackney, and Saddle Seat Equitation divisions, his judging records include shows at the World’s Championship Horse Show, Lexington Junior League Horse Show, and the American Royal, among others. He was inducted into the American Road Horse and Pony Association Hall of Fame during the World’s Championship Horse Show in 2004.

Rich Grand National Competition Schedule for 2009 Released Lexington, Kentucky - The 2009 American Saddlebred Registry Grand National prize program schedule of competitions has been announced. This year, the Grand National features 32 shows offering 61 classes with over $138,000 offered in prize money for Grand National-eligible American Saddlebreds. The schedule is available by clicking here. In addition, competitions that have traditionally supported Grand National were entered into a drawing for three Grand National Championship Stakes. The following competitions will receive additional purse allotments of $5,000 each in 2009. All American Horse Classic, Indianapolis, Indiana September 8-12, 2009 Five-Gaited Open Championship $5,000 North Carolina State Championship, Raleigh, North Carolina September 16-19, 2009 Fine Harness Open Championship $5,000 Minnesota Futurity, Winona, Minnesota October 2-4, 2009 Three-Gaited Open Championship $5,000

Also, five ASHA Regional Championship competitions which held Grand National events in 2008 were selected to hold $5,000 Grand National Championship Stakes in 2009: Southeastern Charity, Conyers, Georgia September 16-19, 2009 Five-Gaited Open Championship $5,000 Wisconsin Futurity, Madison, Wisconsin September 16-20, 2009 Three-Gaited Park Open Championship $5,000 ASHAV, Lexington, Virginia September 23-26, 2009 Three-Gaited Open Championship $5,000 NWSA Fall Classic & Futurity, Salem, Oregon September 23-26, 2009 Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship $5,000 Mid-America Mane Event, Springfield, Illinois October 22-25, 2009 Fine Harness Open Championship $5,000 For detailed information about all aspects of the Grand National, and all the Registry’s prize programs, click here.

ASHA member, Guy Warner, Selected as Person of the Year by Minnesota Horse Council Lexington, Kentucky - The Minnesota Horse Council announced the selection of American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) member Guy Warner as 2008 Horse Person of the Year at their Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on Saturday, January 17, 2009. The award is presented each year to someone who shows long-term service and commitment to the equine industry in the Midwest. Warner, the 39th recipient of this award, has put in over 40 years of service – both equine related and community related. He served 10 years in the Minnesota National Guard with final rank of Sergeant First Class, specializing in the Field of Artillery. In addition to being a longtime member of ASHA, he has been both a board member and Officer of American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) – serving as chairman of the Relocation Task Force of the AHSA offices move from New York City, to Lexington, Kentucky. Currently, he is a member of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, serving as Vice-Chair and Chairman of the Audit Committee. Moreover, Guy Warner is the announcer at the Minnesota State Fair as well as other Midwest shows, including the prestigious St. Louis Charity Show. Guy and his wife Pauline have owned some top Saddlebreds such as CH Simpsonville, WC CH Herculean, RWC Callaway’s Cover Page and most recently, WC CH Forever Aptor, which their daughters have shown.

2009 Triple Point Competitions announced for USEF Horse of the Year Lexington, Kentucky - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has announced the 2009 triple point competitions for the Saddlebred, Roadster, and Hackney/Harness divisions. Each year, the corresponding discipline committees vote to assign “triple point” status to a competition in each of the 12 USEF regions. Points won at any of these designated competitions will count as triple points for the Farnam/Platform USEF Horse of the Year program. American Saddlebred shows designated as triple point competition for 2009: Region 1 - #317874 - UPHA Chapter One - May Region 2 - #711 - NWSA Fall Classic and Futurity - September Region 3/4 - #1595 - Wisconsin Futurity - September Region 5 - #600 - UPHA/American Royal - November Region 6/7 - #5674 - Oklahoma Centennial - April Region 8 - #423 - Rock Creek - June Region 9 - #3355 - Asheville Lions Charity - May Region 10 - #370 - Southeastern Charity - September Region 11 - #5131 - ASHAV - September Region 12 - #2922 - UPHA Spring Premiere - April

Walter Stred (1927-2008) Lexington, Kentucky - Word has reached the American Saddlebred Horse Association that Walter “Walt” Stred died August 11, 2008, in Tampa, Florida. Walt owned several champion Saddlebreds including the WGC CH Radiant Success. CH Radiant Success won the Fine Harness World’s Grand Championship from 1998-2000, while claiming the Triple Crown in both 1998 and 2000. In addition, Walt owned such notable horses as WGC CH Winter Day, WC CH Quite A Guy, and WC Angelene.

2009 ASHA Regional Championships Scheduled Lexington, Kentucky - In 2005, the American Saddlebred Horse Association and Registry launched a program designating and supporting Regional Championship competitions around the country. Regional Championships increase competitive opportunities for all types of horses and levels of competition, and are part of the Association’s effort to improve public education and awareness of the breed throughout the nation. For further detailed and updated information on the Regional Championship program, including qualifying requirements introduced in 2008, click here. 2009 ASHA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITIONS: REGION 1 Southwest Regional Arizona Saddlebred Futurity Scottsdale, Arizona, October 23-25 West Coast Regional Championship California Saddle Horse Futurity Pomona, California, September 17-19 REGION 2 Northwest Regional Championship NWSA Fall Classic & Futurity Salem, Oregon, September 23-26 REGION 3/4 North Central Regional Championship Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival Madison, Wisconsin, September 16-20

REGION 5 Heart of America Regional Championship Mid-America Mane Event Springfield, Illinois, October 22-25 REGION 6/7 South Central Regional Championship State Fair of Texas Dallas, Texas, September 10-13 (tentative, subject to USEF licensing) REGION 8 Bluegrass Regional Championship All American Horse Classic Indianapolis, Indiana, September 8-12 REGION 9 Atlantic Coast Regional Championship North Carolina State Fair Horse Show Raleigh, North Carolina, October 21-24 REGION 10 Southern Regional Championship Southeastern Charity Horse Show Conyers, Georgia, September 16-19 REGION 11 Eastern Regional Championship American Saddlebred Horse Association of Virginia Lexington, Virginia, September 23-26 REGION 12 New England Regional Championship Eastern States Exposition Horse Show West Springfield, Massachusetts, September 17-20

American Saddlebred’s Own, Jessica Moctezuma, Named USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Lexington, Kentucky - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced yesterday, Thursday, December 11, 2008, that Jessica Moctezuma has been selected as the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year. Moctezuma will be honored with the Ruth O’Keefe Meredith Trophy during USEF’s Annual Meeting, January 14-18, 2009, in Cincinnati, Ohio, as part of the Pegasus Awards held Saturday evening. Moctezuma is at least the fifth member of the American Saddlebred Horse Association to be named the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year, since its creation in 1985. Previous Saddlebred winners of this exceptional award include William Harris, Betty Cox, Reese Richey, and Adolph Zell. After reviewing an array of candidates nominated for one of USEF’s highest honors, the Awards Committee selected Moctezuma, of Hardwick, New Jersey, as the young equestrian who exceeded the demanding qualification criteria. Outside the ring, Moctezuma immerses herself in community service by using her love of horses as a platform. Moctezuma’s mother, Nealia McCracken, is the owner of North Wind Stables and in the last three years the stable has been very involved with Saddlebred Rescue, Inc. Moctezuma has been able to volunteer her time after school riding rescue horses and has assisted in evaluating suitability for the placement of misused and neglected horses. To date, she has ridden over 200 rescue horses.

Moctezuma’s success as a community volunteer mirrors her success as an equine athlete. In 2008, she was the Senior Equitation Champion at the Lexington Junior League Horse Show. For the third year in a row she was the Mid-Atlantic Regional Equitation Champion and the 2008 NEHC Regional Equitation Champion. Also in 2008, she was the high-scoring rider in the three-gaited and five-gaited World Cup trials at William Woods University, which qualified her to compete on the five-gaited team at the United States Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup held in South Africa this fall, bringing home Silver medals in both the three- and five-gaited competitions. Likewise, she is one of the few multi-disciplined riders in the ring to achieve success with equitation, gaited, and show/country pleasure mounts, Hackney pony driving and under saddle, Western pleasure, hunt seat on the flat and road horses. To qualify for the Junior Equestrian of the Year award, a young equestrian must have competed at USEF-recognized shows over the past year, while displaying good sportsmanship and integrity. The winner is also someone who has excelled and has willingly given back to their sport. Moctezuma is a great example of the poise and horsemanship our riders must display to be successful equine athletes. Her outstanding contributions and dedication to the American Saddlebred and the equestrian industry in general, both inside and outside the ring, are nothing short of commendable.

