The Office of Governor Andy Beshear announced the issuance of an official proclamation recognizing February 2026 as American Saddlebred Horse Month in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The proclamation honors the historic legacy, cultural significance, and economic impact of the American Saddlebred Horse and the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA).The proclamation was read and presented at the 2026 Annual ASHBA Convention & Youth Conference. 

Originating in Kentucky, the American Saddlebred is one of the state’s most distinguished and enduring equine breeds. Known worldwide for its versatility, athleticism, and elegance, the breed has played a defining role in shaping Kentucky’s equine, agricultural, and cultural heritage for generations.

Founded in 1891 by General John Breckinridge Castleman, the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association serves as the national registry and steward of the breed. Headquartered in Kentucky, ASHBA has issued generation pedigrees across all fifty states and numerous foreign countries, underscoring the global reach and influence of the American Saddlebred.

Kentucky’s Saddlebred industry continues to strengthen the Commonwealth’s economy through breeding farms, training operations, competitions, tourism, and related equine businesses—supporting jobs and contributing to the vitality of communities across the state.

The proclamation also marks the beginning of ASHBA’s 135th anniversary year, recognizing more than a century of leadership, service, and dedication to preserving and advancing the American Saddlebred Horse.

Governor Beshear’s proclamation formally declares:
“February 2026 as American Saddlebred Horse Month in Kentucky and urges all citizens to recognize and celebrate the American Saddlebred Horse and its lasting contributions to the history, culture, and economy of the Commonwealth.”

The proclamation was signed in Frankfort on January 16, 2026, by Governor Andy Beshear and Secretary of State Michael Adams.

Proclamation from the Governor Andy Beshear 

To all to whom these presents shall come: 

WHEREAS, the American Saddlebred Horse originated in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is one of the state’s most historic and distinguished equine breeds; and 

WHEREAS, the American Saddlebred Horse is recognized worldwide for its versatility, athleticism, and elegance, and has played a prominent role in Kentucky’s equine, agricultural, and cultural heritage for generations; and 

WHEREAS, the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association was founded in 1891 by General John Breckinridge Castleman and is headquartered in Kentucky, serving as the national registry and steward of the American Saddlebred Horse; and 

WHEREAS, since its founding, the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association has issued generation pedigrees to all fifty states and numerous foreign countries, reflecting the breed’s national and international significance; and 

WHEREAS, Kentucky’s American Saddlebred industry contributes to the Commonwealth’s economy through breeding operations, training facilities, competitions, tourism, and related equine businesses, creating jobs and supporting communities throughout the state; and 

WHEREAS, February 2026 marks the beginning of the 135th anniversary of the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association, recognizing more than a century of leadership, service, and dedication to preserving and advancing the American Saddlebred Horse; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ANDY BESHEAR, GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, DO HEREBY DECLARE THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2026 AS AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSE MONTH IN KENTUCKY AND URGE ALL CITIZENS TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE THE AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSE AND ITS LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HISTORY, CULTURE, AND ECONOMY OF THE COMMONWEALTH. 

Done in the City of Frankfort the 16th day of January, in the year of our lord 2026 and in the 234th year of the commonwealth. 

Signed by Andy Beshear Governor and Michael Adams Secretary of State.