The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) and American Saddlebred Registry, which conduct their annual convention this week in Lexington, KY, announced results for the year ending December 31, 2006.
On a combined basis, net income for the two corporations rose 15.5% to an all-time high of $194,166, from last year’s $168,146, the previous high. Combined revenues increased over $180,000, to $2,109,443, net of the Registry’s gross revenues for prize programs, as well as unrealized gains on investments. Prize program revenue for 2006 was $530,155 as compared to $548,535 in the previous year, down 3.4%. All prize programs generated increased revenue, except American Saddlebred Grand National.
“Our membership as of February 1, is at an all-time high of over 8,800,” said Alan F. Balch, Executive Secretary and Registrar of the organizations, “And, of course, we’re pleased with this financial performance. However, even though our breed is doing better at maintaining its breeding, registration and transfer statistics than many others, we are going to be embarking on some aggressive programs to stimulate new interest in Saddlebreds and growth in breeding. These will be main topics of interest and debate at our meetings this week.”
Membership in the American Saddlebred Horse Association has grown 17.5% from 1995 through 2006, and now exceeds 8,800. Registrations of Saddlebreds of all ages and transfers were virtually even in 2006 vs. 2005, at 2,860 and 4,826, respectively.
In addition to the meetings at the Annual Meeting, ASHA and Registry staff will be on site during the convention at the Saddlebred Service Center, provided to assist in registrations and transfers, answer questions regarding prize programs and membership status, as well as any other inquiries.
Saddlebred Summit attendees will not have to make the trip to the ASHA/Registry offices at the Kentucky Horse Park as a number of business matters can be handled on-site at the convention. Members should bring the needed materials and take advantage of this opportunity.
The Saddlebred Service Center will be open both Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be located on the second floor of the Embassy Suites Hotel near the meeting rooms. Complete convention information, including registration forms, can be found on the association’s website at www.saddlebred.com/asha-annual-meeting.
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