This year, more than $180,000 will be offered from the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Program to members of the Kentucky Saddlebred Owners and Breeders Association (KSOBA), a charter club of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA).

Kentucky-bred American Saddlebreds that have been nominated to compete in the 2009 American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) Sweepstakes events for four-year-olds will receive Kentucky Breeders Incentive Funds as added prize money. The allotted pool for the 2009 Four-Year-Old Sweepstakes is $160,000. A total of $40,000 will be divided equally among the top three highest-placed eligible Kentucky-bred Saddlebreds in each division, with 70% awarded to the breeder, and 30% awarded to the stallion owner.

Beginning in 2009, Kentucky-bred American Saddlebreds competing at four United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)-licensed competitions in Kentucky may receive the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Funds as added prize money. The top Kentucky-bred in each division will be awarded $6,000, with the owner, breeder and stallion owner, receiving equal shares of $2,000 each. The four competitions and classes include Kentucky Spring Premier (Fine Harness Open Championship), Rock Creek (Three-Gaited Open Championship), Lexington Junior League (Five-Gaited Open Championship), and Kentucky Fall Classic (Park Open Championship).

To be eligible, a horse must meet certain criteria, including being foaled in Kentucky, sired by a stallion standing in Kentucky at the time of service, and bred by a Kentucky resident. KSOBA membership is required prior to competing.

Full details and membership application can be found at www.saddlebred.com/ksoba.