In time for Bill Wise’s 90th Birthday, the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association is honored to announce with the unanimous support of the ASHBA Board of Directors, Registry Council, and Sweepstakes Committee that the American Saddlebred Sweepstakes will forevermore be titled as the Bill Wise American Saddlebred Sweepstakes program.

Bill Wise founded the American Saddlebred Sweepstakes program in partnership with the American Saddlebred Horse Association more than 40 years ago. Since its inception the Sweepstakes has awarded over $3 million in prize money. Over the years the Sweepstakes has grown to offer additional prize money programs for two, three, and four-year-old American Saddlebreds in divisions from Five-Gaited to Hunter Country Pleasure at shows across the country.

This 1981 UPHA Horseman of the Year, 2004 UPHA Tom Moore Hall of Fame inductee, and 2009 ASHA Wing Commander Medal recipient's contributions and accomplishments in the American Saddlebred industry have been monumental. Wise’s vision and commitment to expanding opportunities for the breed and the industry have influenced the breed for over 60 years. 

 As a professional, he developed and campaigned many greats such as two-time Five-Gaited World’s Grand Champion CH Surefire, four-time Three-Gaited World’s Grand Champion for Don Harris Gift Of Love, You Are Love, Enchantment, and The Benefactor to name a few. As a judge, he was respected and trusted to stand center ring at the industry’s more prestigious horse shows. As a thought leader, he was key in developing the UPHA Classics and American Saddlebred market in South Africa. Wise brought the first group of riders there from the United States to compete, which served as the foundation for World Cup.

It is the privilege of the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association to honor Wise’s commitment to this program and the development of the American Saddlebred in this way.

If you have any questions regarding ASHBA Prize Programs, please contact Patricia Edwards at 859-259-3899 or p.edwards@asha.net.