University of Kentucky Working with State to Resolve Contagious Equine Metritis Cases Lexington, Kentucky - According to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, a 16-year-old Quarter Horse stallion residing in Kentucky tested positive for the causal agent of Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM), a bacterium Taylorella equigenitalis, on December 10, 2008. CEM is considered a foreign animal disease that occurs in breeding populations in various countries in the world. The test was performed by the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center (LDDC) and reported to the Kentucky state veterinarian. According to officials, two additional stallions on the same farm have now also been confirmed positive. The original stallion has completed treatment, and the additional cases are being prepared for treatment. All horses identified as at risk of exposure are under quarantine and undergoing testing. An update can be found on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Web site at www.kyagr.com. Researchers at UK’s Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center and LDDC have been informed and are working closely with state veterinarian Robert Stout and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to Gluck researchers, CEM is a sexually transmitted disease that only affects members of the equine family. It does not present an immediate risk of spread to the general horse population as long as state and federal regulations are followed. The disease can only be transmitted by sexual contact and is most frequently spread when a stallion breeds a mare. It may also be transmitted through artificial insemination or contact with contaminated hands or any objects that have been in contact with the genitalia of infected stallions or mares. Stallions are symptom-free carriers of the bacterium Taylorella equigenitalis. Infected mares can develop inflammation of the reproductive tract, which can result in temporary infertility.

Researchers said there are no reports of transmission of infection to pregnant mares except at the time of breeding. Only two confirmed cases of abortion due to this bacterium have been reported in the past 30 years. CEM can be treated effectively with a wide range of disinfectants and antibiotics. Strict hygiene should be observed after contact with horses that test positive for Taylorella equigenitalis. CEM is not known to be transmissible to humans. Mares imported into Kentucky from CEM affected countries, or mares found to be infected, are required by federal and state regulations to undergo testing and treatment and remain in quarantine until confirmed negative for Taylorella equigenitalis. All stallions imported into Kentucky from a CEM affected country, or stallions found to be infected, are required to be quarantined and to undergo similar testing and treatment until they are determined negative for the causal agent of CEM. In contrast to other infectious diseases, such as equine herpesvirus neurologic disease, equine influenza or equine viral arteritis, CEM is not spread by close physical contact or via airborne transmission, said Gluck researchers. The horses that have been confirmed carriers were moved to Kentucky from various states prior to the start of the 2008 breeding season. While located in Kentucky, there has been no history of any of these stallions having live covers. State and federal control measures have been implemented on the affected farm, and there is currently no risk of spread to other horses in Kentucky. An investigation remains ongoing, and while additional horses from the farm may test positive, there is no evidence suggesting that the organism has spread beyond the group of mares and stallions first identified as at risk of exposure. For more information contact: Robert Stout, Kentucky State Veterinarian, 502-564-3956; Mats Troedsson, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, 859-257-4757; Craig Carter, Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, 859-253-0571.

First Saddlebred Stallion Service Auctions of 2009 weather economic downturn Lexington, Kentucky - Despite a tumultuous economy, the first Stallion Service Auctions of the new year started on a high note, as American Saddlebred enthusiasts from across the country came together in Wisconsin and Kentucky in support of the breed. Leading the auctions with $273,000 was the 5th Annual All American Cup Stallion Service Auction on Saturday, January 24, at Claudia Sanders Dinner House in Shelby County, Kentucky. The auction topper, at $34,000, was Callaway's Blue Norther, setting a record for American Saddlebreds. Overall, 180 stallion owners generously donated their studs’ services to the auction. The $273,000 collected will be divided in two purses, with 50 percent offered in 2010 when the resulting foals are weanlings and the remainder as three-year-olds in 2013. Likewise, the Bluegrass Futurity Stallion Service Auction was also conducted for the industry on Sunday, January 25, in the Phoenix Room at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. The auction offered 95 stallions with 54 selling for a total of $78,350. The sale topper at this year’s auction was Undulata’s Nutcracker selling to Margo Baird of MBA Equestrian for $8,500. In addition, John & Tammie Conaster purchased the breeding to Callaway’s Cranston for $1,900 with all proceeds of this stud fee going to Saddlebred Rescue. The unsold stud fees will be available for purchase through March 1, 2009, and can be viewed by clicking here.

Also among the well-attended Saddlebred auctions of the new year was the 24th Annual Wisconsin Futurity American Saddlebred Limited Breeder’s Stallion Service Auction, which took place on Saturday, January 17, 2009. Of the 94 stallions, Sir William Robert came out on top with a bid of $5,400. Excellent stallions are still available for purchase. If interested contact Paulette Healey at 262-242-2559. Moving forward, the Carolina’s Futurity Stallion Auction is scheduled for this weekend, January 30-31, at the Embassy Suites in Concord, North Carolina, during the American Saddlebred Association of the Carolinas (ASAC) Convention, January 30 through February 1, 2009. For the full list of stallions, click here. For additional information and questions please contact Sheila Wingler (336-469-5415). Additional upcoming Stallion Service Auctions include the American Saddle Horse Breeders Futurity of West Virginia Annual Stallion Service Auction on Saturday, February 7, 2009, at the Mountaineer Conference Center in Beckley, West Virginia; and, the Ohio Limited Breeders’ Stake Stallion Service Auction on Saturday, February 28, 2009, at the Clark County Fairgrounds’ Champions Center in Springfield, Ohio.

American Saddlebred Museum to host “Friday Night At The Movies II” during ASHA Convention Lexington, Kentucky - On Friday evening February 13, 2009, starting at 5:45 PM, during the American Saddlebred Horse Association Annual Convention, the American Saddlebred Museum will host the second edition of Friday Night at the Movies. Don’t miss the chance to view Saddlebred greats such as WGC Noble Kalarama and Jack Thompson, H. C. Barham on Man Of Destiny, Walter Murphy on Marie Bosace BHF, Art Simmons on WC Our Anne Marie (4-year-old), Dick Boettcher on WC Our Anne Marie (2-year-old), CH Stonewall’s Crescendo, Stonewall’s Beau Peavine, Leatherwood King, Captain Courageous, Special Assignment, WGC CH Wing Commander and Earl Teater, Marty Mueller on CH Red Cedar, Charlie Houston on WC CH Beau Gypsy, Wilbur Woodson on RWC My Golden Highland, and many more. Part of the evening’s highlights will include a live auction featuring six fantastic and unique items. For the full list of auction items, click here. In addition, Woodford Reserve will present a complimentary bourbon tasting, while providing an opportunity to view the Museum’s 2009 exhibit Moments of Merit: Select Pieces of Saddlebred History.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The event is sponsored in part by the Museum Board of Trustees. Roundtrip shuttle service will be provided from the Marriott Griffin Gate, location of the 2009 Annual ASHA Convention, to the Museum. Call for reservations by February 9 at 859-259-2746, or register on the ASHA Annual Meeting form by clicking here.

Submit Saddlebred Record (CH) applications before February 1, 2009, fee adjustment Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Registry has announced a change in the fee required for submitting Saddlebred Record applications. The current application fee of $50, which has remained without increase for well over ten years, will be adjusted to $75, effective February 1, 2009. Saddlebred Record is designed to provide a source of current and accurate information concerning the breeding records of Saddlebred stallions and mares, to identify successful breeding combinations, to honor the outstanding performers of the show ring, and to maintain the history of the breed. For a Saddlebred Record application and rules, click here. To view current CH Status and Rankings, click here. Applications will be accepted with the current fee of $50, if received before February 1, 2009.

American Saddlebred, Harry Callahan, finishes in the top half at Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge I Lexington, Kentucky - 11-year-old American Saddlebred Harry Callahan (Harry), owned by Linda Cawthon of Louisville, Kentucky, started the New Year off right after he and rider Chrissa Hoffmann placed 6th in their division at the Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge I on Saturday, January 10, 2009. The competition was held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Harry’s score of 62.128 percent and Chrissa’s score of .178, in a field of 14 competitors, several of which were former Olympic riders, impressed the crowd with an almost flawless Grand Prix test. In addition to placing in the top half, Harry is also the only Saddlebred to ever come to the dressage capital of the world, where the best in dressage come to compete for four months.

Mighty Mallard Mustangs raised $1,500 selling Saddlebred Salsa Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association Youth Club the Mighty Mallard Mustangs of Georgetown, Kentucky, raised $1,500 in 2008, selling their highly coveted Saddlebred Salsa, of which they graciously donated $500 for ASHA Youth scholarships. Motivated by a sense of philanthropic duty and love of the breed the 15 active members of the Mighty Mallard Mustangs have been mighty busy with their salsa venture, setting up booths at horse shows and sales, selling to other clubs at the wholesale price, and even going door-to-door. Saddlebred Salsa is a Kentucky Proud product, meaning all ingredients in the salsa are locally grown and locally produced, ensuring the freshest of quality, while supporting the local economy. Saddlebred Salsa can be purchased at the American Saddlebred Museum Web site by clicking here.

