The American Saddlebred The American Saddlebred is the epitome of the show horse. He carries himself with an attitude that is elusive of description—some call it “class”, presence, quality, style, or charm. This superior air distinguishes his every movement. The characteristics that have contributed to the Saddlebred’s reputation as the “peacock of the show ring” also makes him a versatile horse. Smoothness of gaits, speed coupled with intelligence and powerful muscling enable him to do whatever is asked of him. Saddlebreds have excelled in the show ring as well as many non-traditional disciplines such as dressage, eventing, show jumping, combined driving, and endurance, as well as recreational and competitive trail riding. A Saddlebred is capable of almost any task he is asked to perform and will do it with extraordinary style! Winning Characteristics Saddlebreds come in almost all colors, ranging in height from 14 to 17 hands and weigh between 800 and 1,200 pounds. The head and eye of the ideal Saddlebred suggest refinement and intelligence. Long, sloping Blue Ribbon Handbook pasterns give a spring to the stride, making Saddlebreds very comfortable to ride. High quality, smoothness and balanced proportions complete an overall picture of symmetry and style. Perhaps the breed’s most A Quick Guide to Showing the distinguishing trait is its mental acumen. Happy, alert and curious, American Saddlebreds possess that people-oriented quality called American Saddlebred personality, endearing them to their admirers. They are truly America’s Spirited Beauty! The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) ASHA’s Mission Statement The start of the American Saddlebred Horse Association began back in The mission of the American Saddlebred Horse Association is to the late 1700s. By then, the American Saddlebred was being recognized as promote, improve and protect the grace, intelligence and versatility of the a unique and individual horse type, referred to as the "American Horse." American Saddlebred, and to provide programs and services supporting With the continued addition of Thoroughbred blood to easy gaited horses, our members, while fostering public awareness of the breed. breeders saw they were creating a distinct breed. In the 1880s, breeders of this unique type of horse began to call for the formation of a breed ASR’s Mission Statement association and registry. Charles F. Mills began compiling pedigrees and The American Saddlebred Registry shall guarantee the purity of the breed formulating rules for a registry. through the establishment, maintenance and publication of an accurate register for the recording of pedigrees and the transfers of ownership of Shortly thereafter, The Farmers Home Journal , a newspaper in Louisville, the American Saddlebred Horse. The Registry shall, in addition, administer Kentucky, called for a meeting on April 7, 1891. Thus, on that day, the the recognition and prize programs associated with the breed. American Saddle-Horse Breeders’ Association was established in Louisville, Kentucky. Under the leadership of the first Association Visit ASHA on the web at www.saddlebred.com President, John B. Castleman, the objectives of collecting, recording and preserving the pedigrees of saddle horses in America began. In 1908, after years of discussion, the Association formally acknowledged Denmark F.S. The Colorado American Saddlebred Horse Association as the sole Foundation Sire of the American Saddle Horse. However, in (CASHA) 1991, after careful review of bloodlines, Harrison Chief 1606 was also named CASHA is a Charter Club of the National Saddlebred organization, the a Foundation Sire for his contribution to the formation of the breed. American Saddlebred Horse Association. The association promotes all activities involving the Colorado Saddlebred. Membership to CASHA As time went on and the registry grew in numbers of horses and members, includes automatic entry into our year end awards program which honor the name American Saddle-Horse Breeders’ Association no longer the high point Saddlebred horses and Saddlebred riders in competition reflected the expanding functions of the Association. Therefore, on April throughout the show year at all skill levels. Merit Awards honor a lifetime 22, 1980, the registry’s name was changed to American Saddlebred Horse achievement of success in the show ring to Saddlebreds showing in Association (ASHA). Colorado. A $500 scholarship to the college of their choice is awarded to the high point juvenile rider during the competition year as well. Members In 1985, ASHA headquarters moved from Louisville, Kentucky, to the are also eligible for special membership discounts in from our National new American Saddle Horse Museum building, located at the Kentucky organization, ASHA, as well as discounts from various corporate sponsors Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. ASHA was the first breed registry to such as John Deere, Sherwin Williams, Office Max, Valvoline, Hertz, call the Kentucky Horse