Skip to content

Half Saddlebred Registry Founder Dies



Lexington, Ky. ­– Founder of the Half Saddlebred Registry, Roberta Nye Busch, 89, of Medina, Ohio, died Monday, November 12, 2007.

In 1970, Busch purchased a 15-year-old stallion named Flying Eagle Peavine. When owners of other breeds bred their mares to her American Saddlebred stallion, Busch perceived the need for a recording organization for these half-Saddlebreds. Thus, in 1971, she established the Half Saddlebred Registry and remained as its administrator for 25 years from her home in Coshocton, Ohio – performing all the registrations and transfers on a modest typewriter. On July 15, 1996, at the request of Busch, the American Saddlebred Horse Association acquired the Half Saddlebred Registry.

Today, more than 3,000 horses with a purebred Saddlebred as either its sire or dam have been registered with the Half Saddlebred Registry. Half Saddlebreds are eligible for ASHA's FEI Disciplines Year End and High Point Awards, and many have been recognized for their achievements in FEI Disciplines over the years.

Roberta Busch is survived by her daughters Anitra (Dain) Redlefsen of Medina and Laurine Busch of Cleveland, Ohio. She was self taught in the field of classical music. According to her daughter Anitra, Roberta treasured her extensive library of classical music. Anitra also says her mother was proud to have been the founder of the Half Saddlebred Registry of America.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Medina Meadows, Attn: Nicki Shook, Director of Social Services, 550 Miner Drive, Medina, OH 44256. Those wishing to send letters, notes or cards may mail them to Anitra Redlefsen, 4876 Greenleaf Way, Medina, OH 44256 or email anitra@zoominternet.net.

Courtesy of the American Saddlebred Horse Association.

More Stories

  • World’s Championship Horse Show Adds New Classes and Additional Prize Money

    The Kentucky State Fair Board, owner and operator of the World’s Championship Horse Show, announced today the addition of two new classes and changes to 16 classes for the 2024 show. The Kentucky State Fair Board fully funded these new classes, and winners will be bestowed World’s Champion titles. Read More
  • Applications Are Now Open For Two Scholarships Offered By The UPHA Foundation

    The United Professional Horsemen's Association (UPHA) provides scholarships for high school seniors or freshmen in college who represent the show horse breeds! The scholarships are awarded based on the applicant's merits, including their high school or college transcripts, resume, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and personal references. Read More
  • ASHBA Futurities, Sweepstakes, and Breeders Challenge Classes Move to the All American Horse Classic in Indianapolis for 2024

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) announced today it will move its young horse prize programs—the National Futurity, National Amateur Futurity, Four-Year-Old Sweepstakes, and Breeders Challenge—to Indianapolis for 2024 in conjunction with the All American Horse Classic (AAHC) the second week of September. Read More
  • FoalsNFocus – Week 4

    Here we are with another round of #foalsNfocus and a great variety of photos were submitted. Champion honors this week went to a shot submitted by Leah Borders for owner/breederAmos Fisher. This proud filly is by Newmont’s Roosevelt out of Finding Dory. Read More
  • Latest Issue 4 22 24

    Read More
  • Walk of Honor Expansion Announced

    The American Saddlebred Museum is pleased to announce the expansion of the Museum’s Walk of Honor. This is a great way to honor someone for their contributions and dedication to the American Saddlebred. Read More
  • Professional Advisory Committee Named to Equine Sports Council

    Equine Sports Council is honored to announce its Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) comprised of representatives who are industry leaders in the American Saddlebred, Morgan and Hackney breeds.  Read More
  • Latest Issue 4 15 24

    Read More
  • Kentucky State Fair Update

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) received a letter from the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) yesterday acknowledging that they would not be pursuing a path that would allow them to hold the ASHBA Prize Program classes at the Kentucky State Fair Horse Show in 2024.  Read More
  • FoalsNFocus – Week 3

    We’re in full swing as entries for our weekly contest are being submitted from breeders across the country. This week’s winning shot came from Shale HillStables, Muncie, Illinois. Jan McGlaughlin and family sent this photo of their curious filly by Reedann’s Flying Double out of Forty-TwoSecrets (by Forty-Second Street ERB). Read More