Half Saddlebred Registry of America
The Half Saddlebred Registry of America was founded in 1971 by Roberta Nye Busch, who perceived a need for a recording organization when owners from other breeds bred mares to her American Saddlebred stallion, Flying Eagle Peavine 32802. After 25 years at the helm of the Registry, Busch requested that the American Saddlebred Horse Association become the administrator of the program. There are approximately 5,000 Half Saddlebreds registered with the Half Saddlebred Registry of America.
The Registry reflects many breed crossings with American Saddlebred mares and stallions. Registered Half Saddlebreds are found in the United States, Canada, France and Germany.
The Half Saddlebred offers characteristics similar to his Saddlebred parent – smooth gaits, willingness to work with people, intelligence and versatility.
Conformation Brochure
ASHBA High Point
ASHBA National Select Series
ASHBA Saddlebred Record
NEW ASHBA Half Saddlebred Futurity: Beginning in 2027
The American Saddlebred community is thrilled to unveil the Half Saddlebred Futurity - an initiative created to elevate and grow the market for Half Saddlebreds. Modeled after the proven success of the AEPA and AWPA futurities in the Arabian show world, this program sets a new standard for opportunity and recognition. With a target goal of $150,000 in annual prize money, the Half Saddlebred Futurity is poised to become one of the most rewarding and influential programs in the show horse industry. It’s more than a competition - it’s a movement to spotlight the versatility, beauty, and athleticism of Half Saddlebreds across disciplines.
2026 ASHBA Half Saddlebred Futurities
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 June 1, 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.
Click here for the 2026 Stallion Nomination and Breeding Agreement.
Click here for the 2027 Stallion Nomination and Breeding Agreement.
2026 ASHBA Half Saddlebred Futurity Nomination Form - nomination deadline is June 1, 2026
2026 ASHBA Half Saddlebred Futurity Rules
Half Saddlebred Futurity Donation
Stallion Service Donation Contract
Registration
Registration in the Half Saddlebred Registry requires ONE PARENT (sire or dam) be a purebred American Saddlebred duly registered with the ASHBA. A full-blooded American Saddlebred cannot be accepted for registration as a Half Saddlebred. The purebred American Saddlebred Certificate of Registration must be in complete order with ASHBA before any offspring will be considered eligible.
In addition, the following must be submitted to the Half Saddlebred Registry of America:
- A Half Saddlebred application for registration must be completed and signed by the appropriate owner(s).
- The recorded owner of the horse's sire must complete and sign the breeder's certificate.
- Four color photographs (front, back, and both sides) must accompany the application.
- The correct registration fees must be submitted with the application.
- Registration - all ages $50
- Registered with another breed Association $35*
- $50 DNA testing fee (mandatory)
*If the horse to be registered is an older horse and breeding proof cannot be secured, but that horse is registered with another registry, then a copy of the papers from the other registry will serve as breeding proof. The application below can be completed electronically by saving the file and then submitting by email to [email protected] or printed and faxed to (859) 259-1628 or mailed to ASHBA, 4083 Wing Commander Way, Suite 50, Lexington, KY 40511.
Transfer of Ownership
Transferring ownership with the Half Saddlebred Registry is easy to complete. On the reverse side of the Certificate of Registration, space has been allotted to record transfers of ownership. The current recorded owner must:
- List the name and address of the person(s) to whom they sold or gave the horse.
- Include the date of sale.
- Sign where indicated. If the horse is registered in two or more names, all owners must sign.
- Submit the original Certificate of Registration to the ASHBA with the appropriate fee, $25 per transfer.
The change in ownership will be recorded and a new Certificate of Registration is mailed to the new owner.
If the original Certificate of Registration has been lost, then the following must be submitted:
- An affidavit for duplicate papers must be completed and the signature of the applicant notarized.
- Four current photographs of the horse (front, back, and both sides) must accompany the affidavit along with the processing fee of $25.
If a sale has occurred, then a copy of a bill of sale or other documentation to prove the purchase will be necessary to complete the transfer, along with the transfer fee of $25.