The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) yesterday released results of a survey around its new championship horse show, which will debut in 2025.

“The announcement of the new show and survey has generated excitement and optimism for the industry,” said David Mount, ASHBA Executive Director. “More than 1,300 individuals responded to the survey, which is an outstanding indicator of the level of interest.”

Highlights from the survey include:

• 26% of the respondents want the show to be held in Kentucky, with 24% in the central part of the country, and 22% in the Midwest.
  35% of the respondents want the show to be held in September, with 34% in October.
  The majority of the respondents felt it was important for the show to be held at an equine focused facility, with permanent stalls, and multiple show rings.
  Specific facilities suggested include the World Equestrian Center (Ocala), OKC Fairgrounds (Oklahoma City), Kentucky Horse Park (Lexington), and the Kentucky Exposition Center (Louisville).
  The majority of the respondents felt it was important to have good on-site hospitality at the show and good hotels near the show.
  The respondents want to see the addition of Masters classes, Walk Trot Pleasure 12 and Under, Junior Exhibitor Hunter Country Pleasure, Five Gaited Country Pleasure and Open Park Pleasure classes at the show.

“Survey respondents welcome the opportunity for a show run by us, citing a desire for a more inclusive and innovative event that showcases our amazing breed in order to grow,” says Allen Bosworth, ASHBA President.

The New Championship Horse Show Survey results can be found HERE.

“We used the data received from the survey to draft a Request for Proposal that has been sent to seven facilities,” said Smith Lilly, co-chair of the New Championship Horse Show Exploratory Committee.

Those facilities include the American Royal (Kansas City), Expo Square (Tulsa), Indiana State Fairgrounds (Indianapolis), Kentucky Exposition Center (Louisville), Kentucky Horse Park (Lexington), OKC Fairgrounds (Oklahoma City), and the World Equestrian Center (Ocala).

“The Request for Proposals are due back July 31, and we will conduct site visits as part of our due diligence,” said Joe O’Brien, co-chair of the New Championship Horse Show Exploratory Committee. “We hope to announce the location for the new show by the end of September.”

The Request for Proposal can be found HERE.

As always, ASHBA will keep its members informed as details become available.