American Stock Horse Association
About ASHA
American Stock Horse Association
The American Stock Horse Association was established in 2008 as a nonprofit organization with a clear purpose: to strengthen and advance the stock horse industry.
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We accomplish this through education, thoughtful training, and meaningful competition that develops both horse and rider.
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Rooted in tradition and guided by true horsemanship, ASHA is committed to enriching the experience of horse ownership and riding. We believe lasting progress comes from developing better horses and more knowledgeable, confident horsemen.
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At our core, ASHA values understanding, partnership, and purpose. Every program, clinic, competition, and resource is intentionally designed to support riders at every stage of their journey while fostering a deeper connection between horse and rider.
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Open to all breeds and mules, ASHA provides a structured, professional pathway built on integrity, mentorship, and growth.
Our mission remains simple and enduring:
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Help People Ride a Better Horse.
The History of
American Stock Horse Association
The American Stock Horse Association (ASHA) grew out of a statewide planning effort within the Texas horse industry during the early 1990s. This group sought to identify the future needs of the horse industry and to develop programs that would support long-term success through education and sound horsemanship.
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From this effort, seven individuals including Jack Brainard, Roger Blackmon, Vicki Hoggett, Doug Householder, Bill Jackson, Dennis Sigler, and B.F. Yeates, recognized the need for accessible, practical education focused on riding, training, and promoting the versatile stock horse.
Their belief was simple: Better horses are developed through correct training, thoughtful evaluation, and continual learning.
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Affordable education has remained central to ASHA’s philosophy from its inception. Early involvement from Texas AgriLife Extension educators helped establish clinics as a cornerstone of the program, reinforcing the concept that education should precede competition, and that competition should serve as a positive measurement of progress.
The Future of
American Stock Horse Association
The American Stock Horse Association is rooted in tradition — and committed to growth.
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As the stock horse industry evolves, so must the opportunities we provide. Facilities vary. Participation levels vary. Access to cattle varies. Riders enter the industry at different stages of experience. To strengthen the future of the versatile stock horse, ASHA is expanding its structure while preserving its standards.
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Introducing Three Event Tiers​
To better serve riders, trainers, collegiate programs, and show producers, ASHA now offers three tiered event formats:
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Tier 1 – An accessible entry point focused on Stock Horse Pleasure/Ranch Riding, Trail, and Reining. Designed to encourage participation, support developing riders, and expand opportunities for facilities without cattle access.
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Tier 2 – The traditional ASHA format including Pleasure/Ranch Riding, Trail, Reining, and Cow Work or Cutting . This tier maintains the foundation of versatility and full-stock horse evaluation.
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Tier 3 – A comprehensive five-class format with Pleasure/Ranch Riding, Trail, Reining, Cow Work, and Cutting aligns with broader ranch versatility programs.
Producers may offer this format using the ASHA 1–10 scoring system or the Standard 70 scoring system.
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Walk-trot classes and divisions are included in each of the 3 tiers with their own patterns and scoresheets.
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Why the Change?
Because growth requires clarity and flexibility.
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The three-tier structure:
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Expands access while maintaining standards
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Supports show producers with scalable options
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Encourages new exhibitors to enter the industry
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Preserves cow work while recognizing regional realities
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Strengthens the pathway from learning to showing to competing
ASHA is building a system that supports the entire journey — from first ride to advanced competition — while protecting the integrity of the versatile stock horse.
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We are not changing who we are.
We are strengthening how we serve.