Mid-America Horse Show celebrates 70 years Lexington, Kentucky - The Mid-America Horse Show Association is celebrating "70 Years of Horse Showing" during their Annual Awards Banquet at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, in Villa Park, Illinois, on Saturday, February 7, 2009. The evening begins with cocktails at 6 PM (CST), with dinner following at 7 PM (CST). Rooms are being held for banquet attendees at the adjoining Oakbrook Terrace Hilton Suites and reservations can be made by clicking here. For more information contact Kristen Pettry (815-347-4395). The Mid-America Horse Show Association hosts three shows annually: Mid-America Spring Horse Show in Roscoe, Illinois; Mid-America Signature Horse Show also in Roscoe, Illinois; and, the Mid-America Mane Event Show in Springfield, Ohio. For more information visit the Mid-America Horse Show Web site by clicking here.

Silent Auction to benefit ASHA Youth Programs and Scholarships Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) will be hosting a Silent Auction to benefit ASHA Youth Programs and Scholarships, February 13-14, 2009, at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa in Lexington, Kentucky. The Silent Auction will be held in conjunction with ASHA’s Annual Convention and will kick-off Friday morning at 8 AM, concluding on Saturday evening at 7:30 PM, during the Saddlebred cocktail reception. To make a donation for ASHA’s Silent Auction or to learn more about supporting ASHA Youth Programs, please contact Brenda Newell (859.259.2742 x 343).

Charter Club of the Year Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) is pleased to announce that the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Virginia (ASHAV) and the American Saddlebred Association of Maine (ASAM) have been selected as ASHA’s Charter Clubs of the Year. The two clubs’ dedication, and commitment to the promotion of the breed, will be honored during the Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, February 13, 2009, from 11:30 AM – 1 PM. The luncheon will be held in conjunction with ASHA’s Annual Convention, February 12-14, at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa in Lexington, Kentucky. ASHA salutes these two clubs for their philanthropic charge and service to the breed. Their grass-roots effort is admirable and serves as a blueprint for perpetuating the growth and heightening the interest in the American Saddlebred.

Several Stallion Service Auctions Upcoming Lexington, Kentucky - Several stallion service auctions will be held in January and February. Listed by date of auction, they include the All American Cup Stallion Service Auction on Saturday, January 24; the Bluegrass Futurity Limited Breeders’ Stake Stallion Service Auction on Sunday, January 25; American Saddle Horse Breeders Futurity of West Virginia Stallion Service Auction on Saturday, February 7; and the Ohio Limited Breeders’ Stake Stallion Service Auction on Saturday, February 28. All American Cup – The All American Classic will host a one-day Stallion Review Extravaganza on Saturday, January 24, 2009. The luxury coach bus tour will include a host of well-known and recognized stallions presented at Sunrise Stables, Alliance Stud, Willowbank, and Copper Coin Farm. For the bus tour and dinner form, click here. For more information regarding reservations contact Jim Aikman (317) 862-4341. The All American Cup Stallion Service Auction, held at Claudia Sanders Restaurant in Shelbyville, Kentucky, will immediately follow the Farm/Stallion Tour. Doors to Claudia Sanders Restaurant open at 4:30 PM (EST), and tickets can be purchased at the door for entrance to the Auction Dinner and Raffle. A record 182 American Saddlebred Stallion Services are being offered. For the full list, click here. P> The drawing for two $2,500 Youth Scholarships and a custom painting by Andy Johns, valued at $5,000, will be held at 6 PM (EST). Bluegrass Futurity - The Bluegrass Futurity Limited Breeders' Stake Stallion Service Auction will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2009, in the Phoenix Room at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. The auction will commence at 12:30 PM (EST), and is $40 per person. Since the inception of the Bluegrass Futurity they have awarded over $700,000 to weanling, yearling, two-year-old, and stallion owners. For more information visit, www.bluegrassfuturity.com or contact Melissa Moore (859-533-6225). ASHBF of West Virginia – The American Saddle Horse Breeders Futurity of West Virginia will hold its Annual Stallion Service Auction on Saturday, February 7, 2009, at the Mountaineer Conference Center in Beckley, West Virginia.

The day will start off with the High Point Awards and Semi-Annual Meeting at 11 AM (EST), followed by a forum at noon on “Marketing and Promoting Young Horses.” An Italian style buffet will be offered at 1:30 PM (EST) and the Stallion Service Auction will take center stage at 2:30 PM (EST). For the complete list of stallions and more information, click here or contact Steffanie Simpson (304-728-1114). Ohio Limited Breeders' Stake - The Ohio Limited Breeders’ Stake Stallion Service Auction is set for Saturday, February 28, 2009, at the Clark County Fairgrounds’ Champions Center in Springfield, Ohio. The day begins with a clothing/tack swap from 11 AM – 1 PM (EST), hosted by ASHA of Ohio, followed by the Bret & Susi Day Training Clinic from 1 PM – 4 PM (EST), sponsored by the Penn-Ohio Futurity. For more information about the Clinic, contact Marcia Belcher (330-625-1009). The evening will start with a social hour from 4 – 5 PM (EST), followed by dinner at 5 PM (EST), with the live Stallion Service Auction slated for 6:15 PM (EST). For the complete list of stallions and more information regarding the Ohio Limited Breeders’ Stake Stallion Service Auction, contact Don Jolliff (740-881-5582).

Saddlebred Breeder, Glyndle Tabor, mourned Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association’s 2002 Breeders Hall of Fame Inductee, Glyndle Tabor of Scottsville, Kentucky, passed away yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, January 14, 2009. Tabor owned and operated 3-T Farm in Scottsville, Kentucky, one of the better known American Saddlebred breeding operations of the 20th and 21st centuries. He raised his own family in the house he was born and raised in, and was the first of his family to venture into the Saddlebred world. He broke his first pony when he was 14 and by the time he was 20, Glyndle had a barn full of training and trading horses. The farm, 3-T Farm, was named for three Tabors: Glyndle and his two sons Danny and Randy. In 2006, Randy died in an explosion, while working on an oil tank on the 3-T Farm. Tabor is well known for the great stallion Worthy Son (Supreme Sultan x Jasper Lou [BHF]). Worthy Son, who passed away in 2000, has 534 registered get and was the catalyst that put 3-T Farm on the map as a breeding farm.

It is hard to state the impact Worthy Son and the Tabors have had on the Saddlebred Industry, as their contributions are too large to measure. Other horses the Tabors are known for include CH Trust Worthy, Roseridge Heir, Worthy’s Prodigy, For what It’s Worth, Worthstyle, Worthy’s Sonshine, Worthy’s Temptress, Reggie’s American Legend, Amazon Princess, CH Worthy Winner, CH Creditworthy, CH Peppermint Sonburst, Summer In Smoke, Worthy’s Top Gun, CH Sharp Tack, CH Have You Ever, CH Peruvian Princess, CH Sultans Hawk, CH Worthy Memories, Aisling’s Treasure, James Lewis, The Rose Lady, Himalaya, Worth The Trip, CH Net Worth, and many more too numerous to list. Visitation was from 12:00 to 9:00 PM, Friday, January 16, at T. W. Crow and Son Funeral Home, 201 North Court Street, Scottsville, Kentucky. Funeral services were at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 17, at the Funeral Home.

American Saddlebred 2009 Reference Directory Published; Also Available Online Lexington, Kentucky - The 2009 American Saddlebred Reference Directory, the breed’s most comprehensive publication each year , goes into the mail this week and is now also available electronically on the Association’s website to all active ASHA members. Visit www.saddlebred.com /members/reference.php and login. Once a member has logged in, instructions are provided. The Reference Directory physical copy has been mailed to all active ASHA members by USPS book rate mail. In the meantime, the Association is providing its on-line service as a convenience to its members. New this year for the first time, Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show Dams (both mares under 40 as well as older, historic mares) are presented on-line in new, web-accessible databases that are sortable and searchable. In addition, high-quality PDF-format sections are searchable with methods which may vary according to each user’s computer program. ASHA offers two options for viewing the Reference Directory online. Members may choose to view and/or print the Directory by sections or download the entire Directory to one’s computer. Members should keep in mind that a dial-up Internet connection will slow the process of downloading the entire Directory. Due to the size of the Reference Directory file, expect to wait a few minutes when downloading the entire Directory, even with a high-speed Internet connection.

However, accessing the Directory by individual sections should take little time regardless of Internet connection. Viewing by section provides members the freedom of clicking on an item from the Reference Directory’s Table of Contents and accessing only that specific portion of the Directory. Only active ASHA members can view the Reference Directory online. In addition, Adobe Acrobat Reader must be installed. To obtain a free download of Adobe Acrobat Reader, click here. An electronic version as well as a hard copy of the Reference Directory will soon be available for purchase by non-members at the Saddlebred Store. Non-members who join ASHA now will receive a free copy of the Reference Directory as a benefit of membership. Click here to become a member today. If you experience difficulty in accessing the Reference Directory online, contact ASHA Technology Manager Will Wood at w.wood@asha.net.

