About IASPHA

Starting in 1973 with one show, IASPHA now sponsors 6 shows in its popular back to back format. The shows were some of the first to include hunt seat, western pleasure and even dressage along with the traditional saddle seat classes.

Trail rides and a variety of clinics have also been popular with members in the past. The association has been very successful at realizing it's goals. Now celebrating it's 30th anniversary, IASPHA is currently the second largest charter club affiliated with the American Saddlebred Horse Association. One of the most popular activities sponsored for members is the high point season trophies awarded at the brunch held in November. 90 Championship and Reserve Championship awards are presented in "A" and "B" show divisions, including awards for academy riders. The association is also responsible for tallying points for the state awards offered by the American Saddlebred Horse Association. In 2004 eight state awards were awarded.

IASPHA has not forgotten young members. Check out the Youth Activities page for more information on classes and news for junior riders and non-riders.

The roster of events continue to change as our members request different activities. Let us know what you would like.

Purposes Of This Association

1. To promote, stimulate and improve the breeding and use of the American Saddlebred horse as a pleasure horse;
2. To benefit the members by providing a variety of show classes for the breed, promoting youth activities, contests, trail rides, endurance rides, dressage contests, versatility, and the like;
3. To promote and publicize the breed by providing clinics, films, publications and other educational materials;
4. To establish a system of awarding points for participation in shows and contests sanctioned by the Association and to select state Pleasure Horse champions in each class or division established for the breed.

Projects Of This Association

The Illinois American Saddlebred Pleasure Horse Association has many projects to support the breed including:

• 30 "A" and "B" rated shows in the Midwest
• 6 "B" Back-to-Back shows each year. In 2005, Spring show May 7 & 8, Summer show July 9 & 10 New format for our Fall show, dates September 10 & 11, 2005
• an Annual Planning Calendar including a list of all members, area horse shows, and the I.A.S.P..H.A. Association rules.
• Board News Highlights
• an Annual Banquet to present Season Championships.
• support of American Saddlebred promotional activities