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

The Fine Harness Open Championship at the Kentucky Spring Premier Horse Show, held at the Kentucky Horse Park beginning Thursday, April 30, is the first 2009 class to receive a supplement from the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund as added prize money. The top Kentucky-bred prize winner in that championship will be awarded $6,000, with the owner, breeder, and stallion owner each receiving equal shares of $2,000 each. Three other Kentucky competitions will also receive $6,000 in added prize money from the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund: Rock Creek (Three-Gaited Open Championship), Lexington Junior League (Five-Gaited Open Championship), and Kentucky Fall Classic (Park Open Championship).

At the All American Horse Classic in September, 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 cash awards from the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund as added prize money. The allotted pool for the 2009 Four-Year-Old Sweepstakes is $160,000. Purse supplements of $40,000 will be divided equally among the top three highest-placed eligible Kentucky-bred Saddlebreds in each of four sections, with 70% awarded to the breeder, and 30% awarded to the stallion owner.

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. Membership year begins May 1 and expires April 30 the following year.

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