The first-ever American Saddlebred Western Country Pleasure competition at the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show was held during the 2006 show. Through points earned during the second half of 2005 and the first half of 2006 show seasons, sixteen horses, plus alternates, were invited to participate in two classes at Louisville. The first class was held on Wednesday morning. Receiving the first western pleasure blue ribbon were The American Flag and Suzanne Bradshaw. Reserve champions were CH Fiasco and Douglas Glick.

The championship, originally scheduled for Friday afternoon was moved to Friday night, mid-way through the program. Both of the top two winners are west coast-based. Tri-color champion was Californian CH Fiasco, ridden by Douglas Glick under the direction of Diamond Hills’ Michael Craghead. Reserve champions were Presley and Catherine Gallo from Eugene, OR and under the direction of John T. Jones.

Although traditionalists may have been gnashing their teeth, the beautifully turned out western horses and riders were exceedingly well-received by the enthusiastic Louisville audience… even receiving a standing ovation and cheers as they entered the ring.