Rules and Requirements to participate in the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Program

In 2006, the Kentucky legislature passed a bill to encourage breeding horses of all breeds in Kentucky with the passage of the “Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund.”  This fund takes a portion of the sales tax generated through stallion service fees and returns it to the breeders.

The Kentucky Saddlebred Owners and Breeders Association (KSOBA), a Charter Club of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, will be working closely with the Kentucky Racing Authority and Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) on behalf of the American Saddlebred community in Kentucky. 

The criteria for an American Saddlebred to be deemed “Kentucky-bred”

• A horse registered by the American Saddlebred Registry (ASR)
• Foaled in Kentucky
  • Recipient mares for embryo/oocyte transplants must foal in Kentucky
• Sired by a stallion standing in Kentucky at the time of service
  • Deceased stallions must have been standing in Kentucky at the time of death
  • Semen can be stored anywhere; however, the stallion must be standing in Kentucky
• Bred by a resident of Kentucky (breeder is designated per ASR rules)
  • The breeder is defined as the owner of the dam at the time of breeding
    • The owner of the dam at the time of breeding may assign his/her/its designation as breeder to any person or entity.  The assignment must be in writing executed by the owner of the dam at the time of breeding and must be filed with the Registry along with the foal’s Application for Registration.
    • If a mare is held under lease at the time of breeding and written notification of such lease (signed by lessor) is on file with the Registry at the time Application for Registration is made, the Certificate of Registration will show the lessee as the breeder.

Proposed distribution program for awarding funds in 2010

Kentucky-bred American Saddlebreds which are nominated to compete in the American Saddlebred Registry Sweepstakes events for 4-year-olds will receive Kentucky Breeder Incentive Funds as added prize money to the top three highest placed Kentucky-breds in each division.  Of the Kentucky Breeder Incentive money in each division, 70% will be awarded to the breeder and 30% to the stallion owner.  There are four ASR Sweepstakes events held annually for 4-year-olds (Five Gaited, Three Gaited, Fine Harness and Park Pleasure), and allocated Kentucky Breeder Incentive Funds will be divided equally among the four divisions.  


Kentucky Saddlebred Breeders and Owners Association (KSOBA) membership requirements

To be eligible for the KY Breeders Incentive Funds, membership in KSOBA will be required and must be active at the time of the competition(s).  Membership year begins May 1 and expires April 30 the following year.

All members of a partnership &/or joint ownership must be members of KSOBA.  If the breeder is listed in joint ownership, at least one person must be a Kentucky resident and both must be members of KSOBA.

Fraud Statement

“Any attempt in connection with the Kentucky Saddlebred Owners and Breeders Association to provide false or misleading information to KY breed affiliates or government officials, or to otherwise engage in fraudulent activity, shall result in appropriate disciplinary action by the Kentucky Saddlebred Owners and Breeders Association and the application of administrative, civil and criminal penalties that may apply.”