By BOB RIGGS
Indiana Correspondent

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — During the 19th century cross-breeding in Kentucky of Thoroughbred horses with other hearty breeds produced a new kind of horse called the American Saddlebred. The Saddlebred was not a workhorse or a racing horse, but became a pleasure animal, often dressed up and ridden on Sundays or after work.

For the American Saddlebred industry, the World Championship Horse Show became the pinnacle of horse shows. Saddlebred breeders, trainers and riders from across the globe compete for months to qualify and prepare for the World Championship, which is every summer at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds during the run of the state fair.

All year long, horses and riders from farms and stables stay busy practicing discipline and regularly showing off their skills. To reach the level of world champion competition, a horse must exhibit qualities of presence, grace and beauty. The winning horse must also have a competitive spirit.

In Springfield, which is centrally located to Louisville and Lexington, is a historic horse farm named Kalarama Farm. It was established with a winning tradition since the early 20th century. Today, as a modern agribusiness, Kalarama Farm is a mutual effort shared by horse breeder Joan Hamilton and horse trainer Larry Hodge.

The husband-and-wife team focus on the task of preparing Saddlebred horses physically and mentally for horse show competition, with a Grand World Championship prize in mind. Hodge, Hamilton and the entire farm maintain a winning frame of mind. As soon as one World Championship Horse Show is ended, the entire operation focuses on the next year’s.

Just prior to the show, however, the regular work routine changes. Farm manager Hamilton said, “The last week before the show the horses are as good as they are going to get. At that time we concentrate on preparing the individual animals for their unique competition.”

Before the competition, show harnesses and other fancy equipment must be assigned. Each horse will be assigned a new routine suited to its own class of entry. Also, the animal’s tail and mane need to be dressed.

During the last week, the blacksmith comes for final prep work, making sure the shoes and special show boots fit and are tight enough. And, a veterinarian goes over each horse thoroughly to see what it may need for top performance.
Finally, half of the horse farm’s crew travels early to Louisville and takes with them the feed and equipment needed for the show. The Louisville crew makes ready the stalls at the fairgrounds and the grooms prepare a fancy tack room for display purposes. Finally, a hospitality room is set up for the organization’s clients.

Statistics have not been published yet of how many wins Kalarama Farm garnered at this year’s show; however, a story in last year’s Springfield Sun told the story of Kalarama’s six championship and reserve wins out of 18 entries. Not bad, for this highly competitive sport.

For the past 25 years Hamilton has served on various committees and boards of the American Saddle Horse Assoc. (ASHA). Hodge has been a winning trainer for upwards of 40 years and has captured many championships and Grand Champion wins for Kalarama.

At the close of the Show, the two long-time ASHA members were inducted into the World Championship Horse Show Hall of Fame. They were recognized for their lifetime of work at Kalarama and were two of only three people honored this year.