The AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSE ASSOCIATION (ASHA) has developed a plan for Regional Championship competitions and awards to be held throughout the United States.  This plan is designed to stimulate interest in existing horse shows as well as to encourage new ones.  In addition, a regional high score awards program is expected to begin for the 2007 competition year.

The Pennsylvania National Horse Show (October 2005) was the site for the first show in the nation to offer the new ASHA Regional Championship Awards.  PNHS again hosted the Northeastern Regional Championships in 2006 and was the site for the 2007 contest. 

To be eligible to compete in the Northeastern Region, horses must be owned or stabled in United Sates Equestrian Federation (USEF) Region 11 and 12 which encompasses thirteen states from Maine to Virginia.  The awards are presented to the highest placing horses in their division regardless of whether they were the winner of the class.

The Penn National is the largest multi-breed show in the nation attracting more than 30,000 spectators and 1200 top horses from all over the country as well as from Canada.    The Farm Show Arena Complex in Harrisburg is a great place to showcase the breed and the many championships which are included in this premier event. 

The 2007 Pennsylvania National Horse Show was a "must attend"!  For the 6th year, PNHS hosted the National Horse Show 'Good Hands' Saddle Seat Equitation Championship, which was held for 70 years at the National Horse Show in New York City.  

Congratulations! to the members and area exhibitors for their outstanding performances at the 2007 Penn National and to those who rode the victory pass adorned with Northeastern Regional Championship neck ribbons. Class entries were down this year but the air was electric as our Saddlebreds competed in the big Farm Arena in Harrisburg.  This show hosts the National Good Hands competition and the ASHA Regional Championships. 

The qualifying class for Western Country Pleasure was won by the consistent performance of CH A Magic Surprise owned by Pat Johnson.  The order was reversed in the Championship class when Pachelbel's Canon, ridden by Jessica Moctezuma for Nealia McCracken rode off with the 1st place tri-color and the Regional Championship.  Dr. Geraldine Meanor had a great ride on her new mare, Steel In Love,(pictured below), winning the 3 Gaited Championship class and the Regional Championship.  Other notable achievements among our Club members, saw the ever competitive Genius Poetic Justice, earn the Reserve ribbon in Country Pleasure Driving Championship for owner/driver Diane Greenberg; Bare Assets took Reserve in 5 Gaited Show Pleasure Championship with Erin McCracken up for Nealia McCracken; and Taylor Bisanzio was thrilled with her Reserve win in the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Championship on The Talk of Savannah.

Robert and Kim Grom's horses gained four Regional Championship honors!  Mike Richardson rode Whimsicality to 1st place in the 5 Gaited Open Championship class. Tara Grom took Reserve in the 3 Gaited Junior Exhibitor Championship aboard Absolutely Exquisite and went on to win 1st place Championship ribbons in the 3 Gaited Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure and 3 Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure classes.  

Jessica Moctezuma, of North Wind Stables, demonstating her impeccably graceful style, placed 6th in the National Horse Show Good Hands Finals. The best equitation riders from across the country must qualify to compete in this very prestigious event.  Placing in the top 10 is a tremendous accomplishment.   Jessie and "The King's Talent", aka "Orlando", are pictured below.