FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

North Carolina Sweeps Worlds Grand Championships
Four-peats for Walterways Remember Me, Big Red

Louisville, Kentucky - Saturday Night in Freedom Hall was one of those performances that demonstrated once again the unpredictability of sport, particularly the greatest equestrian sport. It was a mix of the familiar, the new, and the unexpected, cast against a backdrop of 12,000 cheering fans- just when the cynics are saying the results are knowable before the competition takes place as in the racing pundits ignoring every horse besides Big Brown in the Belmont Stakes this year, the horses and their connections prove theres just no controlling Mother Nature and her unknowable equine caprices.

In the world of horses, four wins is a big number That two horses in the same, most prestigious of championship nights could both score four-peats, one an American Saddlebred and one a Standardbred, is beyond all odds. But it happened.

First, in a class of nine stellar Five-Gaited ladies horses, CH Walterways Remember Me and Ceil Wheeler of Virginia emerged on top yet again, for the fourth straight year Just think of it- four different sets of competitors, four different sets of judges, and four different sets of circumstances, not to mention horse and rider each aging four years in the process, and just how remarkable this is begins to set in. Remember Me has been a top performer since the year he was foaled, one of those winners in hand, with the mental toughness and physical ability not to mention superlative training over the years by Nelson Green and John Conatser to go to the top in high performance competition later on. One would have to agree hes the quintessential ladies horse of his era, the one the rules describe perfectly

And what words are there to describe Big Red and Raymond Shively This pair are like that watch youve heard about- except these fine jewels of a Roadster and his trainer just keep on trotting, and ticking . . . and also keep on licking every opponent in sight.

In the three Worlds Grand Championships, the opposite scenarios played out. Two of the three included defending champions back for more yet all three ended with the crowning of new horses at the top of their world.

The Fine Harness horses traditionally appear first, and the audience sensed an upset from the moment the gate opened and top horse after top horse, eight in all, some familiar and some not-so, marched in with all those great harness trots and just lit up the crowd. The aptly named Mother Mary Revival x Mother Superior, another of those graduates from the American Saddlebred Registry Futurity Prize Program, had begun knocking at the door in this section, driven expertly by a smiling, lovely, and determined Sandy Lilly, a Fine Harness picture the way its supposed to look, and to the roar of the audience this night the door opened and that blanket of white roses just added to the delight. In a sense, given that the contention ran so deep, it was hard to imagine all three judges could see it the same way, without a workout, which is a tribute to this mares correctness in harness for her new owners Anita and Richard Simpson, not to mention the wisdom of their purchase.

In the Three-Gaited Grand Championship, another new champion was pinned. Seven trotted onto the green shavings, with five men competing against two ladies. Guess which gender was champion and reserve The winner, Mary Jane Marcum Orr on CH Our Charming Lady, even brought her own cheering section, complete with flash cards so as to leave no doubt as to their favorite And was this lady determined- she was a ring general, and her lovely bay mare waved her legs as directed- and then delivered a great, fist-pumping honor round with the yellow flowers, complete with shout-outs to her supporters in the stands.

In the final Worlds Grand Championship, 11 Five-Gaited horses answered the call in what promised to be a wide-open affair. Last years Reserve Champion, According To Lynn, was back for more with Mary Gaylord McClean, and the crowd seemed to think it was her turn this time around, especially since the defending champion didnt come to Kentucky this year. Then the Lexington Jr. League champ, CH Breaking News with Peter Cowart, trotting and racking up a storm, gained more and more attention as the class developed. Finally, in the only workout in the big three classes this night, the judges put these two back out for more, along with Callaways Karla and Debbie Foley, SA Calif First Night Out and Neil Visser, and Thunderstorm Warning with Tammy Devore.

In the end, this tri-color too went to North Carolina, with Peter Cowart for his owners Beth Arndt and Megan McClure, while a smiling and great sport Mary McClean rode up for Reserve Champion honors again this year. Announcer Peter Doubleday interviewed Cowart before the final 2008 victory parade, who said the new Worlds Grand Champion already had a home for life, was never and would never be for sale, and that his owners were that kind of supportive people, of him and his horse. He told of watching CH Sky Watch win all those years ago, and dreaming hed like to do that himself some day.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

Riches Await Raffle WinnersPar-tay On for Blackberry Delight Friday Night

Louisville, Kentucky - As the 2008 World's Championship Horse Show enters the home stretch toward Saturday's Grand Championship night, Thursday evening is always a special evening for young horses and for important Saddlebred fund-raising and other winners, too.

With a change in format this year, center ring was the site of the annual Saddlebred Raffle drawing of 15 lucky supporters of the breed, each of whom purchased a 100 ticket going toward gross revenue of 40,000 half of which is paid out in winnings of up to 5,000 individual prizes. The other 20,000 raised goes to promote the breed and educate the public about Saddlebreds.

