The American Saddlebred Horse Association has a membership of about 7,000 and is headquartered in the American Saddle Horse Museum Building located in the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Kentucky. All matters pertaining to the history, breeding, exhibition, publicity, use, humane treatment, and improvement of American Saddlebred horses are the responsibility of ASHA.
The primary duty of ASHA is to ensure the accuracy of the records maintained for all pedigreed American Saddlebred horses. Saddlebreds must be registered to show or to produce registered foals, and all transfers of ownership are recorded as well. There is a great deal of information made available to the public concerning pedigrees, show records, and produce listings. Membership in ASHA offers the knowledge and the sense of community newcomers need - you are urged to join to familiarize yourself with the Saddlebred world.
ASHA is a small publishing house with its award-winning bimonthly magazine The American Saddlebred sent free to members. Members also receive an annual membership directory, a youth newsletter, and numerous other brochures and pamphlets. These materials are sent out in response to thousands of requests for information about Saddlebreds received from all over the world.
ASHA oversees well-known prize programs: The Kentucky and National Futurities, The American Saddlebred Sweepstakes, and The American Saddlebred Grand National. Affiliated state futurities rely on ASHA for up to date information.
With a sense of community spirit, ASHA is actively involved with the all breed American Horse Council, American Youth Horse Council, National 4-H, U.S. Dressage Federation, North American Trail Ride Conference, American Horse Publications and National Pedigreed Livestock Council.
ASHA has a network of over 60 Charter Clubs in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia which promote American Saddlebreds on a local basis. Charter Club members put on horse shows, ride in parades, participate in horse fairs, present annual awards, and stage many interesting activities. Membership and participation in an ASHA Charter Club is a family affair and can definitely enrich the Saddlebred experience. There are also over 70 ASHA Youth Clubs, and the number is growing. These orgnizations are often associated with riding lesson programs and involve young people in wholesome social, educational, and charitable activities. ASHA also sponsors an annual national Youth Camp at the Kentucky Horse Park and various other horse-related educational activities.
You can contact the American Saddlebred Horse Association at 4093 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511. Telephone 606/259-ASHA (2742). Fax 606/259-1628.
