The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Youth and Auction Committees have announced that the ASHA Youth Auction will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2009, during the World’s Championship Horse Show. The auction will be held at the new Crowne Plaza Louisville (formerly The Executive West Hotel) in Crowne Room A (formerly The Mary Room). Bid Numbers may be obtained beginning at noon on Wednesday, August 26, and bidding on silent auction items will begin at this time. Silent bidding resumes Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m., with the live auction portion of the event beginning at 1:30 p.m. Items such as Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup tickets will be offered during the live auction. As in the past, a free reception and a cash bar will be offered beginning at noon on Thursday. New this year will be special activities and prizes for ASHA Youth.

All ASHA Youth Clubs are being asked to participate in the Basket Bonanza. Youth Clubs will put together baskets for the auction featuring items from their respective localities, or baskets geared towards a specific theme. The Youth Club basket that raises the most money at the auction will receive their ASHA Club dues paid for the following year.

The Committees are in the process of gathering items for this annual event. This auction is the sole fundraiser for ASHA Youth Scholarships and all Youth Programs (Junior Judging, Saddletime Awards, Academy Awards, Showmanship at Halter Awards, and The ASHA Youth Award). Since 1991, these funds have helped to further the education of over 100 ASHA Youth members.

If you would like to donate an item please contact Brenda Newell, ASHA Youth Programs Director, at [email protected], or Ron Merwin, ASHA Auction Chairperson, at [email protected] or Germaine Johnson, ASHA Youth Chairperson, at [email protected]. All donations are tax deductible.