For Immediate Release
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

American Saddlebred Horse Association Partners with the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Lexington, Kentuckyampnbsp- The American Saddlebred Horse Association ASHA has announced a partnership with the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, set to launch on Monday, March 22, 2010.

ASHA will be working with the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. to simultaneously promote the 2010 Games and the American Saddlebred breed, by providing ASHA members the opportunity to purchase tickets and daily hospitality passes for the Games, with a percentage of the sales going back the breed organization, to assist ASHAamprsquos continuing effort to promote the American Saddlebred.

In the coming days, a website will be made available specifically for ASHA members to purchase tickets to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, at which time ASHA members can begin making ticket purchases which will also benefit the breed Association. Notification will be sent once this website is available. Reservation forms for Daily Hospitality Passes at the Games, which can be completed electronically, can be foundampnbsphere, or to download the form in PDF format, to be completed manually, clickampnbsphere.

ampldquoWe are very excited to announce this partnership with such a terrific organization as the American Saddlebred Horse Association,amprdquo said Terry Johnson, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for the Foundation. ampldquoThis will allow their members to get involved in the 2010 Games and support their association at the same time.amprdquo

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fampeacutedampeacuteration Equestre Internationale FEI. The Games are held every four years and this yearamprsquos Games will be their first occurrence in the United States. The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in United States television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of 150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan and the American Quarter Horse Association.

For questions about tickets sales through ASHA's partnership with theampnbsp2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, contact ASHA at 859 259-2742, or by email atampnbspsaddlebredasha.net.

For more information about the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games website,ampnbsphere.

For Immediate Release
Friday, March 5, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

Kentucky Spring Premier Horse Show Set for April New Date, Location and Classes Offered in 2010

For Immediate Release
Friday, March 5, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

Saddlebred Enthusiasts Needed to Volunteer for Ohio Equine Affaireampreg

For Immediate Release
Friday, March 5, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

ASHA Youth Club of the Year Honor Awarded to Two Clubs for 2009 Name the Foal Contest Winner Announced

Lexington, Kentuckyampnbsp- At the American Saddlebred Horse Association's ASHA 2010 Annual Convention ampamp Youth Conference, two Saddlebred Youth Clubs shared the honor of being named ASHA's Youth Club of the Year.

Each year before the ASHA Convention ampamp Youth Conference, Saddlebred Youth Clubs submit yearbooks created by members, which show their activities throughout the previous year in the categories of History, Membership, Fund Raising, Meetings ampamp Programs, Promotions, and Community Service.

An award is given for the highest score in each category, and the Youth Club receiving the highest total score is named ASHA's Youth Club of the Year. For 2009, two clubs, the Mighty Mallard Mustangs of Georgetown, Kentucky, and the Tall Tails Youth Club of Grand Blanc, Michigan, tied for the highest overall score, and both clubs shared the honor of Youth Club of the Year.

A special award was also given for Imagination of Yearbook Presentation, and went to the White Star Showstoppers.ampnbspThe winners in each of the other individual categories are as follows:

History tie
Biggins Bridle Bunch - Simpsonville, Kentucky
De Equus Stablemates - Cato, Wisconsin

Membership
M.P. Saddlears - Hastings, Minnesota

Meetings ampamp Programs tie
Mighty Mallard Mustangs - Georgetown, Kentucky
White Star Showstoppers - Scottsdale, Arizona

Educational Activities
Tall Tails Youth Club - Grand Blanc, Michigan

Fund Raising tie
Rancho Del Martians - Huntington Beach, California
Winning Ways Whinnies - Tomball, Texas

Promotions
Mighty Mallard Mustangs - Georgetown, Kentucky
Tall Tails Youth Club - Grand Blanc, Michigan

Community Service
White Star Showstoppers - Scottsdale, Arizona

The winner has also now been announced for the Name the Foal Contest, which took place at Carriage Lane Farm in Nicholasville, Kentucky, one of the many stops along the route of this year's Youth Field Trip. A foal had been born only days before ASHA Youth visited the farm, owned by John and Tammie Conatser, and a contest was held in which Youth submitted entries of possible names for the foal.

