American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association

What American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association does

The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit breed registry and membership organization headquartered at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Founded in 1891 as the National Saddle Horse Breeders Association and relocated to Kentucky Horse Park in 1985, ASHBA was formed in its current form through the 2021 merger of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) and the American Saddlebred Registry (ASR). It serves as the official registry for American Saddlebreds, maintaining pedigree records on more than 291,000 horses plus approximately 5,000 Half Saddlebreds, and represents breeders, owners, trainers, and youth participants through a network of 50 Charter Clubs and 40 Youth Clubs globally.

ASHBA's core products are the registration and transfer services for American Saddlebreds, supplemented by the myASHBA member portal, online horse search tools, and a flagship member publication (the Saddle Horse Report). The underlying platform is a relational pedigree database supporting 130+ years of breeding history, with member-facing functionality delivered through a web portal and mobile application. Recent product launches include the Home for Life Network (welfare and rehoming), the Learn to Ride for Free initiative (top-of-funnel rider acquisition), and new competition categories such as Ranch Horse and Rescue Horse classes.

The business model is a diversified nonprofit revenue mix: tiered membership dues (approximately 7,000 active members), per-horse registration and transfer fees (~1,300 new registrations and ~3,000 transfers annually), donations, merchandise sales, journal advertising, and affiliate commissions. The organization is sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and supports an annual convention with events scheduled through 2027. ASHBA operates with a small staff of 1-10 employees.

Name

American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association

Legal name

American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association, Inc.

Website

https://saddlebred.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1891

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is the official 501(c)(3) registry for American Saddlebreds, maintaining pedigree records on 291,000+ horses and serving approximately 7,000 breeder, owner, trainer, and youth members globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Equine Breed Registry Services

NAICS

Horses and Other Equine Production (112920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Breed Registry, Pedigree & Performance Recording Services (AFAEAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Horse Breeding & Stud Farms (AFAEAGAA), Racing Associations, Governance & Integrity Services (MPAEADAL)

Keywords

• Breed registry services
• Horse registration
• Equine association
• Pedigree records
• Equestrian competitions

Headquarters

HQ city

Lexington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees provide competing membership, Journal of the American Saddlebred publication, access to database, and participation in prize/award programs. Discounts available through Charter Club membership.
2. Horse Registration Services: Revenue from registering approximately 1,300 horses annually, recording ownership transfers (approximately 3,000 annually), DNA testing, stallion service reports, and microchip recording.
3. Registry Fees: Fees for registration, transfers, name changes, breeding certificates, DNA testing ($50), horse transfers ($25), and other administrative services.
4. Donations and Giving Programs: Tax-deductible donations through ASHBA Gives Annual Fund, Youth Scholarship Fund, Equine Welfare Fund, Fran Crumpler Aspiring Judges Grant Fund, and Learn to Ride for Free initiative. ASHBA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with Tax ID 61-1182397.
5. Merchandise and Affiliate Sales: Revenue from ASHBA Store (Shopify), Amazon storefront, Saddlethreads merchandise, Kentucky license plates, and affiliate commissions from partner retailers (Gusto referral, Kroger Community Rewards, Corro, Blain's Farm & Fleet).
6. Journal Advertising: Revenue from advertisements placed in the Journal of the American Saddlebred publication.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ASHBA is the official breed registry and member association for the American Saddlebred horse, maintaining pedigree and ownership records for over 291,000 registered horses. The organization issues registration certificates, records ownership transfers, administers DNA testing, manages competition and prize programs, and supports breeders, owners, trainers, and youth members through education, publications, and welfare initiatives.

Product overview

ASHBA operates as a breed registry organization offering a unified platform of services centered on the American Saddlebred horse. The core offering is the Registry, which maintains pedigree and ownership records for over 291,000 horses. Supplementary products include the Half Saddlebred Registry, the myASHBA member portal with online horse search capabilities, the Journal of the American Saddlebred publication, ASHBA mobile app, the Learn to Ride for Free initiative, Home for Life Network, ASHBA Gives donation platform, ASHBA Online Store, and various prize/competition programs including Futurities and High Point Awards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• American Saddlebred Registry Official breed registry maintaining records of over 291,000 registered American Saddlebreds, recording pedigrees and tracking ownership transfers.