Stellar Saddlebred Award Winners Announced; led by Harris, Galbreath, McClean, Spencer, Miller Lexington, Kentucky - Following voting by its directors (on nominations made by the membership), the American Saddlebred Horse Association’s (ASHA) annual award winners have been announced for the 2008 year. All award winners are saluted at the Saddlebred Ball, a sold-out festive gathering to be held this year at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort in Lexington, Kentucky, on Saturday evening, February 14. Winner of ASHA’s most coveted honor, for Lifetime Achievement, is professional horseman Don Harris of Don Harris Stables, Cox’s Creek, Kentucky. Among the most successful trainers in the history of the breed, Harris is perhaps best known for his achievements with World’s Grand Champion Five-Gaited Saddlebred CH Imperator, but he also won the “Big Stake” at the World’s Championship Horse Show on CH Protégé, won the World’s Champion Five-Gaited Gelding title and many championships with the wildly popular CH Giddy-Up-Go, the Three-Gaited World’s Grand Championship on multiple occasions with CH Sultan’s Starina and CH Finisterre’s Gift Of Love, and many other titles there and elsewhere with champions too numerous to list. To be inducted into the Breeders’ Hall of Fame this year is C. Thomas Galbreath of Castle Hills Farm, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Among the great stallions he has owned and stood is Sultan’s Santana, among the most prolific and successful of American Saddlebred studs. He bred Santana’s Charm, a successful performer in his own right, as well as an outstanding sire, and among his get is Sir William Robert, undefeated in Fine Harness and now among the leading American Saddlebred sires. The Breeder of the Year Award was begun for the 2006 year, and has been awarded twice since then to Callaway Hills Stable. This year, for the first time, a “small” breeder receives the award, based on a statistical analysis of breeding success during the 2008 calendar year: Mary Gaylord McClean’s Golden Creek Farms, Inc. is the winner (Simpsonville, Kentucky). Just at the Kentucky State Fair alone, she bred four starters, all of which placed first or second, with three wins! Her outstanding home-breds include the Reserve World’s Grand Champion Five-Gaited Saddlebred According to Lynn, as well as the Fine Harness Amateur World’s Champion of Champions CH Nurse Goodbody (for Stonecroft Farm, owner).

Winners of the C. J. “June” Cronan and Mrs. William P. “Lurline” Roth Sportsmanship Awards are, respectively, professional horseman Mike Spencer (Simpsonville, Kentucky) and Misdee Wrigley Miller, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Both Spencer and Miller are among the greatest sportspeople in history, whose innumerable contributions to the breed befit the namesakes of these awards as few others could. Other awards and winners include: for the Gordon Jenkins International Award, Brent Jacobs (Georgetown, Kentucky); Meritorious Service Award, Michele Macfarlane (San Diego, California); Gillenwater Family Award, both the Dix Family (Al, Edna, and Amy Dix Rock) and the extended, multi-generational Lynn Harvey McNamara Family; Frank Ogletree Youth Award, Ivy Johnson (Lexington, Kentucky). Wing Commander Medals are honors received by those who demonstrate outstanding service to ASHA and the breed, and through that dedication, have attracted interest in the highest quality show horses of the breed, thereby contributing to advancing the Saddlebred’s popularity with the public. For 2008, these Medals are to be presented to Minna Hankin Mintz (Horsham, Pennsylvania), Bill Wise (Valhalla Farm, Danville, Kentucky), and Earl Teater and Sons (to be represented by Earl Teater, Jr., Ed Teater, and their families).

ASHA Convention, Youth Conference, Saddlebred Ball set for February 12-14 Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association's Annual Convention and Youth Conference will be held Thursday, February 12, through Saturday, February 14, at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa in Lexington, Kentucky. With registration set to begin on Thursday morning, the convention will consist of open meetings, forums, youth events, and multiple vendor exhibits, culminating in Saturday night’s Saddlebred Ball, also set to be held onsite at the Griffin Gate Marriott. Thursday afternoon the Charter Club Council will conduct a workshop, followed later that evening by a Welcome Reception, sponsored in part by the FEI Disciplines Committee. The Silent Auction to benefit ASHA Youth will kick-off Friday morning at 8 AM and will conclude Saturday evening at 7:30 PM, during the Saddlebred cocktail reception. If interested in making a donation for the silent auction, please contact Brenda Newell (859.259.2742 x 343). On Friday night, the youth will have a pizza party, along with a dance exhibition featuring Ballroom and Latin dancing, including a group lesson with Maryta Montgomery of Kentucky Dance Sport. Saturday morning begins with the Youth Academy Awards breakfast, followed by a field trip to Saddlebred Farms across the Bluegrass Region. The field trip will end with the Youth Awards Luncheon, held this year at Sunrise Stables in Versailles, Kentucky. The convention’s grand finale, the Saddlebred Ball, will take place Saturday evening, preceded by a Saddlebred Cocktail Reception. The Saddlebred Ball is a remarkable production, consisting of fine dining, award presentations, an 18-piece band providing the music, and multiple large screens so the action will not be missed by any in attendance. Official meeting materials are now in the mail, and will include youth and adult member registration forms. Hotel reservations can be made by calling (859) 231-5100, and asking for reservation specialist Marian Spencer, or by calling 1-888-236-2427. Reservations may also be made online, by following the instructions shown here. Convention attendees will have the opportunity to reserve rooms at a discounted rate of $99/night. When making reservations by phone, be sure to identify that you are part of the ASHA Annual Convention and Youth Conference. If making reservations online, be sure to use the group code “amd.” The discounted rate will be available until Thursday, January 29, 2009.

Celebrity/Horseman, Carson Kressley, featured on HorseGirl TV Lexington, Kentucky - Fashion guru and accomplished equestrian, Carson Kressley, headlined an exhibition of elegant and high-stepping American Saddlebreds during the Washington International Horse Show. He presented the colors aboard CH A Magic Surprise, proudly owned by Pat Johnson and trained by North Wind Stables. On-hand to greet the celebrity and horseman was HorseGirl TV, a semi-monthly vidcast hosted by Angelea Kelly Walkup. The show takes the classic world of horses and plugs it into the wired generation. During the charming interview with Carson Kressley, adjectives such as infamous, magnanimous, salacious and any of the other "us-es" one can think of were used to describe him. For the complete interview, “tune in and tack up” at http://www.horsegirltv.com. The full video of Carson’s interview can also be viewed on ASHA’s newly created Facebook Page. In the short period since its inception, only days ago, ASHA’s Facebook presence has already attracted well over 400 “fans,” or Facebook users who have added the Page to their profiles. The Page includes media such as photos and videos, and ASHA plans to keep the Page updated regularly, with any new available media, such as this interview with Carson Kressley.

