Mae Condon Award

Mae Condon Award Recipients

• 2025 – Rebecca Stewart
• 2024 – Rob Erickson and the Late William “Bill” Thompson
• 2023 – Dollie Hutchins
• 2022 – Laura Phillips

Mae Condon American Saddlebred Versatility Award

Mae Condon (1929-2017) was dedicated to the American Saddlebred and was a passionate advocate for the breed’s presence in every discipline.  Mae and her husband, John, discovered “America’s Horse,” through a beloved mare that led Mae into a lifelong mission of introducing as many people as possible to the breed. Susan Vine, a co-founder of the American Saddlebred Versatility Association (VERSA), recalled that, “When we met many years later, Mae and I were both amazed and delighted to discover that the mare who kindled Mae’s love for the breed had been bred by my father!” 

A Saddlebred farm owner in her native Wisconsin, Mae later relocated to Lexington, Kentucky to serve as Administrative Assistant for the American Saddlebred Horse Association.  She later transitioned to the Hackney World magazine, where she was editor for five years.  She returned to the Association to assist with the then newly-formed Charter Club Council.  Her passion and advocacy of Saddlebred versatility led her to co-found VERSA.

In all of her roles, Mae introduced thousands to the American Saddlebred.  Her legacy lives on in the promotion of breed growth and recognition of the Saddlebred’s talents in many disciplines.

The Mae Condon Award is presented by the American Saddlebred Versatility Association and is supported by the ASHBA in honor of Mae’s service to the Saddlebred and her advocacy for the multiple uses and disciplines by these magnificent and athletic horses.

This award is presented to the person(s) who exemplify a long-term commitment to the versatile uses of American Saddlebreds and/or Half-Saddlebreds, through promoting their use in all disciplines, including but not limited to Sport Horse, Eventing, Jumping, Dressage, Distance Riding, Combined Driving, in the hunt field, use in Ranch work, exhibition in public events such as parades and demonstrations, organizing or participating in horse shows and/or breeding American Saddlebreds or Half Saddlebreds for multiple uses.