Sport Horse Awards Programs
Showing an American Saddlebred or Half Saddlebred?
The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) offers Sport Horse High Point Awards for horses registered with the ASHBA or with the Half American Saddlebred Registry (HASRA).
Wing Tempo Award
An American Saddlebred or Half-American Saddlebred receiving the Wing Tempo Award has achieved excellence of the highest order in disciplines and venues not typically considered within the standard breed show structure. This award is a recognition of a lifetime of achievement / extraordinary accomplishment in the horse’s chosen discipline(s).
For more information visit Wing Tempo Award.
Saddlebred Record Sport Horse Champion (CH-SH)
CH-SH is a champion program for American Saddlebred and Half Saddlebred Sport Horses. The current program includes Dressage, Endurance and Eventing. In addition, any winner past or future of the Wing Tempo Award, will automatically be awarded their own CH-SH.
The forms below can be completed electronically by saving the file and then submitting by email to [email protected] or printed and faxed to (859) 259-1628 or mailed to ASHBA, 4083 Wing Commander Way, Suite 50, Lexington, KY 40511.
High Point Awards Program
The High Point Awards Programs seeks to recognize the achievements of all horses registered with the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association competing in all disciplines at all levels. Additional goals include:
- Improve competition opportunities for every Saddlebred owner
- Provide incentives for additional registrations and transfers
- Identify and attract new members
Please review the full rules and program guidelines, and FAQ, for more information:
ASHBA Sport Horse of the Year
Criteria for winning: An American Saddlebred or Half-American Saddlebred receiving the Sport Horse of the Year award is a horse that has shown consistent performance in their discipline throughout the competition year. This horse has demonstrated its ability to contend successfully in the discipline of choice at recognized competitions and presents itself as an ambassador for the Saddlebred breed. To receive consideration for this award, the horse must be a registered American Saddlebred or Half American Saddlebred with ASHBA. Nominations must include photos and official show records, with video submissions encouraged. The deadline for receipt of nominations is October 9, 2025.
Nominations will be reviewed and voted on by the ASHBA Discipline Steering Committee. Recommendations will be submitted to the ASHBA Board of Directors for approval and will be presented at the annual convention.
ASHBA Sport Horse Owner and/or Breeder of the Year
Criteria for winning: The person(s) who receive the ASHBA Sport Horse Owner and/or Breeder of the Year award have demonstrated dedication to the promotion of the Saddlebred breed in the sport horse disciplines. The ideal owner/breeder of the year candidate has invested time and resources into the development and presentation of registered American Saddlebreds and/or Half-American Saddlebreds in recognized sport horse competitions. Nominations are encouraged to include photos, official competition records, and video submissions. The deadline for receipt of nominations is October 9, 2025.
Nominations will be reviewed and voted on by the ASHBA Discipline Steering Committee. Recommendations will be submitted to the ASHBA Board of Directors for approval and will be presented at the annual convention.
ASHBA Emerging Sport Horse of the Year
Criteria for winning: An American Saddlebred or Half-Saddlebred receiving the Emerging Sport Horse of the Year award is a horse that demonstrates exceptional potential in their chosen discipline and potential to become an excellent representative of the Saddlebred breed in open (to all breed) competition. Nominations for this award are open to horses in their first or second year of recognized competition outside of the traditional breed show ring. To receive consideration for this award, the horse must be a registered American Saddlebred or Half American Saddlebred with ASHBA. Nominations must include photos and official show records, with video submissions encouraged. The deadline for receipt of nominations is October 9, 2025.
Nominations will be reviewed and voted on by the ASHBA Discipline Steering Committee. Recommendations will be submitted to the ASHBA Board of Directors for approval and will be presented at the annual convention.
Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards
Designed to recognize the accomplishments of specific breeds in dressage, these awards are presented to horses declared for a participating registry/organization (PO) with USDF.
The requirements of the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) as a Participating Organization are as follows:
The horse must be registered with the ASHBA or with the Half Saddlebred Registry of America. The owner must be a member of the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association.
USDF Connection magazine, article is reprinted by permission of the United States Dressage Federation.