Submit Saddlebred Record (CH) applications before February 2009 fee adjustment Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Registry has announced a change in the fee required for submitting Saddlebred Record applications. The current application fee of $50.00, which has remained without increase for well over ten years, will be adjusted to $75.00, effective February 1, 2009. Saddlebred Record is designed to provide a source of current and accurate information concerning the breeding records of Saddlebred stallions and mares, to identify successful breeding combinations, to honor the outstanding performers of the show ring, and to maintain the history of the breed. For a Saddlebred Record application and rules, click here. To view current CH Status and Rankings, click here. Applications will be accepted with the current fee of $50.00, if received before February 1, 2009. For assistance or more information, contact Patricia Edwards, (859.259.2742 x320).	Grace period extended for Saddlebred Grand National Stallion Nominations and Foal Recordings Lexington, Kentucky - The original 10-day grace period to submit 2008 Stallion Nominations and Foal Recordings has been extended, from the original deadline of Thursday, December 11, 2008, to Tuesday, December 30, 2008. Since its inception in 1984, Grand National has awarded over $2.6 million in prize money. In 2008 alone, Grand National offered $147,000 in prize money, to Grand National eligible horses showing at 30 different competitions, spanning 57 various classes. All owners, original recorders, and sire nominators must be active members of ASHA at the time of the competition to receive prize money. Likewise, all owners, original recorders and sire nominators receive equal shares of purses, resulting in significant increases in prizes awarded to the original recorder and sire nominator.	For the second year Grand National will be offering an additional $40,000 in the Special Stakes Championships, which is over and above the prize money in designated classes for 2009. For consideration, all 2008 Stallion Nominations and Foal Recordings must be received by the adjusted grace period deadline of Tuesday, December 30, 2008. To download forms and to view the list of nominated stallions, click here. For assistance or more information, contact Patricia Edwards, (859.259.2742 x320)	World’s Champion American Saddlebred CH Caramac, 1978-2008 Lexington, Kentucky - The world’s champion performer and champion- producing American Saddlebred CH Caramac was euthanized on Tuesday, December 9, 2008, due to complications from kidney failure. CH Caramac (CH Will Shriver X Stonehedge Vanity) was foaled in 1978 and was one of the great sons of the 1976 Five-Gaited World’s Grand Champion CH Will Shriver. In his own right, CH Caramac was the 1982 Junior-Five Gaited World’s Champion, and similar to CH Will Shriver, proved to be an even better sire. He was Saddle Horse’s Report’s Number One Sire of World’s Champions in 1999. Among some of his exceptional offspring, a list that exceeds 400, are Callaway’s Home For The Holidays, CH Callaway’s Arbitrator, CH Unforgiven, Callaway’s The Gipper, CH Callaway’s A Dream Come True, Callaway’s Where There’s A Will, and First Chapter. Two of his daughters, Callaway’s Carousel and Callaway’s Zerelda, are in the Broodmare Hall of Fame. In addition, CH Caramac’s stallion sons such as World’s Champion Designed, Undulata’s Nutcracker, and The Mac Attack continue to carry on his highly coveted champion-getting genes.
World’s Grand Champion CH Breaking News Named American Saddlebred Horse of The Year Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) announced today that its only Triple Crown winner this year, WGC CH Breaking News, has been named Horse of the Year.	The connections of the Horse of the Year will be honored at the ASHA Annual Convention during the Saddlebred Ball, Saturday evening, February 14, 2009, at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa in Lexington, Kentucky. Rider/trainer Peter Cowart of West Wind Stables in Statesville, North Carolina, will also be awarded with the Five-Gaited World’s Grand Championship Ring. Cowart will receive his Champions Ring from last year’s World’s Grand Champion Michele Macfarlane. Previous winners of this unique award were Smith Lilly and Todd Miles.	With his win at the UPHA American Royal National Championship in Kansas City, Missouri, CH Breaking News, a 10-year-old gelding, claimed the American Saddlebred Triple Crown, sweeping the Five-Gaited Championships at Lexington Junior League, Kentucky State Fair and American Royal—the three shows which comprise the Saddlebred Triple Crown—for the first time since CH Boucheron (also a World’s Grand Champion) accomplished this feat in 2004.	WGC CH Grande Gil was the Three-Gaited Triple Crown winner in 2007. Previously named as American Saddlebred Horse of the Year have been Fine Harness Triple Crown Champion WGC CH Callaway’s Copyright, and CH Callaway’s Sugarplum. CH Breaking News (CH The Talk Of The Town X Reedann's Cascade) was bred by Dr. Alan Raun of Cumming, Iowa. Megan McClure and her grandmother Beth Arndt, of Taylorsville, North Carolina, acquired him in January 2003.
Saddlebred Futurity Application for Registration deadline is Wednesday, December 31 Lexington, Kentucky -Weanlings (2008 foals) that have been previously nominated to any of the American Saddlebred Registry Futurities – the Kentucky, Kentucky Amateur and National Three-Year-Old Futurities – must be registered or the application for registration must be received in the American Saddlebred Registry office by Wednesday, December 31, 2008. There is no grace period and applications must be received in the office on this date, not postmarked. To continue eligibility, pending applications must be completed before March 31 of the yearling year, i.e., results of blood typing or DNA testing must be received in the American Saddlebred Registry office before March 31, 2009. Download the application for registration from the ASHA Web site by clicking here.	Three Saddlebred Stallion Service Auctions will kick-off the New Year Lexington, Kentucky - The 24th annual Wisconsin Futurity American Saddlebred Limited Breeder’s Stallion Service Auction will be held Saturday, January 17, 2009, at the Marriott Milwaukee West located in Waukesha, Wisconsin. A special room rate of $89 is available at the hotel with reference to the Wisconsin Futurity. Hotel phone is 877-651-7666. The evening begins at 4:00 PM (CST). For the complete schedule of events, visit www.wisconsinsaddlebred.com. For people unable to attend, advance written bids will be accepted. All bids, however, must be accompanied by a check or credit card information. Telephone bids will not be accepted. To find out more about bidding or any additional questions contact Joe Russell at 815-341-6023. The All American Classic will host a one day Stallion Review Extravaganza on Saturday, January 24, 2009. The luxury coach bus tour will include a host of well-known and recognized stallions presented at Sunrise Stables, Alliance Stud, Willowbank, and Copper Coin Farm. The All American Cup Stallion Service Auction, held at Claudia Sanders Restaurant in Shelbyville, Kentucky, will immediately follow the Farm/Stallion Tour. Doors to Claudia Sanders Restaurant open at 4:30 PM (EST). The drawings for two $2,500 Youth Scholarships and the $5,000 Andy Johns Painting will be held at 6:00 PM (EST). For the bus tour and dinner form, click here. The Bluegrass Futurity Stallion Auction will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2009, in the Phoenix Room at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. The auction will commence at 12:30 PM (EST), and is $40 per person. For the stallion donation contract, click here. Since the inception of the Bluegrass Futurity they have awarded over $700,000 to weanling, yearling, two-year-old, and stallion owners. For more information visit, www.bluegrassfuturity.com or contact Melissa Moore (859-533-6225).	Please Help! Lexington, Kentucky - I just found out my former horse, Domani, is with broker Jody Ramey in Flemingsburg. He is in definite danger although not immediately. If you know of anyone who could save him and rehome him or make him a project horse, please have them contact me via this email address immediately. Thank you! Larke Marvin Update A Happy Ending She now has the horse with her trainer.	Enroll in the UPHA Ribbons of Service Program Lexington, Kentucky - Now, saddleseat equitation riders can ride with a new reason in mind: raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the rider’s selected charity. “It’s a shared-commitment program that encourages riders to show an American Saddlebred, Arabian (including Half-Arabian), Morgan or National Show Horse in saddleseat equitation competitions, and encourages donors to pledge funds for charity for each class in which the rider shows. The rider is not only responsible for raising the donations, but for performing community service as part of his or her own contribution to the effort,” said UPHA President Jim Taylor. This UPHA program is designed to encourage, challenge, and reward equitation riders who participate in horse show competitions in order to raise funds for a charitable organization that helps those less fortunate. Saddleseat equitation riders may enroll in the program by submitting a UPHA Ribbons Of Service Application, setting a goal, and developing a plan for raising funds for an approved charitable organization. When UPHA receives your application, you’ll be mailed an approval letter and a package of information. For more information, visit the UPHA Web site.
Saddlebred horseman, Monty Wallen, dies Lexington, Kentucky - Monty Francis Wallen, 58, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and formerly of Sioux City, Iowa, died Tuesday, November 18, 2008, in Fond du Lac, from injuries suffered in an auto accident. Monty had a wide and varied career in the horse industry, training Saddlebreds, national show horses and Morgans. He enjoyed teaching and sharing his knowledge about horses and horsemanship with people of all ages. He produced several champions, such as RWC Dancing Carousel, Orchard Heights Ramblin’ Rose, and CH Cherokee King. Monty was known for telling jokes, playing pranks and making people laugh. Monty will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels. com.	Southeastern Horse Sale December 6 Lexington, Kentucky -The Southeastern Horse Sale will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher, North Carolina, right outside Asheville, North Carolina, on Saturday, December 6, 2008. The Southeastern Horse Sale will provide a public auction of American Saddlebreds, Hackney and Harness Ponies, Morgans and Roadster Horses and Ponies. The sale features 144 entries and will be comprised of two sessions. Lot Numbers 1-83 will sell in the morning session, which is scheduled to commence at 10:00 AM. Lot Numbers 84-144 will sell during the evening session and will begin at 5:30 PM. There is a great variety of show horses, ponies, young prospects, and breeding stock. There will also be a tack sale beginning at 8:30 that same morning.	The complete sale catalog is now posted and available for download on the Web site, www.southeasternhorsesale. com The catalog entry deadline was November 1; however, if you have interest in selling at the Southeastern Horse Sale, entries are still being accepted, although they will not go into the catalog and they will sell after all catalogued entries. For more information contact sale managers Ray Cloninger (704-458-1611) or Wyatt Lilly (304-920-5716).	ASHA Members input needed in a nationwide survey on the problem of unwanted horses Lexington, Kentucky - The problem of unwanted horses is being studied through a nationwide initiative of the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) with help from equine associations, veterinarians, breeders, state and local law enforcement, horse owners, rescue/retirement facilities, and other facilities using horses. The first step is an online survey, and everyone with an interest in the welfare of horses is encouraged to respond at http://survey.ictgroup.com/ uhcsurvey/. With tens of thousands of unwanted, neglected, and abandoned horses in the United States, some say the problem is a fast-growing epidemic; however, much remains unknown and there are few documented facts. “A comprehensive view of the problem depends on representation from all corners of the horse industry,” according to Dr. Tom Lenz, chairman of the UHC. “Regardless of how horses reached this state, every owner — and the equine industry at large — has a responsibility to ensure that everything possible is done to guarantee the humane care and treatment of unwanted horses. We also need to take steps to reduce the number of unwanted horses and solve the problem.” Click here for the online survey. Answers will be confidential. Feedback is essential in finding a solution for this growing problem.
