Fact Sheet. Things You Need to Know About the Show.
FACT ONE: ASHA Star Shows are exactly the same as USEF Lite shows except a horse can only accumulate 3 total points toward their CH status at Star Shows. Why is this limitation? Because USEF and USEF Lite shows are subject to random drug testing and Star Shows are not. It is the opinion of the American Saddlebred Registry that to earn CH distinction, a horse should have to earn the bulk of those points at shows subjected to random drug testing. ASHA Star Shows accumulate CH points at half the value of USEF shows with a maximum number of 3 points allowed from Star Shows. That means 1/2 point for a win in a qualifying class of at least 6 horses; 1 point for a win in a championship class with at least 4 horses and 1/2 point for a reserve in a championship class with at least 4 horses.
FACT TWO: All participants are eligible to accumulate points for ASHA High Point Awards, ASHA National Pleasure Horse Awards and ASHA State Pleasure Awards. You must be a member of ASHA to be eligible for the ASHA awards programs.
FACT THREE: We encourage larger classes to make shows seem more competitive--if there are larger classes, we will split by age division. But, only if the class size warrants the split. Let's make showing exciting again!
FACT FOUR: Single Bit Classes: Horses are to be shown by Amateur or Juvenile riders in a snaffle bit with running or German martingale. Draw reins also allowed. However, any leverage bit rein is prohibited through the martingale. Pelham or ‘Tom Thumb’ bit without martingale, shank not to exceed 5 inches, also allowed. All tack should be of show ring quality. Same horse/rider combinations may not cross enter into another division, with the exception of the Model, Showmanship, Pattern and In-Hand Obstacle Classes.
FACT FIVE: The Alpha division is for riders that have either advanced beyond the Academy Division or are new riders entering show horse classes for the first time. These classes, unlike the novice or limit rider classes, will give riders two show seasons to compete at an entry-level of competition. The aim of this division is to give exhibitors an opportunity to gain more experience before moving up to compete against more experienced competition.
Division DetailsRider Eligibility
FACT TWO: All participants are eligible to accumulate points for ASHA High Point Awards, ASHA National Pleasure Horse Awards and ASHA State Pleasure Awards. You must be a member of ASHA to be eligible for the ASHA awards programs.
FACT THREE: We encourage larger classes to make shows seem more competitive--if there are larger classes, we will split by age division. But, only if the class size warrants the split. Let's make showing exciting again!
FACT FOUR: Single Bit Classes: Horses are to be shown by Amateur or Juvenile riders in a snaffle bit with running or German martingale. Draw reins also allowed. However, any leverage bit rein is prohibited through the martingale. Pelham or ‘Tom Thumb’ bit without martingale, shank not to exceed 5 inches, also allowed. All tack should be of show ring quality. Same horse/rider combinations may not cross enter into another division, with the exception of the Model, Showmanship, Pattern and In-Hand Obstacle Classes.
FACT FIVE: The Alpha division is for riders that have either advanced beyond the Academy Division or are new riders entering show horse classes for the first time. These classes, unlike the novice or limit rider classes, will give riders two show seasons to compete at an entry-level of competition. The aim of this division is to give exhibitors an opportunity to gain more experience before moving up to compete against more experienced competition.
Division DetailsRider Eligibility
- Open to competitors in their first two seasons of competing in a suit in a walk, trot, canter class at a ASHBA recorded competition.
- Competitors MUST be an ASHBA Member.
- Prior experience in the walk and trot division does not count against eligibility.
- Riders are able to cross over into non-ASHBA Alpha classes and divisions during this 2 year period.
- Riders who have competed at the Saddlebred National/World Finals level competition are ineligible.
- Horses must be a trotting-breed type horse (American Saddlebred, Half-Saddlebred, Morgan, Arabian, Friesian etc.) and show in the equipment and attire standards of the American Saddlebred Rulebook for the Division.