Quantifiable outcome

• $4,565,442 paid out in National Futurities since 1999
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• GustominorGTM or Marketing PartnerASHBA partners with Gusto payroll provider. When members sign up for Gusto through the affiliate link, ASHBA receives a $1,000 referral benefit that directly supports programs and member services.
• The Gorgeous HorseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember benefits partner offering equine jewelry. ASHBA members receive 10% discount on anything The Gorgeous Horse offers using code GHASHBA, and ASHBA receives 10% of those purchases.
• KrogerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKroger Community Rewards program allows ASHBA members to link their Kroger card to the organization, with donations based on everyday shopping.
• CorrominorGTM or Marketing PartnerEquestrian products and horse care essentials partner. Corro offers 10% off first order through ASHBA sign-up link and free shipping on orders over $100.
• Blain's Farm & FleetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRetail partner offering quality products for farm, home, and outdoor lifestyle. ASHBA members can shop through affiliate link to support ASHBA with every purchase.
• John DeereminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial equipment supplier of the equine industry since 2001. Offers up to 28% off MSRP or up to $2,700 cash discounts for full-time program members (breeders, trainers, owners, veterinarians, farriers, etc.) and up to 20% off for part-time program.
• Big Ass FansminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHVLS fan manufacturer offering up to 25% discount to ASHBA members for equine facilities, barns, arenas, and residential needs.
• Sherwin-WilliamsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPaint and coating supplier offering up to 35% discount to ASHBA members on products including paint, supplies, and wall coverings at any US and Canada retail location.
• ASPCA Pet Health InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPet health insurance partner offering ASHBA members up to 90% reimbursement of covered costs, 10% multi-pet discount, and customizable coverage options.
• Start HearingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHearing care partner offering ASHBA members and families discounts up to 48% on hearing aids, FREE annual consultations, 3-year battery supply, and 60-day risk-free trial.
• MetLife TakeAlong DentalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDental insurance partner offering ASHBA members PPO and Dental HMO/Managed Care options with flexible coverage levels and no referrals required.
• ODP Business SolutionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOffice supplies and business services partner (formerly Office Depot) offering ASHBA members exclusive benefits and savings on office essentials, cleaning supplies, print services, furniture, and technology.
• Kentucky Horse ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASHBA headquarters is located at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. ASHBA was the first breed registry to call this location home since 1985. Members receive 10% discount at the Kentucky Horse Park gift shop.
• United States Dressage Federation (USDF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASHBA is a proud partner of the USDF All Breeds Awards Program, which recognizes American Saddlebreds and Half Saddlebreds for their success in dressage competitions.
• USEF (United States Equestrian Federation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASHBA collaborates with USEF to provide Licensed Officials Clinics for Hackney, Roadster, Saddlebred, and Saddle Seat Equitation divisions. USEF handles licensing of all equestrian officials.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Kentucky Horse Park: State-owned equine theme park and event venue where ASHBA is headquartered. Not a competitor but a strategic ecosystem partner providing physical presence, gift-shop revenue share, and event programming synergy.

Direct peers

• American Quarter Horse Association: The largest US equine breed registry, providing pedigree recording, transfers, shows, and member services for Quarter Horses. Directly comparable as a breed registry operating at much greater scale, with the same core product mix of registrations, transfers, and membership.
• The Jockey Club: Official Thoroughbred breed registry in North America, maintaining pedigrees, ownership records, and foal registrations. Directly comparable on registry/membership model and on sanctioning competition eligibility for the breed.
• American Morgan Horse Association: Registry and member association for the Morgan horse, offering pedigree search, transfers, shows, and youth programs. Closely comparable to ASHBA in scale, governance structure, and show-discipline orientation.
• Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association: Registry and membership organization for the Tennessee Walking Horse with pedigree records, transfers, and futurity/prize programs. Comparable niche-breed registry with show-discipline focus and youth programming.
• American Paint Horse Association: Registry for American Paint Horses with pedigree database, transfers, shows, and member benefits. Operates a similar revenue mix (registrations, transfers, memberships) and partners with USEF for competition eligibility.
• Arabian Horse Association: National breed registry and membership organization for Arabian, Half-Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian horses. Comparable in offering registrations, transfers, competition programs, and youth development under a nonprofit model.

Broad incumbents

• American Horse Council: National trade association representing the US equine industry, including breed registries, owners, and service providers. Comparable as an industry-wide membership organization advocating on equine policy and welfare.
• United States Equestrian Federation: National governing body for equestrian sport in the US, licensing officials and sanctioning competitions across all breeds. Acts as a strategic partner and broader umbrella organization that ASHBA collaborates with for Licensed Officials Clinics.

Regional players

• Friesian Horse Society: Registry for Friesian horses in North America maintaining pedigrees, ownership records, and inspections. Comparable breed-registry product but operates in a different equine segment.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/SaddlebredAssoc
• Facebookfacebook.com/saddlebredofficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-saddlebred-horse-and-breeders-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/saddlebredofficial
• TikToktiktok.com/@saddlebredofficial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association