AAC STALLION REVIEW - WILL ONLY BE ONE DAY - JAN. 24TH '09 Lexington, Kentucky - Jim Aikman has provided the following information: With time so crucial today, we are going to have an AAC ONE DAY Stallion Review Extravaganza on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009. You will only have a one day lodging committment, one seat on our Luxury Coaches. The "Greatest Shon On Earth" will include the greatest of stallions being presented at Melissa Moore's SUNRISE STABLES, Dr. Scott Bennett's ALLIANCE STUD, Mike Ruwolt Family's and Joan Lurie's WILLOWBANK and Bob & Wendy Johnson's COPPER COIN FARM.	The ALL AMERICAN CUP Stallion Service Auction will immediately follow the Farm/Stallion Tour with the doors to Claudia Sanders Restaurant opeing for our guests at 4:30 PM. The drawings for two (2) $2500 Youth Scholarships and/or the $5000 Andy Johns Painting will be held at 6:00PM. Please join us ! Jim Aikman Click here to e-mail Jim.	Record Saddlebred weanlings and nominate stallions by December 1, 2008 Lexington, Kentucky - The deadline for nominating stallions to the American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) Grand National in order for all 2008 foals to be eligible for lifetime recording is Monday, December 1, 2008, with a 10-day grace period deadline of Thursday, December 11, 2008. A new lifetime Grand National stallion nomination fee schedule, based on the number of mares bred, is an inducement to recruit new stallions into the program. Stallions by a Grand National nominated sire, or (even if by a non-nominated sire) the stallion is himself already Grand National recorded, who reported breeding to 10 or fewer mares in the preceding year may now be nominated for a lifetime fee of $500. Other such breeding stallions may be nominated for $750.	For stallions having bred 11-24 mares, the fees for nomination will be $1,000 and $1,500 respectively. For stallions having bred 25 or more mares, the fees will be $2,500 and $3,000 respectively. The fee for recording a weanling is $250. All owners, original recorders, and sire nominators must be active members of ASHA at the time of the competition to receive prize money. To download forms and to view the list of nominated stallions click, here.
Trainer/owner of Blue Ridge Stables, Sug Utz, mourned Lexington, Kentucky - Wilbur "Sug" Utz, American Saddlebred trainer and owner of Blue Ridge Stables, of Raytown, Missouri, died Wednesday, November 5, 2008. He was 90 years old. Sug, son of Emil and Sudie Utz, was born and raised on a farm outside Maysville in northwest Missouri. Coming from a horse training family, Sug learned his craft at his father’s side, along with his three brothers. Two of his brothers Don and Jay, similar to Sug, went on to become world’s champion caliber Saddlebred men. They were all exciting competitors who loved competing against the other the best.	Sug started training horses at a barn in Excelsior Springs when he was 18. In 1945 he established Blue Ridge Stables in Raytown. After 70 years of showmanship and national acclaim, Sug gave his final performance in the show ring on June 28, 2003, at the Longview Charity Horse Show. Sug was an accomplished equestrian and trainer of champion American Saddlebreds. In addition to CH Mimi Genius, and The Shamrock’s Commander, he trained the famous CH The Contract’s Commander, who won the stallion stake at the American Royal five times in a row. He also judged many American Saddlebred horse shows throughout the United States.	A forty-year member of the United Professional Horsemen’s Association, Sug was named 1987 Horseman of the Year, and in 2004 Sug received the U.S. Equestrian Pegasus Medal of Honor. Sug leaves behind his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Cindy, and his two grandchildren, Clint and Hayley. A visitation and celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2008, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services will be Monday, November 10, 2008, at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Raytown, 10500 E 350 Highway, Raytown, Missouri. Interment will be at the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.	The family suggests contributions to the Longview Horse Park c/o Jess Bain, 6285 W 183 Street, Stilwell, Kansas, 66085.
Submit Stallion Service Report by Friday, October 31, to avoid penalty Lexington, Kentucky - Stallion owners who have not yet submitted a Stallion Service Report to the American Saddlebred Registry must do so by the deadline of Friday, October 31, 2008. Late fees apply to Stallion Service Reports filed after October 31. All Stallion Service Reports are due no later than October 31 each year. Penalties for late filing increase according to when the report is filed. The penalty is $25 for filing up to ten days late, $50 for 11-20 days late, $75 for 21-30 days late, $200 for 31-60 days late, and $300 for 61 days or more late. No exceptions can be made to these penalties. Once filed, a Stallion Service Report can be amended without further penalty. Questions about Stallion Service Reports and/or Registry fees should be directed to Petra Green, Sr. Registry Supervisor, at p.green@asha.net.	Live Video of TSE/Tattersalls Offered On Saddlebred.com Lexington, Kentucky – The TSE/Tattersalls Fall Sale will be broadcast over the Internet Thursday, October 30, through Saturday, November 1, on the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Web site, www.saddlebred.com. As it has done in the past, ASHA will once again provide a live, streaming video feed of each day of the sale in its entirety. The Webcast will allow viewers to see the sale of each horse as it is presented and hear the auctioneer’s call, as well as see the hip number and bids. The 2008 TSE/Tattersalls Fall Sale Catalog is available to download at www.tsetattersalls.com.	Subscription purchases for viewing the Webcast will be available on the ASHA homepage, www.saddlebred.com, by Friday afternoon, October 24. Each day’s sale is scheduled to commence at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Lots 1-173 will sell Thursday, October 30; lots 174-344 will sell Friday, October 31; and, lots 345-511 will sell Saturday, November 1. Fees to view the Webcast are $15 per day per computer, meaning the license to view the Webcast is exclusive to each computer on which it is purchased. ASHA members receive a 20 percent discount for daily purchase, making the member price $12 per day per computer. In addition, three-day package purchasing is available at a discount: for non-members, the three-day package is $38, and for ASHA members, the three-day package is $30. Payment is accepted online using a credit or debit card.	Viewers’ Internet connection should be broadband, DSL or cable modem for optimum quality (dial-up Internet connection is not sufficient). To purchase a subscription, follow the simple steps on the ASHA homepage. A link is provided to a “Help” page to assist subscribers in viewing the Webcast. Revenues received from subscribers go to offset the technical and production costs of the Webcast. Any surplus is applied to the promotional efforts of ASHA.
Water towers to depict American Saddlebreds Lexington, Kentucky - Two water towers in Shelby County will soon showcase its biggest tourist attraction — American Saddlebreds, as reported by Nathan L. McBroom in the Shelbyville (Kentucky) Sentinel-News. The Shelbyville Water and Sewer Commission voted Monday night, September 15, 2008, to allow the Shelbyville Horse Show to paint Saddlebred murals on the water towers in downtown Shelbyville and at Weissinger Hills golf course.	The Horse Show will paint the murals on the towers at its expense. The Sentinel-News also noted that Tom Doyle, the manager of the commission, said the agreement benefits the commission and the community: Taxpayers don't have to pay to have the towers repainted, and more people will be made aware of the prominence of the Saddlebred industry as they pass by the towers. Though already approved, the agreement out of courtesy was announced to Shelby County Fiscal Court on Tuesday,	September 16, and will be announced to Shelbyville City Council on Thursday night, September 18. The tower that currently reads "Shelbyville - Weissinger Hills" will be replaced by pictures of riders competing on Saddlebreds. Work will begin immediately on that tower, with completion this fall, and the downtown tower, which is currently a shade of aqua, will be painted next year. Shelbyville resident and owner of Undulata Farm, Edward R. "Hoppy" Bennett, said the towers exemplify his life's two	passions: Saddlebred horses and Shelby County. He said he wants the murals to carry a sense of pride deep into the heart of the community. "It's for the entire community," he said. "I want it to be something everyone can be proud of."
Webcast still available for the All American Horse Classic Lexington, Kentucky - The All American Horse Classic in Indianapolis, Indiana, kicked-off opening night on Tuesday evening, August 2, with a back-to-back win for Max Ciampoli in the All American Horse Weanling Cup. Ciampoli led The Cat Walk to victory in 2007, and trumped last year’s success, as he garnered a first and second place finish in 2008. The Phantom Force (The Phantom Man X Celine Dion), the BIG winner, owned by Paul and Rebecca Dieckmann, proved to the crowd he was in fact the "man." Coming in second was The Blue Martini (Deep Blue X Tipitina), owned by Johannes and Sharon Evans.	The American Saddlebred Horse Association’s live video streaming Internet Web cast of all the All American Horse Classic will continue through the close of the show, Saturday evening, September 6, and is still available. Sign-ups are now underway at www.saddlebred.com. Any pay-per-day-per-computer revenue above expenses goes toward Saddlebred promotion and investments in new technology and enhancements to the Association’s Web site, www.saddlebred.com.	Live Saddlebred Video Web Cast of All American Classic Lexington, Kentucky – Sign-ups are now underway at www.saddlebred.com for the American Saddlebred Horse Association’s live video streaming Internet Web cast of the All American Horse Classic from Indianapolis, Indiana, which had its first performance Tuesday evening, September 2. Opening Night featured the rich All American Weanling Cup, and opening ceremonies were at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. During the performance on Wednesday, September 3, beginning at 10 a.m., competition includes eliminations for perhaps the richest purse in American Saddlebred history, the All American Three-Year-Old Cup, with the Championship Finals set for the final class Friday evening, September 5.	The lucrative American Saddlebred Registry Sweepstakes events begin Thursday evening, September 4, for Two-Year-Olds in Fine Harness, Park Pleasure, Five-Gaited, and Three-Gaited. The Four-Year-Old Sweepstakes in the same sections is slated for Friday evening, September 5, and for Three-Year-Olds on Saturday evening, September 6. Pricing and sign-up information appears on the home page of www.saddlebred.com. Any pay-per-day-per-computer revenue above expenses goes toward Saddlebred promotion and investments in new technology and enhancements to the Association’s Web site, www.saddlebred.com. For a complete prize list, click here.