Friday night's after-the-show inaugural Exhibitors' Party in honor of CH Blackberry Delight, to be held in the new Saddlebred Caf adjacent to Freedom Hall in the North Wing, will feature a spectacular live auction, as well as the final drawingamong the 15 winners in the Saddlebred Raffle: one among them will win the 5,000 Grand Prize, with other prizes ranging from 2,500 to a minimum of 500.

Blackberries will be a constant theme at the party, with the delicious menu topped by a variety of Blackberry Delights, including Blackberry Smoothies, Sundaes, and even Blackberry Martinis

The Saddlebred world is invited to join CH Blackberry Delight and all his connections, including Shannon Sewell, Rachel Machamer, Andy ampamp Lynda Freseth, and the leadership of the American Saddlebred Horse Association and Kentucky State Fair, to celebrate the warm friendships inspired by our wonderful breed, as well as its infinite variety of achievement.

ASHA Raffle Winners
in alphabetical order

Jim Cherry - California
Sarah Cronan - Kentucky
Elizabeth Deknatel - Kentucky
Nancy Leigh Fisher - Wisconsin
Bob Gatlin - Georgia
Rose Hochner - Texas
Jay Leslie, Jr. - Nebraska
Carol Love - North Carolina
Maureen Lydon - Kentucky
Ron ampamp Betty Moore - Georgia
Jim Ruwoldt - Georgia
Randy Stoess - Georgia
Buddy Waggoner - Kentucky
David Waggoner - Alabama
Ruth H. Wright - Kentucky

The American Saddlebred Horse Association expresses its sincere appreciation for their dedication to this years Saddlebred Ambassadors, who took responsibility for Saddlebred Raffle ticket sales.

They were organized and overseen by Mary Anne Cronan of Kentucky, ASHA president, and included Jennifer Dixon of California, Stacey Kipper of Colorado, Bridget McNeese of Texas, Judy Werner of Illinois, Mary Ann Pardieck of Indiana, Jennifer Robertson in Kentucky, Scott Mattson in Wisconsin, Susan Reimer in Georgia, Kristen Cater in New Hampshire, and Nancy Boone in North Carolina.

Also deserving of repeated appreciation is Sandy Lilly of Mercer Springs Farm, who has sold so many Saddlebred Raffle tickets over the last few years, and headed this event so successfully, that it took over TEN PEOPLE to succeed her this year, along with past ASHA president Fred Sarver, always among the top ticket sellers

Star of this Years Show The New North Wing

Louisville, Kentucky - The most noticeable standout at the 2008 Worlds Championship Horse Show WCHS may not be a horse at all. By weeks end, the most talked about newcomer at this years show might just be the new North Wing of the Louisville Fair ampamp Exposition Center.

According to Alan F. Balch, Executive Secretary of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, and former president of the national equestrian federation of the United States, ampquotI've been fortunate to see equestrian facilities all over the world throughout the last 40 years or so from a professional standpoint, at just about every level of competition including the Olympic Games. The amenities that have been added to these show grounds with the addition of stabling, schooling, commercial, and restaurant areas in the new North Wing -- all adjacent to an arena like Freedom Hall -- would be the envy of any equestrian competition anywhere. For the Commonwealth of Kentucky to make this investment in support of the horse sports is a supreme tribute to the importance of Kentucky's signature industry.ampquot

The East Wing, originally constructed in 1956, was cleared out to make room for construction of the new and notably enhanced North Wing. From start to finish, the project took 18 months to complete, beginning with the removal of the original East Wing in March of 2006, and concluding with the North Wings completion and opening in October of 2007. According to Kentucky State FairPresident Harold Workman, the project came at a cost of 55 million, and if the multitude of positive feedback is any indication, this was money well spent.

Although the North Wing was built on the site of its predecessor and has virtually the same square footage, this is just about where the similarities end. The original East Wing required the support of 96 columns to support the structure, and utilities were accessible only through the ceiling. The superior structure standing in its place today is supported using only six columns, offers floor access to all available utilities, and boasts a 27-foot high ceiling with state of the art lighting click here for image.

In addition to the North Wing is the North Lobby, which consists of 35,000 additional square feet, bringing the entire North Wings total square footage to more than 250,000. All told, with the opening of the new North Wing in October of 2007, the Louisville Fair ampamp Exposition Center offers a total of approximately 825,000 square footage of Class A Space. Not only does this addition better serve the needs of WCHS and its patrons, it also makes the Center a very attractive and viable national competitor for other such high profile events.

