The Sunrise ASB Hunter Challenge is open to American Saddlebred horses five and under and shown by an amateur or professional. Each class throughout the year will be a $350 class with the entry fee for each class being $50, which will be added back into the class payout. Sunrise Stables will provide the class sponsorship for the first 25 shows that hold the class. Sunrise Stables will also provide the ribbons and trophies for each class, however, if outside sponsorship can be obtained for these classes, it is encouraged. Each show will be responsible for paying out the prize money. Payouts will be 40%, 20%, 10%, 10%, and 5% for each class. If less than six horses are in the class, money not paid out will be divided evenly amongst the ribbon winners.

Class points will be tabulated throughout the year using Saddle Horse Report’s database. After the final show of the year and all points are tabulated, winners will be announced. This year’s end of year prize money is $45,000 to be given to the Top 6 placing winners. Freedman Harness will award the High Point Champion a Freedman Hunt Bridle and Saddle Horse Report will award the first and second place High Point Champions a full-page ad. First through sixth in the High Point standings will also receive a Freedman halter and all participants will receive a commemorative trophy. Payouts will be 40%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 10%, and 5%. An added perk this year, the winning trainer of the year-end High Point Champion will receive $5,000.

In addition to being open to American Saddlebreds five and under, shown by an amateur or professional, specs include horses being shown at a walk, trot, extended trot, canter and extended canter both ways of the ring. They must be asked both ways of the ring to halt and stand quietly on the rail. To be judged on suitability as a hunter, manners, performance, conformation and quality. In the lineup, horses must stand quietly and back readily.

“This class is to promote the much-needed Hunter division,” said Melissa Moore. “American Saddlebreds are versatile and this division showcases their abilities to excel in other disciplines. This class promotes the training and showing of these amazing animals and gives the industry another outlet to protect the integrity of our horses and breed. We are thankful for the support of Freedman Harness and Saddle Horse Report, as well as sponsors Mary Gaylord, Vicki Reed, Kenny and Ceil Wheeler, Julia Sampsel, Keith and Sally Kurz, Elizabeth Ghareeb, Misdee Wrigley Miller, Danny Cummins and Bridget McNeese and John Cummins.”

Show management must contact Melissa Moore (859-533-6225, [email protected]) and provide shipping information for the ribbons, trophies and sponsorship payment.