What Matters? ASHA Shows Matter.
Friday, February 7, 2020
There’s been a lot of talk over the past month about the new Star Shows from the ASHA. So, what’s it all about? Here’s the straight up scoop.
•The ASHA counts three types of shows as ASHA accredited shows: USEF, USEF Lite, and the new Star Shows. There are no other types of ASHA accredited shows. If it is not USEF, USEF Lite, or a Star Show, it is not ASHA accredited.
•An ASHA accredited show means that you can accumulate CH (Champion) points, ASHA High Points, and they are qualifiers for the World Championship Horse Show in Louisville at the Kentucky State Fair. No other shows allow these benefits.
Here’s the explanation for how CH points are earned at the various types of shows:
•USEF shows accumulate CH points at full value. That means 1 point for a win in a qualifying class of at least 6 horses; 2 points for a win in a championship class with at least 4 horses, and 1 point for reserve in a championship class with at least 4 horses.
•USEF Lite shows are exactly half of USEF shows. In other words, ½ CH point for a win in a qualifying class of at least 6 horses; 1 point for a win in a championship class with at least 4 horses, and ½ point for reserve in a championship class with at least 4 horses.
•ASHA Star Shows are exactly the same as USEF Lite shows except a horse can only accumulate 3 total points toward their CH status at Star Shows. Why is this limitation? Because USEF and USEF Lite shows are subject to random drug testing and Star Shows are not. It is the opinion of the American Saddlebred Registry that to earn CH distinction, a horse should have to earn the bulk of those points at shows subjected to random drug testing.
•If you want to qualify for the World Championship Horse Show in Louisville, you have to show your horse at ASHA accredited shows—either USEF, USEF Lite, or Star Shows. No other type of shows qualify.
•You do not have to be a USEF member to show at Star Shows or USEF Lite shows. You absolutely have to be a USEF member to show at USEF shows such as the World Championship Horse Show, the American Royal, Lexington Junior League, and most of the other large shows in our sport.
•When you are an ASHA accredited show be it USEF, USEF Lite or Star Show the ASHA Saddlebred Rules supersede all other rules.
•All ASHA accredited shows have to make application at least one month before the beginning of the show. All shows require a $50 application fee. Here’s the link for the application. It’s simple to complete. This form also lists the benefits of being an ASHA accredited show, and the description of the Star Show at the end of the form. Regardless of other affiliations, a show must be affiliated with ASHA for these benefits to apply.
•All ASHA accredited shows are eligible to apply for the ASHA Horse Show Grant that is funded by the $50 fee required of all ASHA shows to apply. Here’s the link to the Grant Program. The Silicon Valley Horse Show in California is the first recipient of a $1,000 Grant.
There are many new things coming in 2020 including Claiming Classes and a National Select Series. But this is the gist of the ASHA Accredited Shows including the new Star Shows. We listened to our members, conducted multiple surveys, and have come up with these programs. But you need to pay attention. There is lots of confusing information out there. But this is the straight talk.
What Matters. This Matters. Let’s make it work.
For ASHA competition information, forms, resources and more visit the Competition Information page.
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