The winning name,ampnbspPicture Me Perfect, was submitted by Kaeli McCarty, from Simpsonville, Kentucky, who is a member of Biggins Bridle Bunch Youth Club.

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Saddlebred Association Announces Details for Executive Director Position

Lexington, Kentuckyampnbsp-ampnbspThe American Saddlebred Horse Association, a century old breed association and registry headquarteredampnbspat The Kentucky Horse Park, seeks a leader to supervise its staff and work closely with directors.

The successful candidate will have a passion for horses, as well as management experience thatampnbspincludes development of budgets, financial oversight, and strategic planning. Equine industry experience and/or non-profit experience a plus.

Located "center stage" at the site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, this interesting andampnbspvaried position will offer a compensation package commensurate with experience.

To express interest, please email a resume along with a cover letter explaining what interests andampnbspexperiences make you a good fit. Respond by March 17 toampnbspcareerspersonnelprofiling.com.

No calls or visits, please. Equal Opportunity Employer.

For Immediate Release
Monday, March 1, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

Saddlebred Convention Culminates with Saddlebred Ball ampamp Annual Awards Association, Registry Seat New Boards

Lexington, Kentuckyampnbsp-ampnbspAmerican Saddlebred Horse Association ASHA members, youth, and guests poured into the ballroom at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa in Lexington, Kentucky, on the evening of Saturday, February 20 to enjoy the culminating event of the 2010 ASHA Convention ampamp Youth Conference, the Saddlebred Ball.

Included in the nightamprsquos festivities were acceptance speeches by the recipients of ASHAamprsquos Annual Awards, several of which were greeted with rousing ovations. Award recipients included Lifetime Achievement Award winner Redd Crabtree and Cronan Sportsmanship Award winner Fred Sarver, among others. For a complete list of ASHAamprsquos Individual Award winners for 2010, and previous years, visit the ASHA website,ampnbsphere.

In other ASHA business leading up to Saturday nightamprsquos festivities, two new members of the Association Board of Directors were elected through balloting by the membership:ampnbsp Minna Hankin Pennsylvania, and William Marple Texas. Re-elected as directors were Chuck Herbert Indiana, Scott Matton Wisconsin, Jimmy Robertson Kentucky, and Judy Werner Illinois.ampnbspLeaving the board due expiring terms were Dr. Alan Raun Iowa and Mary Ann Pardieck Indiana.

Re-elected as officers of the Association for one-year terms were Werner as President, Vicki Gillenwater Tennessee as First Vice President, Barbara Molland California as Second Vice President, Paul Treiber Wisconsin as Secretary, and Jim Ruwoldt Georgia as Treasurer.

Newly elected members of the American Saddlebred Registry ASR Board of Directors include Larry Hartsock Virginia and Don Schilling Illinois. Members leaving the ASR Board with expiring terms were Brian Reimer and Mary Anne Cronan. ASR Officer elections will take place at the upcoming Registry Board meeting in March.

For Immediate Release
Monday, March 1, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

Saddlebred.com to Begin Live Video Webcast of TSE/Tattersalls Spring Sale on Friday, April 9 Sale Entries Still Being Accepted

Lexington, Kentuckyampnbsp- The TSE/Tattersalls Spring Sale will be broadcast over the Internet starting Friday, April 9, through Saturday, April 10, on the American Saddlebred Horse Association ASHAampnbspwebsite.

Sale entries are still being accepted for the Spring Sale, and entry forms can be obtainedampnbsphere. For more information about the TSE/Tattersalls Spring Sale, visit the website,ampnbsphere, or contact Suzie Teater at 859 885-7283, or by email atampnbspsteateriglou.com.

