A Deeper Look at the New Registry Council

The Registry Council of the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) formed upon the merger of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) and the American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) in February 2021. This council made up of members from the Board of Directors and will oversee functions of the registry, registry focused committees, and the Registry Trust. 

This inaugural Registry Council consists of the seven independent members of the American Saddlebred Registry Board of Directors prior to the merger. The Registry Council will always maintain 7 seats on the ASHBA Board of Directors. Members must meet the criteria of extensive experience with American Saddlebreds used for breeding purposes and/or progeny from direct or indirect ownership, in the operation of American Saddlebred breeding activities such as breeding managers, stud farm owners or reproductive veterinarian, or other relevant and tenured experience or interest in matters related to registry activities. The number of Registry Council seats is based on the current number of independent ASR directors and industry experience criteria.

The Registry Council will be presided over by a chairperson selected by the members of the Registry Council to preside over the meetings of the Registry Council, and appoint the members of the committees of the Registry Council. In addition to these Registry functions, the Registry Council Chair will serve on the Executive Leadership Committee, Finance Committee, and be a new officer position of the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA). 

2021 Registry Council

Anna Marie Knipp, Missouri- Chair

Julie Behrends-Jones, Kentucky

Bob Brison, Missouri

Todd Graham, West Virginia

Larry Hartsock, Virginia

Missy Hughes Smith, Missouri

Kim Skipton, Kentucky