American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association

The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (abbreviated ASHBA) is a breed registry for the American Saddlebred horse. Founded in 1891, it is headquartered at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association
AbbreviationASHBA
Predecessor
  • American Saddle Horse Breeders' Association
  • American Saddlebred Horse Association
Formation1891; 133 years ago (1891)
PurposeRegistration of American Saddlebreds
Location
  • 4083 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 2, Lexington, KY 40511
Coordinates38°08′59″N 84°31′04″W / 38.14971380050803°N 84.51772478955196°W / 38.14971380050803; -84.51772478955196
ServicesRegistration, membership
Websitesaddlebred.com

History

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The American Saddle Horse Breeders' Association was formed in Louisville, Kentucky in 1891 with General John B. Castleman as the first president. At the time, all horses had to perform five gaits or be traceable to recognized bloodlines in order to be issued registration papers.[1]

In 1980 the name was changed to American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA), and in 1985 the association moved to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. In 2021, ASHA merged with the American Saddlebred Registry to become American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association, Inc. (ASHBA).[2]

Registration

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As of 2023, the association has about 7,000 members,[2] and registers around 1,300 horses each year.[3] All horses registered with ASHBA are pure or half-bred American Saddlebreds.[4]

Competition

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Most Saddlebred shows are held through the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).[5]

References

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  1. ^ Kleber, John E. (February 5, 2015). The Kentucky Encyclopedia. University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 9780813159010.
  2. ^ a b "About ASHBA". American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  3. ^ "About ASHBA Registry Services". American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  4. ^ Lynghaug, F. (2009). The Official Horse Breeds Standards Guide: The Complete Guide to the Standards of All North American Equine Breed Association. Voyageur Press. ISBN 9780760334997. OL 23180108M.
  5. ^ "Horse Shows". American Saddlebred Horse Association. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
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