One of the many driving forces behind the idea for such structural enhancements was to better accommodate the needs of events such as WCHS. This year being the first occurrence of this event since the opening of the new North Wing, it has already proven to be a considerable asset for horse show participants and spectators alike. One pleased patron was Jennifer Dixon of JL Dixon Stables, in Atherton, California. In comparing the stabling conditions to being outdoors in previous years, Jennifer said, It has been wonderful The ventilation in there is great and the air conditioning is fabulous. Jennifer also noted the positive impact of the improved conditions on the horses themselves, saying, The horses are happier, they are brighter, it is really just much better because it is climate controlled and we can breathe.

Another horsewoman, Lynn Harvey McNamara, of Wethersfield, Connecticut, whose family has been showing here in Louisville since the 1950s, initially expressed concern about the climate-controlled environment. Our horses are not used to air conditioning for the most part. Most of our stables are not air conditioned, and going from air conditioning to heat can cause a lot of metabolic changes. Once inside the facility, however, Lynn was ultimately satisfied with the conditions, saying, I think the Fair certainly addressed that. I am sure they talked to veterinarians, and they talked to owners, and they realized how important it was that this building not be frigid cold, and they could set the temperature according to the desires of the horsemen.

Overall, Lynn was impressed with the enhanced facility, and said, I would say that we are thrilled with this, with this new innovation in this new venue that they have offered exhibitors click here for image. I think that people are pleased. And certainly from the point of view of somebody who has shown here for fifty-some years, I think this is a major improvement to this horse show and they Kentucky State Fair should be commended for it

In addition to housing 824 stalls for stabling horses throughout the show click here for image, the new wing offers ample room for multiple vendor exhibits where one can find anything from riding equipment to horse trailers. Adjacent to these vendors can be found the Saddlebred Caf click here for image, which offers patrons an alternative to the typical fare. click here for image.

A finishing touch of the new wing is the pedway constructed to give patrons a safer and more convenient route of travel as they come and go. Underneath one end of the pedway is Stopher walk, which allows the convenience of passing through without braving the horse traffic. On the opposite end, the pedway opens up into the North Lobby, with escalators conveniently located at each end.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

Friday Night Exhibitors Gala at Kentucky State Fair to HonorBlackberry Delight
Music, Live Auction Highlighted

Louisville, Kentucky - At the Kentucky State Fairs Worlds Championship Horse Show, on Friday evening, August 22, CH Blackberry Delight will formally retire from competition, an honor reserved for only the most special American Saddlebreds. And is he special From the year he was foaled, 1993, hes been a winner and champion in hand, under saddle, and in harness. He owns 17 Worlds Championship titles in 7 different competition sections, having amassed an astounding 134 Saddlebred Record points from 107 wins in 123 career classes.

Following the show that evening, his owners Shannon Sewell and Rachel Machamer, and the American Saddlebred Horse Association ASHA, invite all his friends and all exhibitors to attend a gala event in his honor, as their guests, Friday Night for Blackberry Delight. This spectacular exhibitor party will be held in the popular new Saddlebred Caf, located in the North Wing on the Kentucky State Fairgrounds, adjacent to Freedom Hall. A feast of delicious food and beverages, highlighted by several Blackberry Delights, as well as musical entertainment by the Chad Graham Band featuring Chad Graham and Gabe Deknatel, will greet partygoers. A cash bar will be available as well.

In addition, a new live auction of select offerings will top off the evening, to benefit the ASHA Youth, Scholarship, and Saddlebred promotional and educational programs. Included in the auction will be Kentucky Derby 2009 and Breeders Cup 2008 packages, an Alexa King bronze Alexa having just been commissioned for the life-sized Barbaro memorial at Churchill Downs, along with one week at the sold out Mercer Springs Farm Adult Amateur/Owner/Trainer Camp in 2009, a week in a 400-year-old French Village House, an extended weekend on Park Avenue in New York City, a stay at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, and a set of Fine Harness from Walsh, along with several other excellent offerings.

According to Alan F. Balch, ASHA executive secretary, this is going to be a really fun new event, and so convenient for everyone since its right at Freedom Hall. Its been a long, long time since the old days of big exhibitor parties at the Worlds Championship Horse Show, and we have a feeling were going to start a fabulous new tradition this year, thanks to all the connections of Blackberry Delight and the assistance of the Kentucky State Fair. Shannon Sewell, Rachel Machamer, Lynda Freseth, and the Fair, are pulling out all the stops for the entire evening, including for his retirement ceremony in the ring earlier in the evening. We couldnt be happier than to be honoring this exceptional Saddlebred.

For additional information, contact ASHA at Saddlebredasha.net.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, August 18, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

I'm In Heaven, Nutorious Score Futurity Wins McCleans Victorious Opening Night at World's Championship

Louisville, Kentucky - With over a quarter-million dollars in total prize money on the line in the American Saddlebred Registry futurities offered at the Kentucky State Fair this year, the World's Championship Horse Show began with its traditional Sunday night opener, the Weanling section of the Kentucky Futurity.

