In 2019, a group of concerned American Saddlebred enthusiasts began discussions about taking a proactive approach to combat issues that were plaguing the American Saddlebred industry. These issues include a steady decline in ASB registrations and transfers; difficulty in bridging the gap between academy participation and horse ownership; young professionals leaving the industry for more secure employment opportunities; professionals and owners, alike, feeling left behind by the Industry’s focus on elite levels of competition…the list goes on.

Out of these discussions, a vision was formed to network mainstream horse shows across the country and offer a “Crown Jewel” competition for this core market. This concept resulted in the new Monarch Show Series National Championship that was held in the Coliseum of Champions on the Illinois State Fairgrounds October 1-4, 2020.