Additional Live Saddlebred Video Webcast Announced from Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has announced plans to add live streaming video of the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival to its schedule. The event will take place Wednesday, September 17, through Sunday, September 21, 2008, at the Alliant Energy Center, in Madison, Wisconsin. Subscription purchases for viewing the Webcast will be available on the ASHA homepage, www.saddlebred.com. Fees to view the Webcast are $15 per day, per computer, meaning the license to view the Webcast is exclusive to each computer on which it is purchased. ASHA members receive a 20% discount for daily purchase, making the member price $12 per day per computer. In addition, a full show, five-day package purchase is available at the discounted rate of $68, or $54 for ASHA members: this discount will be applied when all days are selected at the payment screen. Payment is accepted on-line using a credit or debit card. Sign-ups for the Webcast will be available on the days leading up to the event. The competition at the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival is designated as a Regional Championship, which will include, among other events, ASHA National Pleasure Equitation Championship, and UPHA “Pink Ribbon” Class - Five-Gaited Ladies Championship, to promote the riding of show horses to help find a cure for breast cancer.	According to Technology Manager, Will Wood, Jr., “In recent months, ASHA has provided an unprecedented and increasingly high volume of Internet coverage for Saddlebred events, in the form of our Webcasts.” In addition to the aforementioned events, Wood said that in July of this year, ASHA provided Webcasts for the Junior League Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky, and has already begun planning to provide similar coverage for events later this year. The Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival has been added to a list of events already slated by ASHA for Internet coverage, including the All American Horse Classic, which is to be held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Tuesday, September 2, through Saturday, September 6, 2008. For the All American Horse Classic Webcast, all aforementioned subscription cost and payment method details apply. For technical questions regarding the Webcasts, please contact Will Wood, Jr. at w.wood@asha.net.	View CH status listings on the American Saddlebred Horse Association’s Web site Louisville, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has added a new CH status listings program to www.saddlebred.com. Members and non-members can now check the Champion (CH) status of any particular horse. The new CH program monitors which horses are currently eligible for CH status and which horses are close to becoming eligible. For the Saddlebred Record Champion rules and to download the CH application click www.asha.net/breed/ chstatus.php.	Southeastern Horse Sale December 6 Louisville, Kentucky - The Southeastern Horse Sale will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher, North Carolina, right outside Asheville, North Carolina, on December 6, 2008. The Southeastern Horse Sale will provide a public auction of American Saddlebreds, Hackney and Harness Ponies, Morgans and Roadster Horses and Ponies. The Southeastern Horse Sale fills a need in the Southeast for a new venue to buy and sell Saddlebreds. Now buyers and sellers don't have to travel all the way to Kentucky to transact their business. There is an experienced staff committed to getting sellers the best price for their consignments at a cost much lower than comparable auctions in surrounding states. Buyers will also be provided with a world class facility, which simulates a show ring environment, so that they can better judge the horse before them. Southeastern Horse Sale, LLC is a partnership between Ray Cloninger and Wyatt Lilly. Ray Cloninger's name is synonymous with the Saddlebred industry in the Southeast, as he has managed almost all the major shows in the region at one time or another. His experience in the horse industry spans four decades and he is excited about this new opportunity. Wyatt Lilly has been in the horse industry since the 1980s, first as a trainer, and currently as a horse show announcer at several of the larger shows in the region. You can reach Ray Cloninger at 704-458-1611 or Wyatt Lilly at 304-920-5716. Advertising opportunities in the sale catalog are available.
I'm In Heaven, Nutorious Score Futurity Wins; McCleans Victorious Opening Night at World's Championship Louisville, Kentucky - With over a quarter-million dollars in total prize money on the line in the American Saddlebred Registry futurities offered at the Kentucky State Fair this year, the World's Championship Horse Show began with its traditional Sunday night opener, the Weanling section of the Kentucky Futurity. In what proved to be an omen for a spectacular evening for the prolific, high profile sire Undulata's Nutcracker, owned by Schones & Jampsa, LLC, the lovely weanling colt I'm In Heaven won the first rich blue offered this year, handled by Joan Lurie and Darrell Case. This was a familiar scene for these connections, since his dam, Heavenly Thunder, was twice World's Champion in 2007, in the Three-Gaited section! I'm In Heaven is owned by his breeders, McGlothlin Heir Svc and Willowbank. Just five classes later, the Yearling section of the Kentucky Futurity was called onto the green shavings in Freedom Hall, and once again Joan Lurie and Darrell Case emerged with the top prize. The black gelding Nutorious, for owners Peggy and Phil Alderman of Vermont, was bred by Hallston Manor and GKW, Inc. (of Supreme Heir fame), and notched yet another win for his sire Undulata's Nutcracker. His dam is Heir Spray, by Supreme Heir. The remainder of the program was highlighted by Kentucky County Fair Championships across numerous performance sections. With back to back wins in the Fine Harness (Cherished King) and Harness Pony (Mastercraft's Promoter LF) championships, Mary and Jeff McClean, respectively, starred for Golden Creek Farm. Climaxing the evening was the Kentucky County Fair Championship for Five-Gaited Saddlebreds. Emerging victorious with a popular win, unanimous on the judges' cards, was Thunderstorm Warning. Owned by Martha Pope, and bred by Steven Spady, D.O., the blue ribbon gelding was ridden & trained by Tammy Devore.	Friday Night Exhibitors Gala at Kentucky State Fair to Honor Blackberry Delight; Music, Live Auction Highlighted Louisville, Kentucky - At the Kentucky State Fair’s World’s Championship Horse Show, on Friday evening, August 22, CH Blackberry Delight will formally retire from competition, an honor reserved for only the most special American Saddlebreds. And is he special! From the year he was foaled, 1993, he’s been a winner and champion in hand, under saddle, and in harness. He owns 17 World’s Championship titles in 7 different competition sections, having amassed an astounding 134 Saddlebred Record points from 107 wins in 123 career classes. Following the show that evening, his owners Shannon Sewell and Rachel Machamer, and the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA), invite all his friends and all exhibitors to attend a gala event in his honor, as their guests, “Friday Night for Blackberry Delight.” This spectacular exhibitor party will be held in the popular new Saddlebred Café, located in the North Wing on the Kentucky State Fairgrounds, adjacent to Freedom Hall. A feast of delicious food and beverages, highlighted by several “Blackberry Delights,” as well as musical entertainment by the Chad Graham Band featuring Chad Graham and Gabe Deknatel, will greet partygoers. A cash bar will be available as well. In addition, a new live auction of select offerings will top off the evening, to benefit the ASHA Youth, Scholarship, and Saddlebred promotional and educational programs. Included in the auction will be Kentucky Derby (2009) and Breeders Cup (2008) packages, an Alexa King bronze (Alexa having just been commissioned for the life-sized Barbaro memorial at Churchill Downs), along with one week at the sold out Mercer Springs Farm Adult Amateur/Owner/Trainer Camp in 2009, a week in a 400-year-old French Village House, an extended weekend on Park Avenue in New York City, a stay at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, and a set of Fine Harness from Walsh, along with several other excellent offerings. According to Alan F. Balch, ASHA executive secretary, “this is going to be a really fun new event, and so convenient for everyone since it’s right at Freedom Hall. It’s been a long, long time since the old days of big exhibitor parties at the World’s Championship Horse Show, and we have a feeling we’re going to start a fabulous new tradition this year, thanks to all the connections of Blackberry Delight and the assistance of the Kentucky State Fair. Shannon Sewell, Rachel Machamer, Lynda Freseth, and the Fair, are pulling out all the stops for the entire evening, including for his retirement ceremony in the ring earlier in the evening. We couldn’t be happier than to be honoring this exceptional Saddlebred.”	Star of this Year’s Show? The New North Wing! Louisville, Kentucky - The most noticeable standout at the 2008 World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS) may not be a horse at all. By week’s end, the most talked about newcomer at this year’s show might just be the new North Wing of the Louisville Fair & Exposition Center. According to Alan F. Balch, Executive Secretary of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, and former president of the national equestrian federation of the United States, "I've been fortunate to see equestrian facilities all over the world throughout the last 40 years or so from a professional standpoint, at just about every level of competition including the Olympic Games. The amenities that have been added to these show grounds with the addition of stabling, schooling, commercial, and restaurant areas in the new North Wing -- all adjacent to an arena like Freedom Hall -- would be the envy of any equestrian competition anywhere. For the Commonwealth of Kentucky to make this investment in support of the horse sports is a supreme tribute to the importance of Kentucky's signature industry." The East Wing, originally constructed in 1956, was cleared out to make room for construction of the new and notably enhanced North Wing. From start to finish, the project took 18 months to complete, beginning with the removal of the original East Wing in March of 2006, and concluding with the North Wing’s completion and opening in October of 2007. According to Kentucky State Fair President Harold Workman, the project came at a cost of $55 million, and if the multitude of positive feedback is any indication, this was money well spent. Although the North Wing was built on the site of its predecessor and has virtually the same square footage, this is just about where the similarities end. The original East Wing required the support of 96 columns to support the structure, and utilities were accessible only through the ceiling. The superior structure standing in its place today is supported using only six columns, offers floor access to all available utilities, and boasts a 27-foot high ceiling with state of the art lighting. In addition to the North Wing is the North Lobby, which consists of 35,000 additional square feet, bringing the entire North Wing’s total square footage to more than 250,000. All told, with the opening of the new North Wing in October of 2007, the Louisville Fair & Exposition Center offers a total of approximately 825,000 square footage of Class “A” Space. Not only does this addition better serve the needs of WCHS and its patrons, it also makes the Center a very attractive and viable national competitor for other such high profile events.	One of the many driving forces behind the idea for such structural enhancements was to better accommodate the needs of events such as WCHS. This year being the first occurrence of this event since the opening of the new North Wing, it has already proven to be a considerable asset for horse show participants and spectators alike. One pleased patron was Jennifer Dixon of JL Dixon Stables, in Atherton, California. In comparing the stabling conditions to being outdoors in previous years, Jennifer said, “It has been wonderful! The ventilation in there is great and the air conditioning is fabulous.” Jennifer also noted the positive impact of the improved conditions on the horses themselves, saying, “The horses are happier, they are brighter, it is really just much better because it is climate controlled and we can breathe.” Another horsewoman, Lynn Harvey McNamara, of Wethersfield, Connecticut, whose family has been showing here in Louisville since the 1950s, initially expressed concern about the climate-controlled environment. “Our horses are not used to air conditioning for the most part. Most of our stables are not air conditioned, and going from air conditioning to heat can cause a lot of metabolic changes.” Once inside the facility, however, Lynn was ultimately satisfied with the conditions, saying, “I think the Fair certainly addressed that. I am sure they talked to veterinarians, and they talked to owners, and they realized how important it was that this building not be frigid cold, and they could set the temperature according to the desires of the horsemen.” Overall, Lynn was impressed with the enhanced facility, and said, “I would say that we are thrilled with this, with this new innovation in this new venue that they have offered exhibitors. I think that people are pleased. And certainly from the point of view of somebody who has shown here for fifty-some years, I think this is a major improvement to this horse show and they (Kentucky State Fair) should be commended for it!” In addition to housing 824 stalls for stabling horses throughout the show, the new wing offers ample room for multiple vendor exhibits where one can find anything from riding equipment to horse trailers. Adjacent to these vendors can be found the Saddlebred Café, which offers patrons an alternative to the typical fare. A finishing touch of the new wing is the pedway constructed to give patrons a safer and more convenient route of travel as they come and go. Underneath one end of the pedway is Stopher walk, which allows the convenience of passing through without braving the horse traffic. On the opposite end, the pedway opens up into the North Lobby, with escalators conveniently located at each end.

