Half American Saddlebred Futurity Announces New Open Three-Year-Old Fine Harness Class Debuting in 2026
LEXINGTON, KY (December 10, 2025) — The Half American Saddlebred Futurity has announced the addition of a new Open Three-Year-Old Fine Harness Futurity class for 2026, expanding opportunities for Half Saddlebred owners, breeders and exhibitors. The program will also continue to offer its popular Open Weanling Futurity for all foals born in 2026.
Nominations for the 2026 futurities are due May 31, 2026. Fees are $150 per weanling and $200 per three-year-old. A late nomination period is available: weanlings may enter within 30 days after the deadline with a $100 late fee, and three-year-olds may nominate until the All American Horse Classic (AAHC) entry closing date with a $100 late penalty. Eligible entries must have either a Saddlebred sire or dam and be registered with the Half Saddlebred Registry.
The 2026 Half Saddlebred Futurity will take place during the All-American Horse Classic at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis in September. It will feature its own added-money purse funded by an online stallion service auction to be held in early February. Stallions of all breeds are invited to participate by donating a breeding.
Eighty percent of the purse will be awarded to the top eight weanlings, and 20 percent will be reserved for stallions whose donated services resulted in a placing weanling. Any unused portion of the stallion allocation will roll over to future years.
Item donations of all types are also being accepted to increase the futurity purse. All donated services, items, and auction purchases are tax-deductible.
The Saddlebred has long been recognized as a premier cross for many breeds, including the Half Arabian, National Show Horse and Friesian Georgian Grande. More recently, it has become a popular cross for the American Dutch Harness Horse. The futurity highlights the versatility of Half Saddlebreds and encourages additional crossbreeding combinations, such as with Morgans and Hackney Ponies.
Donations of stallion services or auction items must be received by January 15, 2026. All Half Saddlebreds born in 2026 are eligible for the 2026 Open Weanling Futurity.
Nominations for the 2026 futurities are due May 31, 2026. Fees are $150 per weanling and $200 per three-year-old. A late nomination period is available: weanlings may enter within 30 days after the deadline with a $100 late fee, and three-year-olds may nominate until the All American Horse Classic (AAHC) entry closing date with a $100 late penalty. Eligible entries must have either a Saddlebred sire or dam and be registered with the Half Saddlebred Registry.
The 2026 Half Saddlebred Futurity will take place during the All-American Horse Classic at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis in September. It will feature its own added-money purse funded by an online stallion service auction to be held in early February. Stallions of all breeds are invited to participate by donating a breeding.
Eighty percent of the purse will be awarded to the top eight weanlings, and 20 percent will be reserved for stallions whose donated services resulted in a placing weanling. Any unused portion of the stallion allocation will roll over to future years.
Item donations of all types are also being accepted to increase the futurity purse. All donated services, items, and auction purchases are tax-deductible.
The Saddlebred has long been recognized as a premier cross for many breeds, including the Half Arabian, National Show Horse and Friesian Georgian Grande. More recently, it has become a popular cross for the American Dutch Harness Horse. The futurity highlights the versatility of Half Saddlebreds and encourages additional crossbreeding combinations, such as with Morgans and Hackney Ponies.
Donations of stallion services or auction items must be received by January 15, 2026. All Half Saddlebreds born in 2026 are eligible for the 2026 Open Weanling Futurity.
For more information on nominations, donations or participation, please contact the Half American Saddlebred Futurity committee.