As in the past, ASHA will once again provide a live, streaming video webcast 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 auctioneeramprsquos call, as well as see the hip number and bids.

Subscription purchases for viewing the webcast will soon be accessible from the ASHA homepage. Each dayamprsquos sale is scheduled to commence at 10 AM Eastern Time. 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, two-day package purchasing is available at a discount: for non-members, the two-day package is 25, and for ASHA members, the two-day package is 20.Payment is accepted online using a credit or debit card.

Viewersamprsquo 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 that will be posted on the ASHA homepage. A link will also be provided to a ampldquoHelpamprdquo page to assist subscribers in viewing the webcast.

Revenues received from subscribers go to offset the technical and production costs of the webcast. ampnbspAny surplus is applied to the promotional efforts of ASHA.

For Immediate Release
Friday, February 19, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

Renowned Equine Behaviorist Dr. Sue McDonnell TODAY at Marriott Griffin Gate, Lexington

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

Saddlebred Convention Opens Thursday Prominent Breeders Orr, Weldon, Capsuto-Walker, Others Honoredampnbsp

Lexington, Kentuckyampnbsp-ampnbspThe American Saddlebred Horse Association's ASHA annual Saddlebred Summit and Youth Conference opens Thursday morning February 18 at the Lexington, Kentucky Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa, and a theme throughout will be honoring and recognizing breeding accomplishments.

Thursday's schedule includes any number of open committee meetings to consider and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing breeders today. ampnbspThe Charter Club Workshop on Thursday afternoon pays tribute to international breeders of the Saddlebred, among other important topics. ampnbspDr. Sue McDonnell of New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania will be speaking and discussing breeding behaviors, and general equine behavior, both Friday and Saturday in open forums. ampnbspFriday evening's unique cocktail buffet at the Lexington Country Club will honor Saddlebred equitation stars with special note made of the breeders and breeding of Triple Crown winning mounts. ampnbspSaturday morning's Youth Conference field trip will stop at Nelson Green Stables, where World's Grand Champion Merrill Murray will be an honored guest, John and Tammie Conatser's Carriage Lane Farm, and Martin Teater Stables nearby, where the Teater Family legacy will be on display.

Saturday evening's Saddlebred Ball will recognize the lifelong breeding achievements of Jim Orr of Missouri, with his induction into the Saddlebred Breeders Hall of Fame. ampnbspBreeder of the Year honors for 2009 go to two individuals whose accomplishments for the year just concluded resulted in the first tie vote of directors in history for that award: ampnbspTony Weldon and her powerful Callaway Hills Stable of Missouri, and Kathy Capsuto-Walker of Kentucky, perennially one of the most committed supporters of the Registry's prize programs who enjoyed an especially successful competition year. ampnbspAnd the Lifetime Achievement honoree, Redd Crabtree, is also renowned for his accomplishments in the breeding, raising, and training of great American Saddlebreds. ampnbspTickets for the Friday evening reception honoring Equitation Stars and the Saddlebred Ball are on sale at the convention while they last, and by calling ASHA at 859/259-2742. ampnbspRegistration for the convention and all activities, speakers, and forums is still available, upon check-in beginning at 7:30 a.m. each day.

For full convention details,ampnbspclick here.

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

Improving Weather for Saddlebred Convention Opening Thursday Detailed Schedule Now Available

Lexington, Kentuckyampnbsp-ampnbspAfter weeks of relentless icy weather, some improvement is forecast for the American Saddlebred Horse Association's ASHA annual convention beginning Thursday, February 18, at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa in Lexington, Kentucky. ampnbspThe full schedule can be found on theampnbspConvention webpage, or downloadable directly as a PDFampnbsphere.