In what proved to be an omen for a spectacular evening for the prolific, high profile sire Undulata's Nutcracker, owned by Schones ampamp Jampsa, LLC, the lovely weanling colt I'm In Heaven won the first rich blue offered this year, handled by Joan Lurie and Darrell Case. This was a familiar scene for these connections, since his dam, Heavenly Thunder, was twice World's Champion in 2007, in the Three-Gaited section I'm In Heaven is owned by his breeders, McGlothlin Heir Svc and Willowbank.

Just five classes later, the Yearling section of the Kentucky Futurity was called onto the green shavings in Freedom Hall, and once again Joan Lurie and Darrell Case emerged with the top prize. The black gelding Nutorious, for owners Peggy and Phil Alderman of Vermont, was bred by Hallston Manor and GKW, Inc. of Supreme Heir fame, and notched yet another win for his sire Undulata's Nutcracker. His dam is Heir Spray, by Supreme Heir.

The remainder of the program was highlighted by Kentucky County Fair Championships across numerous performance sections. With back to back wins in the Fine Harness Cherished King and Harness Pony Mastercraft's Promoter LF championships, Mary and Jeff McClean, respectively, starred for Golden Creek Farm.

Climaxing the evening was the Kentucky County Fair Championship for Five-Gaited Saddlebreds. Emerging victorious with a popular win, unanimous on the judges' cards, was Thunderstorm Warning. Owned by Martha Pope, and bred by Steven Spady, D.O., the blue ribbon gelding was ridden ampamp trained by Tammy Devore.

Saddlebred Member Services offered at the World's Championship Horse Show

Louisville, Kentucky - Once again the Saddlebred Center is the hub for all things associated with the American Saddlebred Horse Association and American Saddlebred Registry during the Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show WCHS, Sunday evening, August 17 through Saturday evening, August 23, 2008.

The Saddlebred Center is located on the concourse, across from the elevator in the northwest corner of Freedom Hall. It's just off the crossing between the paddock and the show ring where horses enter the show arena, and will be staffed with Registry and Association employees and volunteers that assist members. In addition computer stations are available for members to utilize the Association's Web site or to check e-mail.

Exhibitors can help promote the breed with a press release to the newspaper in their communities. World's Championship Horse Show participants interested in having their hometown newspapers informed of their accomplishments during the week should stop by the Saddlebred Center. Forms requesting the necessary information to enable the Association to send a news release to a local newspaper are available.

For those competing, attending or participating otherwise in the World's Championship Horse Show for the first time ever, American Saddlebred magazine wants to hear your story. During the week, in American Saddlebred Daily - ASHA's daily publication featuring horse show news, results and information - stories of ampquotfirst-timersampquot will be told. From someone's first trip to the show to a maiden win, American Saddlebred Daily is sharing those special memory-making moments with those who'll appreciate them the most, fellow Saddlebred lovers. To have your ampquotfirst-time-everampquot story told, please visit the Saddlebred Center.

For additional information, contact ASHA at saddlebredasha.net.

Media outreach kick-starts the World's Championship Horse Show

Louisville, Kentucky - Each year the American Saddlebred Horse Association ASHA tries to improve and expand upon the previous year's media efforts focused on the World's Championship Horse Show. This year the show started Sunday evening, August 17, at the Kentucky State Fair's historic Freedom Hall, and continues through the World's Grand Championship Night, Saturday, August 23. From the American Saddlebred Daily distributed each morning, to the live webcast, to providing interviews and story ideas to Louisville's local television programs, ASHA's media outreach kicks into high gear this time of the year, and 2008 has been true to form.

The World's Championship Horse Show was the lead story on WLKY - Louisville's Channel 32, and aired last night, Sunday, August 17 at 11:00 PM. Reporter Hailee Lampert interviewed ASHA's president Mary Anne Cronan and BIG winner last night Mary Gaylord McClean, with center ring serving as the enthralling and appropriate backdrop. The story ran again today at noon.

This morning, Monday, August 18, WAVE 3 the NBC station also in Louisville, Kentucky, interviewed local equestrian Kaelyn Donnelly. Kaelyn is currently studying equine business at the University of Louisville and is also competing at the World's Championship. In addition to Kaelyn's stellar live stand-up, Tandy Patrick also appeared. Patrick, a veteran when it comes to public relations and the State Fair, as well as the Saddlebred horse, serves on the Kentucky State Fair Board of Directors. Together they accounted for four live feeds throughout the NBC affiliate's morning broadcast.

