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About Us

About HSPA

The Half Saddlebred Performance Association (HSPA) is a volunteer-led nonprofit built for one purpose: to grow real competitive opportunity for the Half American Saddlebred horse.


Half Saddlebreds are Saddleseat horses at heart. They excel at the gaits, the brilliance, and the presence that define Saddleseat English performance, and they belong in the ring in Fine Harness and Roadster just as much as any purebred American Saddlebred. But the classes, the purses, and the recognition have never matched what these horses and their breeders deserve. HSPA exists to change that, through breeder incentives, expanded class offerings, and a long term push to open the door to Select Series competition alongside purebred American Saddlebreds.


Our Mission
We are working to build a stronger market, a deeper talent pipeline, and a clearer path to recognition for Half Saddlebreds in Saddleseat English, Fine Harness, and Roadster, backed by real prize money and a coordinated national strategy rather than one show or one class at a time.
 

What We Do

The Half Saddlebred Futurity

Modeled on proven breeder incentive programs from other breed associations, the Futurity rewards mare owners and stallion owners alike for producing winning Half Saddlebreds, with a $150,000 annual purse goal across Weanling In-Hand and Three-Year-Old Park Performance classes, the proving grounds for the next generation of Saddleseat English talent. Every nominated breeding comes backed by a two-year live foal guaranty, so breeders can commit with confidence.

Class Expansion Campaign

We are working directly with show managers at shows across the country to add or protect dedicated Half Saddlebred classes in Saddleseat English, Fine Harness, and Roadster, so these horses have somewhere to compete close to home in the disciplines where they truly shine.

The KSF Futurity Class Fund

A dedicated reserve fund held toward an eventual Half Saddlebred class at the Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show, the sport's biggest stage.

Rule Change Advocacy

HSPA supports a proposed amendment to USEF Rule SB101.2 that would give show managers the option to permit Half Saddlebreds to compete concurrently with purebred American Saddlebreds when entries are too few for a standalone class, with results and awards kept strictly separate by breed.

Who We Are

HSPA is led by a volunteer board of breeders, owners, and lifelong horsemen who believe the Half Saddlebred deserves the same investment and opportunity as any other performance horse.


We are building this organization the right way, with sound nonprofit governance, close coordination with ASHBA and USEF, and a long term plan rather than a short term fix.

Get Involved!

Whether you breed, show, train, or simply love these horses, there is a place for you in HSPA. Nominate a stallion, declare a mare and foal, support a class at your local show, or reach out to learn how you can help move this work forward.

FAQs

A Half Saddlebred is a horse that combines the traits of the American Saddlebred with other breeds, resulting in a versatile and athletic equine.

Half Saddlebreds are known for their performance in Saddle Seat, Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Western disciplines, and more.

Absolutely! They are known for their friendly and intelligent nature, making them great companions for families.

You can register your horse online through our dedicated registration portal. Please visit our website for more details.

Yes! We provide resources and support for new owners including training tips and access to a network of experienced owners.

Yes, Half Saddlebreds are excellent recreational horses, suitable for riders of all levels.