The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) announced today the creation of a New Horse Show Exploratory Committee, led by co-chairs Smith Lilly and Joe O’Brien, whose purpose is to create an exciting new championship horse show in 2025 for the show horse industry, owned by the industry. The new horse show will be organized under a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

“For many years, the question has been asked, ‘Why don’t we create our own show?’,” said Allen Bosworth, president of the ASHBA Board of Directors. “The time to answer that question is here, and the answer is, ‘2025 can’t get here fast enough!’”

“This one-of-a-kind show experience will be designed to showcase the beauty, athleticism, and versatility of the show breeds and foster the growth of passionate enthusiasts committed to these breeds for generations to come,” Lilly said. “We will celebrate excellence in horsemanship as we build this show on the pillars of innovation, hospitality, integrity and safety.”

“In order to produce the world’s greatest championship horse show experience, it’s vital that we listen to our owners, exhibitors and trainers – not just now, but always,” O’Brien said. “To that end, we need your help. Your input is important in helping create a show that our industry has long desired and deserved.”

ASHBA is asking industry members to fill out the new championship horse show survey, provided below. The deadline to submit feedback is June 20, and your feedback will be kept anonymous.

“The committee members will use your feedback as guidance for creating the new show, said David Mount, executive director of ASHBA. “We also plan to conduct town halls at horse shows later this summer and this fall. If you have an idea for the show after the survey deadline, please email it to competitions@saddlebred.com.”

ASHBA is also planning to have a contest to name the new show – details will be announced soon.

New Championship Horse Show Survey

Horse Show Exploratory Committee Members