Tomorrow morning Louisville's WDRB TV Fox 41 will provide an array of Saddlebred coverage. Eight segments ranging from Western Saddlebred riders, to the versatility of the breed, and the kids of Cash Lovell Stables out of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, will air tomorrow morning, Tuesday, August 19 from 5:00 AM - 9 AM.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

Saddlebred Live Video Coverage, Futurities Open Worlds Championship Horse Show

Lexington, Kentucky - Sunday evening August 17 is Opening Night of the 2008 Worlds Championship Horse Show for American Saddlebreds at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville.

Live streaming video of all events at the Worlds Championship is available by subscription upon visiting www.saddlebred.com. Technical improvements from previous years are expected to make the video available to more users than ever before, with enhanced quality, across all computer platforms, including Macintosh and virtually all personal computers, as well as Nintendo Wii. The American Saddlebred Horse Association ASHA streams the video courtesy of the Kentucky State Fair and Richfield Video. All technical questions should be directed to Will Wood, Technology Manager of ASHA, at w.woodasha.net.

The first event of the Worlds Championship is the American Saddlebred Registry Futurity of Kentucky, for weanlings. Later in the opening program the yearling section of the Futurity will be presented, as well as numerous Kentucky County Fair Championships.

Total American Saddlebred Registry prize program purses on offer at this years Worlds Championship again top 250,000, including the National Three-Year-Old Futurity, as well as the Kentucky and Amateur futurities, both with sections for weanlings, yearlings, and two-year-olds. The National Futurity includes sections for Five-Gaited, Three-Gaited, Fine Harness, and Park Pleasure Saddlebreds. Total estimated purses prior to additions for declaration fees are 252,955, with 126,356 to be awarded in the National Futurity, 76,218 in the Kentucky Futurity, and 31,476 in the Amateur Futurity.

The Worlds Championship concludes on Friday and Saturday, August 22 and 23. The great champion Blackberry Delight will be honored with a formal retirement and gala exhibitors party on Friday night, and Worlds Grand Championship night concludes with the 100,000 Five-Gaited Championship Stake on Saturday evening.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

Saddlebred Champion Blackberry Delight Honored,
Feted at Gala Worlds Championship Event

Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Worlds Championship Horse Show begins Sunday evening, August 17, at the Kentucky State Fairs historic Freedom Hall, and continues through Worlds Grand Championship Night, Saturday, August 23.

Two very special events are in store for those who love the breed, beyond the spectacular competition.

On Friday evening, August 22, CH Blackberry Delight will formally retire from competition, an honor reserved for only the most special Saddlebreds. And is he special From the year he was foaled, 1993, hes been a winner and champion in hand, under saddle, and in harness. He owns 17 Worlds Championship titles in 7 different competition sections, having amassed an astounding 134 Saddlebred Record points from 107 wins in 123 career classes.

Following the show that evening, his owners Shannon Sewell and Rachel Machamer, and the American Saddlebred Horse Association ASHA, invite all his friends and all exhibitors to attend a gala event in his honor, Friday Night for Blackberry Delight. This spectacular exhibitor party will be held in the new North Wing on the Kentucky State Fairgrounds, adjacent to Freedom Hall, and will feature a feast of delicious food and beverages, highlighted by several Blackberry Delights, as well as musical entertainment and a video salute.

In addition, a new live auction of select offerings will top off the evening, to benefit the ASHA Youth, Scholarship, and educational programs. Included in the auction will be Kentucky Derby 2009 and Breeders Cup 2008 packages, along with one week at the sold out Mercer Springs Farm Adult Amateur/Owner/Trainer Camp in 2009, a week in a 400-year-old French Village House, an extended weekend on Park Avenue in New York City, a stay at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, and a set of Fine Harness from Walsh, along with several other excellent lots.

According to Alan F. Balch, ASHA executive secretary, this is going to be a really fun new event, and so convenient for everyone since its right at Freedom Hall. Its been a long, long time since the old days of big exhibitor parties at the Worlds Championship Horse Show, and we have a feeling were going to start a fabulous new tradition this year, thanks to all the connections of Blackberry Delight and the assistance of the Kentucky State Fair. Shannon Sewell, Rachel Machamer, Lynda Freseth, and the Fair, are pulling out all the stops for the entire evening, including for his retirement ceremony in the ring earlier in the evening. We couldnt be happier than to be honoring this exceptional Saddlebred.

For additional information, contact ASHA at saddlebredasha.net.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

Saddlebred World's Championship Webcast set for fourth straight year

Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association ASHA has announced that its Web site is again the Saddlebred fan's home for live video streaming and complete news coverage of the World's Championship Horse Show at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, Sunday evening, August 17 through Saturday evening, August 23, 2008.

The class schedule, up to date entries, results, plus the action from each class inside the ring are all part of the World's Championship Horse Show on-line experience, available on www.saddlebred.com. Additionally, the Association's daily publication, American Saddlebred Daily, featuring horse show news, results, judges' cards and standings, will be available on-line. Access the class schedule, entries, results and American Saddlebred Daily from the live webcast page at http://www.asha.net/video.

