The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association Logo
Shop ASHBA
Login

You are now entering the old ASHBA website which will allow you to access your data using your original username and password.

We are transitioning to the new website, so be aware that some functions may not work on the old site and will redirect you to the new site. It is important you setup your new username and password on our new site HERE.

Otherwise click here to continue to the old ASHBA website

Shelah Wetter Named Sport Horse Owner and/or Breeder of the Year

Sport Horse Owner and_or Breeder of the Year.jpg

February 23, 2026: Lexington, KY – The American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA) proudly recognized Shelah Wetter as the 2025 Sport Horse Owner and/or Breeder of the Year, presented by Sandra Currier at the Major Awards Ceremony during the 2026 ASHBA Annual Convention.

The Sport Horse Owner and/or Breeder of the Year Award honors an individual whose dedication, vision, and long-term commitment strengthen the versatility and future of the American Saddlebred. Shelah Wetter’s lifelong involvement with the breed reflects both tradition and forward-thinking horsemanship.

Raised showing Saddlebreds along the West Coast, Wetter has been immersed in the horse world since childhood, gaining hands-on experience developing horses bred through her family’s program. That foundation, built alongside her mother, Pamela Heiman, reflects more than four decades of commitment to producing quality American Saddlebreds for the show ring.

In 2011, Wetter expanded her focus to endurance riding, logging more than 20,000 miles across the western United States with her Saddlebreds and demonstrating the breed’s remarkable versatility. This season, her horse CH-SH Red Hot Inferno earned his championship as an endurance horse, underscoring the thoughtful breeding and dedicated ownership behind his success.

“Shelah’s journey reflects the depth and versatility of the American Saddlebred,” said Smith Lilly, Immediate Past President of ASHBA. “Her commitment to breeding, development, and performance across disciplines strengthens the future of our sport horse program.”

Through lifelong dedication and a belief in the breed’s versatility, Shelah Wetter stands as a deserving recipient of the Sport Horse Owner and/or Breeder of the Year recognition.