About MSHA

Mission

Minnesota Saddlebred Horse Association (MSHA) is dedicated to educating the public about the American Saddlebred horse and encouraging regional ownership and enjoyment of the breed, providing support to owners, breeders and riders of American Saddlebreds, sharing knowledge of the breed with newcomers and cultivating interest in new members. We work to create a safe and inclusive environment for all people to enjoy the American Saddlebred horse.

Vision

The vision of our association is to serve and promote interest in the history, breeding, ownership, exhibition, publicity, use and improvement of the American Saddlebred horse. This breed offers an equine experience unlike any other with its intelligence, athleticism and beauty. As an affiliate organization of the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA), we endeavor to promote public interest in the breed and awareness of its vast versatility.

Activities

As an association, we present year-end awards at our annual banquet, offer youth programs and scholarships and participate in a variety of public equine events. We also offer several activities for the public to engage with our breed, including hosting American Saddlebred horse shows and financially supporting local horse shows.

Young people support the future enjoyment of the breed as they become skilled riders, owners and exhibitors.

HORSE SHOWS

Minnesota hosts eight to ten competition horse shows annually. The horse show season begins in April and runs through October. MSHA financially supports local horse shows. Shows are free for the public to attend and enjoy!

MSHA hosts two of its own shows every year, The Capitol Classic and Minnesota Saddlebred State Championship Horse Show. MSHA proudly hosts Minnesota Academy Equestrian Finals at this finale horse show.

Events Calendar

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Our programs encourage sportsmanship, learning and volunteerism among youth members through award programs and scholarship opportunities.

Youth support the future enjoyment of the breed as they become skilled riders, owners and exhibitors. To participate in our Youth Achievement Awards Program (YAAP), you don't even need to ride or show a horse!

Youth Programs

MINNESOTA SADDLEBRED STATE CHAMPIONSHIP HORSE SHOW

An MSHA-approved series of horse shows culminates in a final state championship show. Champions and Reserve Champions are awarded at the end of the show season in multiple divisions.

State Championship

YEAR END AWARDS

Year End Awards (formerly High Point Awards) are presented at the annual banquet. These awards recognize participation in shows, as well as success at horse shows using a point system. When you record a horse or record an Equitation rider, MSHA begins to tally points in each division you have recorded.

Year End Awards

FUNDRAISING

In order to help support horse shows, award programs, scholarships and outreach, MSHA manages fundraising at shows, such as games and a wine wagon. MSHA’s primary fundraiser is a silent auction held prior to the annual banquet. We are always seeking donations and volunteers for this fun auction.

OUTREACH

MSHA’s participation in local events such as Horse Crazy Market, Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota Horse Expo introduces the American Saddlebred horse to the public and provides information about the versatility of the breed.

FUTURITY CLASSES

MSHA’s Minnesota Saddlebred State Championship Horse Show features special classes for young horses with no formal nomination process. Bring your weanling, yearling or two year-old to this fun fall horse show!

STABLE MARKETING

MSHA supports our member stables through a variety of efforts, including drawings for riding lessons and local advertising. Learn more about MSHA stables HERE.