Grants & Scholarships

BREEDER EXCELLENCE FUND

The ASHBA Breeder Excellence Fund was established to help support American Saddlebred breeding programs in the United States. The Fund provides financial assistance to breeders who want to pursue educational opportunities related to breeding that will advance their careers, promote sound breeding practices and further enhance the quality of American Saddlebred horses. Specifically, the ASHBA Breeder Excellence Fund supports attendance at educational programs related to breeding, such as: Colorado State Equine Reproduction Continuing Education

The online application form and all required documents must be submitted to ASHBA on or before June 1st of each year. The grant must be used for training and programs that fall after the grant deadline date of June 1st and within 2 years of that date. Grants of up to $1,000 are available, with the amount awarded depending on the financial plan provided as part of the application. ASHBA reserves the right to not award a grant in any given year if they determine that no candidate has met the criteria, in which case funds would then be held until the following year. If the grant recipient is unable to attend the program specified in his/her application, ASHBA must be notified as soon as possible. Approval for a change in the use of funds is at the discretion of ASHBA.

To apply for a Breeders Excellence Fund grant, click this link.

BRUCE HANSON AMERICAN SADDLEBRED WELFARE GRANT

The Bruce Hanson American Saddlebred Welfare Grant is named in honor of the late Bruce Hanson. Bruce had a great concern for the welfare of the American Saddlebred, and through Bruce’s efforts, the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) Equine Welfare Advocacy Committee (EWAC) was established. Bruce served as the chairman of EWAC and made the first contribution in support of this grant program. The purpose of a Bruce Hanson American Saddlebred Welfare Grant is to promote and support the welfare of American Saddlebreds that might otherwise be in jeopardy. To receive a grant, 501c(3) applicants must demonstrate their activities in support of the welfare of the American Saddlebred and how the grant money will be used in furtherance of these activities.

Grants are awarded in amounts to be determined by EWAC and on recommendation to the ASHBA BOD. Individuals and organizations that have previously received Bruce Hanson Grants must wait at least three years before reapplying. All applicants, regardless of membership status, shall be required to abide by the ASHBA’s Code of Conduct. Successful applicants will be required to complete a Progress Report and Final Evaluation Form at six months and upon completion of the activities for which the grant was awarded, respectively.

The Committee reviews grants in the fall of each year. All grant applications must be postmarked on or before October 15 of the current year.

Please complete the application for the Bruce Hanson American Saddlebred Welfare Grant.

The application can be completed electronically by saving the file and then submitting by email to welfare@saddlebred.com or printed and faxed to (859) 259-1628 or mailed to ASHBA, 4083 Wing Commander Way, Suite 50, Lexington, KY 40511.

EMERGENCY WELFARE GRANT

The purpose of an emergency grant is to assist legitimate 501c(3) rescue organizations when an emergency arises. This could include when they are asked to take on unexpected cases. When equipment breaks down that is not in the budget to repair / replace. When events out of their control (such as inflation / weather incidents) seriously impact the ability of the organization to provide for animals in their care. The emergency grant is not to be considered as a part of regular fund-raising activities and must be shown to be outside of the annual forecasted budget.

Grants are awarded in amounts to be determined by EWAC and on recommendation to the ASHBA BOD. Individuals and organizations that have previously received Bruce Hanson Grants may apply at any time. All applicants, regardless of membership status, shall be required to abide by the ASHBA’s Code of Conduct. Successful applicants will be required to complete a Progress Report and Final Evaluation Form at six months and upon completion of the activities for which the grant was awarded, respectively.

The Committee reviews grants upon application.

Please complete the application for the Emergency Welfare Grant.

HORSE SHOW GRANTS PROGRAM

Started in 2020, the ASHBA Horse Show Grant program was modeled after a similar program created by the American Morgan Horse Association. ASHBA Horse Show Grants are available for financially challenged American Saddlebred competitions. The program is funded through the support of generous sponsors, as well as through ASHBA Horse Show Application fees. Grants are available to shows on an annual basis with a maximum grant amount of $5,000 per show in a calendar year. To date, ASHBA has awarded nearly $35,000 to horse shows across the United States.

Through a detailed application process, shows are required to provide three years of financial information, along with descriptions of why the show needs financial assistance and how grant money would be used. Shows can only use grant money for officials, insurance, facility rentals, media, promotion, medical personnel, vets, farriers and natural disasters. The money cannot be used for hospitality, decorations, memberships, charitable donations, fines, fees or any other non-essential expense. Shows are required to submit to ASHBA a report that details how grant money was used within two months after the last day of competition.

The application submission deadline is March 31st each year.

2024 ASHBA Horse Show Grant Application - Due March 31, 2024

SHARE THE SADDLEBRED GRANT

The ASHBA #SharetheSaddlebred Grant was established to help support members, charter clubs and youth clubs with breed promotion. The Grant helps make promotional and demonstration opportunities possible by awarding recipients with financial assistance to travel, attend and participate in events that promote the American Saddlebred.

If you are a group looking to promote the American Saddlebred at an event and need financial assistance, please complete and apply through this form.