Park home. FarmVet, Sam’s Club, and Choice Hotels. The Colorado High Steppers is the youth group affiliated with CASHA. Youth group activities are all Today the American Saddlebred Horse Association is made up of two about involving youth members with each other as well as the American branches, the Association itself and the American Saddlebred Registry. Saddlebred. Emailed CASHA current events and topics, a newsletter, and The Association is responsible for promoting and improving the breed, an annual calendar keep our members informed about CASHA activities. while the Registry is responsible for keeping the lineage and ownership Support the Colorado American Saddlebred and join today!! records of all registered Saddlebreds all over the United States and the world! Visit CASHA on the web at www.coloradosaddlebred.com The United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) Horse Shows, Here We Come!! Based in Lexington, KY, the UPHA is an association of professional Now that you have met the organizations involved with the American horsemen and horsewomen who have united to improve the show horse Saddlebred and horse shows across the country, we want to introduce you industry and to define and clarify their professionalism within the industry. to some general rules and etiquette that you can follow when you are Since its inception in 1968, the UPHA has expanded into eighteen regional participating in a horse show. chapters that comprise all fifty states and Canada. In Colorado, our local UPHA Chapter is Chapter 19. The predominant breeds represented by A Few Traditions and Etiquette in the Show Ring UPHA members are the American Saddlebred, the Morgan Horse, the Hackney Pony and the National Show Horse. From the beginning, UPHA • Horses enter the show ring at a trot unless otherwise instructed. programs have benefited not only the individual horse person, but the • Basic show attire is a riding suit, vest, tie, derby, and riding boots entire horse show industry. (helmets are acceptable). • Academy class attire is riding pants, riding boots, white shirt, The UPHA regularly works with the United States Equestrian Federation, generally a sweater or vest, and helmet. The American Horse Council and the various breed organizations to • At the end of each class, riders line their horses up next to each promote safety, ensure fairness, improve conditions, increase attendance other in the middle of the show ring facing the ring steward and improve the overall horse show experience for owners, trainers, (frequently referred to as the lineup). ALL horses must continue grooms, and spectators alike. In addition to its core programs, the UPHA in a clockwise direction into the lineup (horses not in continuing seeks to foster communication and mutually beneficial relationships in a clockwise direction should be penalized). Judges take a final between all participants in the horse show industry. look at the horses at this time and write down their decision for the winners. The number on the rider’s back is written down in For over forty years the United Professional Horsemen's Association has order of placing and given to the announcer on a blank card called given a united voice to the individual trainer while recognizing his/her a judge’s card. The judge’s card typically has the class name, class unique capabilities and talent. We invite you to learn more about UPHA's number (from the schedule), and the specifications for the class goals and programs, and would welcome your membership into the already printed on it. association. • When in the lineup it is customary for the horses to “park out” or stretch out with front and rear feet even with each other. When Visit UPHA on the web at www.uphaonline.com “parked out” the front legs should be perpendicular to the ground, with the hind legs stretched out behind the horse at an angle. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) • It is proper for men tip their hats to women judges during the final The United States Equestrian Federation serves as the National Governing line up. Body for Equestrian Sport. The USEF is dedicated to uniting the • Horses may be shown in any class with unset tails without penalty. equestrian community, honoring achievement, and serving as guardians of equestrian sport. Since its inception in 1917, the Federation has been Riding is a great sport in which to learn to compete against yourself, to dedicated to pursuing excellence and promoting growth, all while practice sportsmanship, and to develop confidence. providing and maintaining a safe and level playing field for both its equine and human athletes. The USEF governs many horse shows in Colorado. Did you know? All horses have their birthday on January 1 of each year, They provide the general rules we all follow at USEF rated horse shows. no matter what date they were actually born. Also…A rider’s show age for any given year is determined by the age they Visit USEF on the web at www.usef.org were on December 1 st of the previous year.