Continuing ASHA's mission to provide the best possible experience for its webcast viewers, the 2008 World's Championship Horse Show has several notable improvements from last year. The offering of two distinct quality levels for high-speed and low-speed connections stays the same however, the format for the webcast itself has changed from Windows Media to Adobe Flash. This effort should result in providing viewers with a wider variety of computer configurations being able to connect- across any browser on any operating system, including Microsoft Windows and Macintosh. It should also reduce the minimal amount of problems that were present in the past with Windows Media.

To ensure that your browser is compatible with Adobe Flash, visit this page: http://www.asha.net/video/test.php. If you see the video window buffering then playing, then you have Flash successfully installed. If not, click on the link to access the help page, and follow the instructions there to install Flash.

In a further effort to provide the best support possible, Live Remote Support has been implemented for this webcast. When the webcast is active, a link for ampquotLive Remote Supportampquot on the video page will take you to another page with instructions on how to receive this support. This essentially means that should a viewer need help and permits this access, ASHA's technology manager will have the ability to remotely log into a user's computer and diagnose any problems.

Licenses to view the live streaming video webcast are available for purchase at www.saddlebred.com. The fee to view the Webcast is 12 per day/location through Thursday and 17 per day/location for Friday and Saturday. A discount is available to ASHA members, resulting in fees of 10 per day/location and 15 per day/location. Additionally, there is a discounted package purchase available for 85 if all days are purchased at once. Members can receive even further discounts on this package, taking the total price for all days to 70. The license purchased to view the webcast is exclusive to each location and computer on which it is purchased. Essentially this means that viewers must watch the webcast on the same computer at the same location each time. Credit or debit card payment is accepted on-line. A broadband, DSL or cable modem Internet connection is required to view the webcast. A dial-up Internet connection is not sufficient. Additionally, there is a help page available on the video page that provides answers to frequently asked questions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 11, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

Saddlebred On-line Auction reaching its final stretch bidding begins to close today, Monday, at 9 PM Eastern Time USA

Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Associations ASHA first on-line auction to benefit Youth Programs and scholarships is reaching its final stretch, as bidding will begin to close on the bulk of items at 9 PM today, Monday, August 11.A few items including a sterling silver Saddlebred necklace and a pencil drawing by Mac McHugh- just to mention a couple- will stay open awhile longer. The originally announced auction closing of Sunday evening, August 10 at 9 PM Eastern Time USA was in error. Bidding started on Friday evening, August 1, at 9 PM Eastern Time USA, through EBay and Missionfish.

The new on-line auction, available at http://www.asha.net/auction08, the most extensive ever offered by ASHA for the Saddlebred world, replaces its traditional silent auction previously held during the Kentucky State Fair at the Executive West Hotel remodeling underway at the hotel prevented its use this year.

Do not miss the chance to support ASHA youth. To register and bid, visit http://www.asha.net/auction08. For technical questions, contact Will Wood, Jr., Technology Manager, at w.woodasha.net. For questions about particular items on offer, contact Brenda Newell, at b.newellasha.net.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 8, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

View CH status listings on the American Saddlebred Horse Associations Web site

Lexington, Kentucky- The American Saddlebred Horse Association ASHA has added a new CH status listings program to www.saddlebred.com. Members and non-members can now check the Champion CH status of any particular horse. The new CH program monitors which horses are currently eligible for CH status and which horses are close to becoming eligible. For the Saddlebred Record Champion rules and to download the CH application click www.asha.net/breed/chstatus.php.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 8, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

Junior Judging returns to the Worlds Championship Horse Show

Lexington, Kentucky- The American Saddlebred Horse Association ASHA Junior Judging is back for the 2008 Worlds Championship Horse Show during the 9 AM session on Friday, August 22. Judging results of participants will be compared to the actual results of the classes. Participants with the best scores, most closely reflecting the actual results, win. Winners will be declared in two divisions: age groups 13 and under and 14-20. The winners will be announced Friday evening, August 22, following the Ladies Amateur Three-Gaited Championship Class 206.

The R.E. Fennell Company has once again donated a bridle, which will be awarded to the winner of the 13 and under age division. The winner in the 14-20 age division will receive a framed, limited edition print of a black Saddlebred trotting free, titled Dancing Solo, donated and signed by the artist, James Crow.

Junior Judging packets will be available in the Saddlebred Center and the horse show office. For more information on Junior Judging, contact ASHA senior program administrator Brenda Newell at b.newellasha.net or 859 259-2842 ext. 343.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 8, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

Southeastern Horse Sale December 6

Lexington, Kentucky- The Southeastern Horse Sale will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher, North Carolina, right outside Asheville, North Carolina, on December 6, 2008. The Southeastern Horse Sale will provide a public auction of American Saddlebreds, Hackney and Harness Ponies, Morgans and Roadster Horses and Ponies.

