ASHA Funds

The ASHA Futures Fund 
The ASHA Futures Fund began as an effort to support technological advances for the breed, including the Association's Web site and improved staff access to technology.  It also now supports all American Saddlebred promotional efforts - printing, advertising, television production, and expanded promotion by all means including the Internet. 

The Genetic Research Endowment

The Genetic Research Endowment was created to increase knowledge of equine health and its genetic links. The main purpose of this is to protect and improve the American Saddlebred by providing funding for genetic research and development of a diagnostic test for detecting Epitheligenesis Imperfecta, which is a deadly birth defect that can affect American Saddlebreds.

The Equine Welfare Fund
The Equine Welfare Fund was started to guard the breed’s welfare on an individual basis by providing assistance in the care and placement of neglected American Saddlebred horses. Services may include on-site inspection and identification, court assistance and transfers to responsible ownership. 

The ^CHBelle Elegant Fund
This fund covers a wide scope of areas that strengthen the breed. This fund has sponsored various youth projects, including supporting the ASHA Youth Conference. The establishment of this endowment allowed for the creation of ten bronze statues of ^CHBelle Elegant with a foal, by the renowned artist Diane Maroscia. ^CHBelle Elegant was a mare that, once seen in action, was never forgotten. Under the ownership of North Ridge Farms, owned by Franklin Groves,^CHBelle Elegant was known for her electrifying presence in the ring, which was heightened by the way her mane seemed to stand up on end.

The Lordosis Fund
The American Saddlebred Horse Association has been funding the research to find the genetic cause of lordosis. Research indicates lordosis is a genetic fault, where the one or two thoracic vertebrae at the withers are wedge-shaped. What has occurred is the ventral (underside) region of the vertebrae has failed to mature and grow at a normal rate, while the dorsal (topside) region continued to grow. This creates a wedge instead of the typical square block vertebrae in the back. From the point of the malformed vertebrae, moving towards the rump, the vertebrae follow a concave curved line.

Be a part of your association by SUPPORTING the AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSE ASSOCIATION.

If you would prefer to make your donation via direct mail, please send any contributions to the following address:

American Saddlebred Horse Association
4083 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511