The Bill Wise American Saddlebred Sweepstakes represents a cornerstone of the American Saddlebred horse industry. Established over 40 years ago by the visionary horseman Bill Wise, this program was designed to promote the breeding, training, and showcasing of the American Saddlebred horse. Since its inception, the Sweepstakes has awarded more than $6.5 million in prize money, making it a vital initiative for supporting and expanding opportunities within the Saddlebred community.

Bill Wise (1931-2025), a prominent figure in the American Saddlebred horse community, was a visionary who sought to promote the breeding, training, and showcasing of the American Saddlebred horse. His passion for the breed and his understanding of its potential led to the creation of the American Saddlebred Sweepstakes Program nearly 50 years ago.

The program was established to incentivize and reward excellence in the development of young Saddlebreds. Wise’s leadership and dedication to the Saddlebred industry were instrumental in shaping the program’s goals and structure.  The program was not only a reflection of Wise’s personal commitment to the breed, but also a strategic initiative to encourage participation in the Saddlebred community. By offering significant prize money and creating a competitive platform, the program aimed to elevate the standards of breeding and training while attracting new enthusiasts to the industry.

Wise’s vision and leadership left an indelible mark on the American Saddlebred industry. Even after his passing, Wise’s influence continued to shape the program and the broader Saddlebred community.  In July 2025, fulfilling a personal request from Wise, the administration of the program was transferred to Equine Sports Council Foundation until a permanent home can be established. ESC Foundation is honored to be a part of this new chapter in the Sweepstakes Program’s history.