The Bill Wise American Saddlebred Sweepstakes is set to return to the World's Championship Horse Show this August, continuing its mission of rewarding breeders while investing in the future of the American Saddlebred. Through its annual Live Gala & Stallion Auction and Online Sweepstakes Auction, the program provides meaningful incentives that encourage breeding excellence and strengthen the industry for generations to come.
Originally founded by the late Bill Wise, the Sweepstakes was created with a simple but powerful vision: to reward breeders dedicated to producing exceptional American Saddlebreds. Today, that vision continues by returning millions of dollars in value to breeders and owners while encouraging investment in the next generation of the breed.
Following Bill Wise's passing in 2025, the Sweepstakes found its permanent home alongside the World's Championship Horse Show in Louisville – fulfilling one of his final wishes and ensuring that his commitment to the American Saddlebred industry lives on.
2026 Live Gala & Stallion Auction
The Live Gala & Stallion Auction will take place Saturday, August 22 at the Saddlebred Café, immediately following the first Saturday evening performance of the World's Championship Horse Show.
The evening will feature the Top 10 Living Stallions and Top 10 Legend Stallions, offering attendees an opportunity to celebrate the breed while supporting one of its most successful breeder incentive programs.
In addition, the Online Sweepstakes Auction will run August 17-22, concluding at 6 p.m. ET, allowing participation from breeders and supporters across the country.
Investing in the Future of the Breed
Every stallion donated and every breeding purchased directly supports the future of the American Saddlebred by creating valuable opportunities for breeders and owners.
As part of the Sweepstakes incentive program, stallion donors and successful service buyers receive complimentary Sweepstakes entry for the resulting foal into the 2-, 3-, and 4-Year-Old Sweepstakes Program, providing immediate value while encouraging continued participation in the industry's premier breeding initiative.
New for 2026
This year's auction introduces an exciting new breeder incentive. The breeder of the first-place colt sired by a Sweepstakes Auction Stallion will receive a $2,500 credit toward the stud fee of any stallion that participated in the Sweepstakes Auction. The new award is designed to encourage reinvestment within the program, creating additional opportunities for breeders while promoting future generations of outstanding American Saddlebreds.