Before the convention formally begins Thursday morning, pre-meeting activities are scheduled throughout the day Wednesday. ampnbspUnited States Equestrian Federation USEF hosts a Judges' Clinic, open for auditing, and a Riding Instructor Certification meeting will also be held. ampnbspClickampnbsphereampnbspfor 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. ampnbspAnother 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. ampnbspThe 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. ampnbspFriday'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. ampnbspDr. 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. ampnbspAttendees 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. ampnbspMembers present in person or by proxy also elect two of the 2010 Nominating Committee members ampnbspat 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. ampnbspRedd 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.

For Immediate Release
Monday, February 15, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

American Saddlebred Museum Temporarily Closed for Renovation

For Immediate Release
Friday, February 12, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

Saddlebred Convention Features O'Connor, USEF Medication Rules, World Equestrian Games

Lexington, Kentuckyampnbsp- 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.ampnbspHe willampnbspbe 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.ampnbspThis open forum will give an opportunity for allampnbspattendees to participate in a question and answer session with the sport's leaders.

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 inampnbspaccordance 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.

Visit USEF's website,ampnbsphereampnbspandampnbsphere, for a complete list of rule changes approved at the January USEF Board of Directors meeting.

For Immediate Release
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

Rich Grand National Competition Schedule for 2010 Released

Lexington, Kentuckyampnbsp-ampnbspThe 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.ampnbspIn 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:

For Immediate Release
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

Saddlebred Stars of Saddle Seat Equitation Honored Friday Evening, February 19

Lexington, Kentuckyampnbsp- 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.ampnbsp

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 ampamp 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 ampamp 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
  

For Immediate Release
Monday, February 8, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

Saddlebred Association Search Committee Named

ampnbsp

For Immediate Release
Monday, February 8, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

Saddlebred Qualifying Requirements Announced for 2010 Kentucky State Fair

UPHA Chapter 13 Sale Horse Preview and Pink Ribbon Night Set to Take Place in Coming Weeks

For Immediate Release
Friday, February 5, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

San Antonio Saddle Horse Association Announces New Fund Raising Event, Sittin' Pretty for Saddlebreds

Lexington, Kentuckyampnbsp- The San Antonio Saddle Horse Association's SASHA Charity Horse Show, set to take place Friday, March 5, through Sunday, March 7, at the Rose Palace in San Antonio, Texas, will feature a new fund raising event.

At the conclusion of the show's Friday night session, there will be a special exhibition called Sittin' Pretty for Saddlebreds. Notable Saddlebred enthusiast Bill Marple will ride sidesaddle, adorned in all of the customary sidesaddle attire, skirts and all.

Proceeds from the event will go to benefit Saddlebred Rescue.ampnbspFor more information about this event, or the SASHA Charity Horse Show, visit the SASHA website,ampnbsphere.

ampnbsp

For Immediate Release
Friday, February 5, 2010
Contact: Brice Carr
Marketing ampamp Communications Manager

2010 Mid-America Saddlebred Tour Scheduled for March

Lexington, Kentuckyampnbsp- Missouri's Mid-America Saddlebred Horse Club will present its barn tour on Saturday, March 27, and Sunday, March 28.

On Saturday the tour will travel via motor coach from Kansas City, Missouri, to the New Bloomfield/Columbia, Missouri areas, and will visit Virgil Helms Stables, Fairview Farm, and Callaway Hills. Tourgoers will spend an evening dining at the Summit Lake Winery in Holt's Summit, Missouri, and stay overnight in Jefferson City. On Sunday, the tour will visit Mike Roberts Stables, High Spirits Farm, and Glendale Stables.

With the exception of Saturday evening's dinner at the Summit Lake Winery, all meals are included in the cost of the tour, which is 50 per person - the same cost of the tour when taken in 1994. Motel rooms will accommodate one to four people with a special rate of 50.10, tax included.

The deadline to sign up for the tour is Monday, March 1, and spots will be filled on a first come first served basis.ampnbspReservation forms are available on the Mid-American Saddlebred Horse Club website,ampnbsphere.

For more information about the tour, contact Shirley Smith at 816 229-8232, or by email atasb112moyahoo.com.