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Honoring Excellence: 2025 ASHBA Major Award Winners Announced

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December 18, 2025 - The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) proudly announces the recipients of its 2025 Major Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions across the Saddlebred community. From lifetime achievement to youth leadership, these honors celebrate individuals and families whose dedication, sportsmanship, and impact continue to shape the future of the breed.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Mary Gaylord receives the association’s highest honor for her enduring commitment and influence within the Saddlebred world. The Lifetime Achievement award honors a person for his or her lifelong contributions to the Saddlebred industry, dedication to the improvement of the breed, and support of the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association.

Paul and Dorothy Gillenwater Family Award

The Zubrod Family is recognized for their multigenerational involvement and support of the breed. The Paul and Dorothy Gillenwater Family Award is chosen by the Board of Directors in recognition of the American Saddlebred as the ideal family breed, with a suitable horse and competition division for participation by each member of a family. This family is recognized for their advancement of the American Saddlebred, and their love of the sport.

Meritorious Service Award

Owen Weaver is honored for her exceptional service and contributions to ASHBA programs and initiatives. The Meritorious Service Award is presented to an individual who has contributed to ASHBA on many levels over a long period of time.

Gordon Jenkins International Award

Ashley Cook-Fletcher is celebrated for her global impact and promotion of American Saddlebreds abroad. The Gordon Jenkins International Award is presented to an individual who has gone the extra mile to introduce and promote the American Saddlebred horse to other countries.

Sportsmanship Awards

Shelley Fisher receives the Lurline Roth Sportsmanship Award. The Lurline Roth Sportsmanship Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship and has contributed to the American Saddlebred breed through their support and participation in ASHBA programs. Bob Funkhouser is honored with the C. J. Cronan Sportsmanship Award. C.J. Cronan Sportsmanship Award is chosen for their sportsmanship and their contributions to the breed. Such attributes considered are participation in ASHBA programs, support of ASHBA, and contributions to the ideals of ASHBA.

Wing Commander Medal

The Wing Commander Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service to ASHBA and the American Saddlebred breed. This individual's dedication has attracted interest in the highest quality show horses of the breed, and contributed to advancing the popularity of American Saddlebreds to the public. Nelson Green and Fred Sarver are each awarded this prestigious medal for their excellence in training, performance, and mentorship of the next generation of American Saddlebred professionals.

Frank Ogletree Youth Award

Jacqueline Schatzberg is recognized for her leadership, enthusiasm, and promise as a young ambassador of the breed. The Frank Ogletree Youth Award is presented to an ASHBA Youth Member who has exhibited exemplary sportsmanship throughout their show career and has served as a role model for their peers.

Breeding Excellence

Shadow Run LLC & Fair Island Farm are inducted into the Breeders Hall of Fame. The Breeders Hall of Fame Award is presented to a person(s) who is involved with a successful breeding operation that has impacted the American Saddlebred breed and industry. The winning breeder has demonstrated a passion for bettering the breed, exhibited good sportsmanship and horsemanship, and has used their success to encourage other breeders. 

John & Bridget Cummins earn the Breeder of the Year Award for their outstanding achievements in Saddlebred breeding. Individuals or operations whose breeding program exemplify excellence and consistency based on a statistical analysis of their successful show performance during the entire competition year are nominated, selected and named Breeder of the Year.

Sport Horse Honors

Nocturnal Question Heir is named Sport Horse of the Year, Harlem’s Savoy earns Emerging Sport Horse of the Year, and Shelah Wetter of Blue Haven Stable is recognized as Sport Horse Owner and/or Breeder of the Year.

 

These honorees represent the heart and soul of the Saddlebred community - each one a testament to having passion for the breed and the pursuit of excellence outside the saddle seat discipline. ASHBA congratulates all 2025 award winners and looks forward to celebrating their achievements at the upcoming Convention.