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The 2026 ASHBA Annual Convention: A Huge Success!

Whether you joined us in Lexington or followed along from home, thank you for being part of an unforgettable ASHBA Annual Convention and the official kickoff to our 135th Anniversary. This year’s gathering reflected everything that makes the American Saddlebred community exceptional - connection, leadership, learning, and a shared commitment to the Horse America Made.
 
A Look Back at Our Breakout Sessions
 
Friday morning’s breakout sessions offered members a chance to engage directly with leaders across the industry. Attendees explored key topics shaping our work - from governance and prize programs to marketing, youth engagement, and sport horse development. The conversations were practical, collaborative, and forward‑focused, giving members clear takeaways.
 
Breakout sessions.jpg
 Photography by Katherine Hansil
 
Click here for more photos
 
Celebrating Excellence at the 135th Celebration Luncheon
 
 
The 135th Celebration Luncheon set a powerful tone for the year ahead. We opened with a moving video tribute, “135 Years of Saddlebred History,” followed by remarks honoring the generations who built this legacy and the members who continue to carry it forward. As shared in the program, “This celebration is not only about honoring the past. It is about honoring the trust placed in us as stewards of this legacy.”
 
Each year, the ASHBA Celebration gives us the opportunity to honor the individuals and organizations whose dedication strengthens our community and advances the American Saddlebred. These awards recognize service, leadership, innovation, and the countless contributions - both seen and unseen - that move our mission forward. Today, we celebrate those who give their time, their talent, and their heart to ensure this breed and this association continue to thrive.
 
Saddlebred Service Awards:  
  • Beth Snider
  • Cindy Kelledy
  • Sandy Backer  
  • Kathleen Flower
  • Susan Valley
  • Mark McCraken
Committee Chairs of the Year:
  • May Chadick
  • Helen Roy
Council Chair of the Year:
  • Jennifer Dixon
Volunteer of the Year
  • Kim Backlund
Program of the Year
  • Knollwood Farm
Innovation Award  
  • High Caliber – Weekend Event
Community Barn Award
  • Lenux Stables
Fundraisers of the Year
  • Jennifer Dixon
  • Smith Lilly
  • Malissa Welke
  • Katherine Hansil
  • Chris Schubert
  • Erin Eichenbaum
  • Kristen Bagdasarian
  • Sally Jackson  
  • Gen Hess
  • Linda Stone
President’s Award
  • Kristen Bagdasarian
A heartfelt thank‑you goes to our Convention Chair Emily Lee, and the entire Convention Committee for their leadership and countless hours of preparation. Their work made this milestone celebration possible.
 
 
This year’s celebration luncheon included the presentation and reading of two official proclamations, marking a historic moment for our association:
 
Proclamation from Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton
Mayor Gorton officially declared February 12–14, 2026 as American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association Days in Lexington, recognizing the significance of the ASHBA Annual Convention and the breed’s deep roots in the city.
 
Proclamation from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear
Governor Beshear declared February 2026 as American Saddlebred Horse Month in Kentucky, honoring the breed’s historic and economic importance to the Commonwealth and celebrating the beginning of ASHBA’s 135th anniversary year.
 
These proclamations underscore the profound impact of the American Saddlebred on both Lexington and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
 
Saddlebred luncheon.jpg
 Photography by Katherine Hansil
 
Find more Saddlebred Luncheon photos here
 
Founders’ Circle Announcement
 
We were proud to recognize the Founders’ Circle, honoring the individuals and families whose leadership and generosity help secure the future of the American Saddlebred. This recognition reflects the enduring commitment of those who believe deeply in the mission and longevity of ASHBA. For more information on joining the Founders’ Circle, contact us at [email protected].

Photography by Katherine Hansil
Pictured are several members of the inaugural Founders’ Circle (left to right): Sally Jackson, Gen Hess, Rachel Seifert, Mary Gaylord, and Chris Schubert. Additional members not pictured include Grace Arnold, Diane Sembler Kamins, Erin Eichenbaum, Nancy Ehle, Joe O’Brien and Melissa Moore, and Diego and Patricia Miron.
Honoring Our Major Award Winners
 
The Major Awards Gala was a highlight of the weekend, celebrating the horses, breeders, professionals, youth, and families whose achievements elevate the American Saddlebred.
 
This year’s honorees included:
  • Emerging Sport Horse of the Year: Harlem’s Savoy
  • Sport Horse Owner/Breeder of the Year: Shelah Wetter
  • Sport Horse of the Year: Nocturnal Question Heir (“Ivy”)
  • VERSA Mae Condon Award: Michele Macfarlane
  • Wing Commander Medal Awards: Nelson Green and Fred Sarver
  • Frank Ogletree Youth Award: Jacqueline Schatzberg
  • C.J. Cronan Sportsmanship Award: Bob Funkhouser
  • Lurline Roth Sportsmanship Award: Shelley Fisher
  • Gordon Jenkins International Award: Ashley Cook‑Fletcher
  • Meritorious Service Award: Dr. Owen Weaver
  • Breeder of the Year: John & Bridget Cummins
  • Paul & Dorothy Gillenwater Family Award: The Zubrod Family
  • Breeders Hall of Fame Inductees: Shadow Run LLC and Fair Island Farm,      Inc.
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Mary Gaylord
These stories - of excellence, service, sportsmanship, and legacy - remind us why this breed and this community are so extraordinary.
 

Major Awards.jpg

 Photography by Katherine Hansil

Click here for Stevie B photos from the Major Awards Gala

See more photos from the Major Awards Gala
Ladies Legends Event Recap
 
The Ladies Legends event was a truly memorable finale to convention week. Guests enjoyed an evening of dinner, storytelling, and reflection as we recognized the remarkable horsewomen whose unforgettable rides have defined excellence for generations. The program spotlighted 50 years of World’s Championship riders, creating a powerful tribute to the history and future of this iconic division.

Photography by Katherine Hansil

Photos from Ladies Five-Gaited Legends
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you throughout 2026.
 
Thank you again for your participation, your passion, and your commitment to the American Saddlebred. Together, we honor the legacy - and shape the future - of the Horse America Made.
 
Warmly,
American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association
 
 
Click here to view videos from the ASHBA Annual Convention posted on Facebook.