About ASHAV...Our History and Legacy

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"Celebrating the Legacy of the American Saddlebred in Virginia since 1975.  Proudly preserving tradition, fostering excellence, and building a community.”​

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Our Beginnings

With the encouragement of Dr. Arden Huff of VPI & SU, an ad hoc committee gathered in Roanoke on March 22, 1975, to discuss forming a breed organization in Virginia for the American Saddlebred Horse.

A charter group of 91 enthusiasts voted to create the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Virginia (ASHAV). Officers and a board of directors were elected, and on April 6, 1975, the groundwork was laid to build an organization that would support and celebrate Saddlebreds across the state.

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Highlights Through the Years

• 1975 – Youth Committee formed; first sponsored 4-H Saddle Horse Club

• 1976 – "Heads Up Virginia!" newsletter launched

• 1976–1980 – Annual meeting launched with clinics, awards, auctions, and dances

• 1978 – High Points Awards Program begins (6 divisions → now 42!)

• 1979 – Regional horse show support through sponsorships

• 1984 – First ASHAV Horse Show held in Chatham, VA

• 1988 – Show moved to Virginia Horse Center and expanded

• 1990 – Hall of Fame established; futurity classes relocated

• 1994–1995 – Show won UPHA National Honor Show

• 1996 – ASHAV Show Managers honored with Herman R. Miles Award

• 2004 – Show featured 116 classes, including 12 academy classes

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Signature Programs 

• 🏆 High Points Program
  Encouraging show participation with awards across 42 divisions

• 🧑‍🎓 Youth & Sportsmanship Awards
  Recognizing young members annually for excellence and spirit

• 🐴 Futurity Program
  Supporting Saddlebred breeding with open divisions

• 📜 Hall of Fame
  Honoring Virginia’s most influential Saddlebred contributors

• 🎟️ Annual ASHAV Horse Show
  A premier event held at Anderson Coliseum at The Virginia Horse Center, celebrating the best of the breed

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