The Southeastern Horse Sale fills a need in the Southeast for a new venue to buy and sell Saddlebreds. Now buyers and sellers don't have to travel all the way to Kentucky to transact their business. There is an experienced staff committed to getting sellers the best price for their consignments at a cost much lower than comparable auctions in surrounding states. Buyers will also be provided with a world class facility, which simulates a show ring environment, so that they can better judge the horse before them.

Southeastern Horse Sale, LLC is a partnership between Ray Cloninger and Wyatt Lilly. Ray Cloninger's name is synonymous with the Saddlebred industry in the Southeast, as he has managed almost all the major shows in the region at one time or another. His experience in the horse industry spans four decades and he is excited about this new opportunity. Wyatt Lilly has been in the horse industry since the 1980s, first as a trainer, and currently as a horse show announcer at several of the larger shows in the region. You can reach Ray Cloninger at 704-458-1611 or Wyatt Lilly at 304-920-5716. Advertising opportunities in the sale catalog are available.

More information and downloadable forms are now available at www.southeasternhorsesale.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 8, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

On-line Saddlebred auction underway the cost of supporting ASHA youthpriceless

Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Associations ASHA first on-line auction to benefit Youth Programs and scholarships has begun. Bidding started on Friday evening, August 1, at 9 PM Eastern Time USA, through EBay and Missionfish and will continue through 9 PM Eastern USA on Monday, August 11.

The new on-line auction, available at http://www.asha.net/auction08-- the most extensive ever offered by ASHA for the Saddlebred world, replaces its traditional silent auction previously held during the Kentucky State Fair at the Executive West Hotel remodeling underway at the hotel prevented its use this year.

From concert tickets to an ASHA convention package, to a wine tasting for 20, the items up for bid are unique, and when driven by ASHA youth, priceless

Bids are pouring in for the 2009 Deluxe Package Saddlebred Reference Book. The package includes a formatted stallion page, plus a full-color 2009 Reference Directory advertisement and a full color magazine ad. Already at 1,525 this item is hot, off the press that is.

On balance, we are really excited at the opportunities the situation this year presented us, said Brenda Newell, Sr. Program Administrator who serves the ASHA membership and its volunteer leadership for its youth and other fund-raising programs. While we know this is a new event, and new technology for many of our members, its also great to be able to offer specially selected items to a much larger, potentially worldwide audience, most of which couldnt possibly be expected to come to the in-person auction. So maybe we will be able to interest a truly worldwide group in these Saddlebred valuables and other items now, and raise even more funds for our Youth.

To register and bid, visit http://www.asha.net/auction08. For technical questions, contact Will Wood, Technology Manager, at w.woodasha.net. For questions about particular items on offer, contact Brenda Newell, at b.newellasha.net.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

Kentucky e-Bulletin - Lexingtons Division of Parks and Recreation schedules a series of public meetings Equestrians welcomed

Lexington, Kentucky - Lexington's Division of Parks and Recreation will hold a series of public meetings in early August to discuss the new comprehensive plan for all parks. Dialogue at these meetings will help determine how parks are used over the next ten years. This is especially important for Lexington residents who value Masterson Station Park for its equestrian use.

There is pressure from the neighborhoods to convert land at Masterson Station Park into a broader, more utilized areachanges that are not compatible with equestrian users. Attendance at these meeting is extremely important to Lexingtons equestrian community.

The following meetings remain:

Aug. 5 6-8 PM at Meadowthorpe Community Center and Dunbar Community
Center, 545 N. Upper St.

Aug. 6
10-noon at Senior Citizens Center, 1530 Nicholasville Road and
5:30-7 PM at Bryan Station High School.

For more information call Ginny Howard from the Masterson Equestrian Trust Foundation
at 859 293-6368 or 859 338-4034.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 4, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

5,000 Top Prize, 20,000 to Winners in Annual Saddlebred Raffle

Lexington, Kentucky - Tickets are now selling for the annual Saddlebred Raffle, with winners to be drawn at random during the Kentucky State Fair Worlds Championship Horse Show.

According to Brenda Newell, Sr. Program Administrator for the American Saddlebred Horse Association ASHA, the raffle is one of the ASHAs most important fund-raisers. Only 400 tickets are sold worldwide, at 100 each, for gross proceeds of 40,000. Of that, 20,000 goes into the Saddlebred Futures Fund, and 20,000 of it is returned to winners in cash prizes.