North Carolina Sweeps World’s Grand Championships; Four-peats for Walterway’s Remember Me, Big Red! Louisville, Kentucky - Saturday Night in Freedom Hall was one of those performances that demonstrated once again the unpredictability of sport, particularly the greatest equestrian sport. It was a mix of the familiar, the new, and the unexpected, cast against a backdrop of 12,000 cheering fans - just when the cynics are saying the results are knowable before the competition takes place (as in the racing pundits ignoring every horse besides Big Brown in the Belmont Stakes this year!), the horses and their connections prove there’s just no controlling Mother Nature and her unknowable equine caprices. In the world of horses, four wins is a big number! That two horses in the same, most prestigious of championship nights could both score four-peats, one an American Saddlebred and one a Standardbred, is beyond all odds. But it happened. First, in a class of nine stellar Five-Gaited ladies’ horses, CH Walterway’s Remember Me and Ceil Wheeler of Virginia emerged on top yet again, for the fourth straight year! Just think of it - four different sets of competitors, four different sets of judges, and four different sets of

circumstances, not to mention horse and rider (!) each aging four years in the process, and just how remarkable this is begins to set in. Remember Me has been a top performer since the year he was foaled, one of those winners in hand, with the mental toughness and physical ability (not to mention superlative training over the years by Nelson Green and John Conatser) to go to the top in high performance competition later on. One would have to agree he’s the quintessential ladies’ horse of his era, the one the rules describe perfectly! And what words are there to describe Big Red and Raymond Shively? This pair are like that watch you’ve heard about - except these fine jewels of a Roadster and his trainer just keep on trotting, and ticking . . . and also keep on licking every opponent in sight. In the three World’s Grand Championships, the opposite scenarios played out. Two of the three included defending champions back for more; yet all three ended with the crowning of new horses at the top of their world. The Fine Harness horses traditionally appear first, and the audience sensed an upset from the moment the gate opened and top horse after top horse, eight in all, some familiar and some not-so, marched in with all those great harness trots and just lit up the crowd. The aptly named Mother Mary (Revival x Mother Superior), another of those graduates from the American Saddlebred Registry Futurity Prize Program,

had begun knocking at the door in this section, driven expertly by a smiling, lovely, and determined Sandy Lilly, a Fine Harness picture the way it’s supposed to look, and to the roar of the audience this night the door opened and that blanket of white roses just added to the delight. In a sense, given that the contention ran so deep, it was hard to imagine all three judges could see it the same way, without a workout, which is a tribute to this mare’s correctness in harness for her new owners Anita and Richard Simpson, not to mention the wisdom of their purchase. In the Three-Gaited Grand Championship, another new champion was pinned. Seven trotted onto the green shavings, with five men competing against two ladies. Guess which gender was champion and reserve? The winner, Mary Jane Marcum Orr on CH Our Charming Lady, even brought her own cheering section, complete with flash cards so as to leave no doubt as to their favorite! And was this lady determined - she was a ring general, and her lovely bay mare waved her legs as directed - and then delivered a great, fist-pumping honor round with the yellow flowers, complete with shout-outs to her supporters in the stands. In the final World’s Grand Championship, 11 Five-Gaited horses answered the call in what promised to be a wide-open affair. Last year’s Reserve Champion, According To Lynn, was back for more with Mary Gaylord McClean, and the crowd seemed to think it was

her turn this time around, especially since the defending champion didn’t come to Kentucky this year. Then the Lexington Jr. League champ, CH Breaking News with Peter Cowart, trotting and racking up a storm, gained more and more attention as the class developed. Finally, in the only workout in the big three classes this night, the judges put these two back out for more, along with Callaway’s Karla and Debbie Foley, (SA) Calif First Night Out and Neil Visser, and Thunderstorm Warning with Tammy Devore. In the end, this tri-color too went to North Carolina, with Peter Cowart for his owners Beth Arndt and Megan McClure, while a smiling and great sport Mary McClean rode up for Reserve Champion honors again this year. Announcer Peter Doubleday interviewed Cowart before the final 2008 victory parade, who said the new World’s Grand Champion already had a home for life, was never and would never be for sale, and that his owners were that kind of supportive people, of him and his horse. He told of watching CH Sky Watch win all those years ago, and dreaming he’d like to do that himself some day. Well, now he has . . . so Peter with his wife Kim, a World’s Grand Champion in her own right, are returning to North Carolina after a night that left plenty of Kentuckians wondering if the center of gravity in the Saddlebred world might just have felt a seismic shock. Carolina rules this year!

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