The Grand Prize is 5,000, with two prizes of 2,500 each, one each of 2,000 and 1,500, three of 1,000 each, and seven of 500. Compared to the original ASHA Raffle years ago, prize money has now doubled to 20,000 from 10,000 originally, and the number of winners has tripled, to 15.

This is a great way to make a small investment in the promotion of the Saddlebred breed, said Newell, and get a tax deduction, yet still have the chance to win some real money back. Its ideal for people who want to see the Saddlebred promoted more and better, because all the funds go to education about and promotion of the breed.

The lucky 15 winning names will be drawn on Thursday night, August 21, in Freedom Hall during the Worlds Championship Horse Show, by the Saddlebred Ambassadors who have committed to promoting the breed by selling the raffle tickets. Ticket holders need not be present to win. Then, the lucky winners or their representatives will draw for their actual prizes on Friday evening, August 22.

Raffle tickets will soon be available for purchase on-line at https://www.asha.net/asha/contribution.php. Ambassadors selling tickets include Jennifer Dixon in California dixonstablaol.com, 650-851-7399, Stacey Kipper in Colorado stacey0975aol.com303-766-6985, Bridget McNeese in Texas btmcneesegmail.com 713-520-6789, Judy Werner in Illinois redwinghtc.net 618-660-8325, Mary Ann Pardieck in Indiana mappardiecklaw.com 812-525-7733, Jennifer Robertson in Kentucky 502-220-5696, Scott Matton in Wisconsin carolmattoncore.com 262-227-6219, Susan Reimer in Georgia reimerstablesmindspring.com 770-599-0594, Kristen Cater in New Hampshire kspann1comcast.net 603-566-2264, and Nancy Boone in North Carolina nboonecarolina.rr.com 704-933-7416.

The American Saddlebred Horse Association is organized under Section 501 c3 of the Internal Revenue Code, and all contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Associations Kentucky License for the annual raffle is Number 0557.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 1, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

The American Hackney Horse Society announces change in location for their Annual Membership Meeting during Kentucky State Fair

Lexington, Kentucky - The American Hackney Horse Society AHHS has announced a change in location for their Annual General Membership Meeting during the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, August 17-23. Due to ongoing renovations at the Executive West Hotel the meeting will be held in South Wing C, Room 105 of the Kentucky Expo center.

The meeting will be on Thursday, August 21 and will begin at 1:30 PM. The meeting is not mandatory, however, participation is highly recommended as it is the only opportunity during the year to discuss issues and take straw polls from the members. For more information e-mail Mickey Hernandez at the AHHS office AHHSCSlqx.net, or call 859 255-8694. The AHHS meeting follows the American Road Horse Pony Association ARHPA General Membership Meeting.

Written and Hippology tests on-line for the 2008 ASIYP Competition

Lexington, Kentucky - For the past several years, the American Saddlebred International Youth Program ASIYP has conducted their Annual Competition in conjunction with the United Professional Horsemens Association UPHA Chapter 10 Saddlebred Fall Horse Show. Competitors must ride in their age group equitation class, participate in Junior Judging and Showmanship at Halter, ride in a Pattern class, plus complete a written test and Hippology stations. Separate ribbons are awarded in each of these classes and there is a Top Ten award in 10 and under, 11-13 and 14-17 age divisions with 100 awarded to the high point winner in each age group.

This year, for the first time, the written portions of the competition will be conducted on-line. This will allow participants to complete this portion of the competition from their home ahead of the show.
Also new for this year: the Written Test, Hippology Contest and Team Problem will be available to any youth from any location in the United States and Canada, even if they are unable to attend the show in person. Ribbons will be awarded in the same three age groups.

For more information on the 2008 Competition, go to www.asiyp.org or e-mail Carleton Huntoon at huntoonstablessbcglobal.net.

ASIYP is a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose is to provide knowledge of horses and their care to youth, and to promote the use of the American Saddlebred horse. It was formulated by professional horsemen and is conducted in cooperation with the American Saddlebred Horse Association.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 1, 2008
Contact, Jessica Fisher, Communications Manager

American Saddlebred Horse Association On-line auction begins Friday August 1 Support ASHA youth

Lexington, Kentucky - The American Saddlebred Horse Association ASHA has announced plans for a new on-line auction, starting August 1on EBay, prior to the Kentucky State Fair, and will continue through Sunday evening, August 10.

Since the auction will be on-line, Saddlebred lovers everywhere will for the first time be able to bid on exceptional and select items. Items such as, a 2008 Ryder Cup package for two a private wine tasting for 20 at Talon Wine Vineyards in Lexington, Kentucky dinner for four at the historic Spindletop Hall and, a deluxe package for the 2009 ASHA convention will be available for biddingjust to mention a few. In addition there will be collectible items such as, vintage Saddlebred memorabilia, rare books, and the Collectors Edition Breyer Horse, Doctor Zhivago.