NASMA halter shows and performance contests will give breeders and exhibitors opportunities to compete for awards. The public events also demonstrate progress in breeding for type, quality and ability to perform. The NASMA Official Rule Book contains the governing rules pertaining to shows, in addition to the NASMA Constitution and the NASMA Corporation by-laws.

The North American Saddle Mule Association’s objectives are to preserve the records of the exhibition and pleasure use of the Saddle Mule in all equestrian disciplines in which it is used, while maintaining the integrity of the Saddle Mule. Further, it encourages Saddle Mule ownership and participation. NASMA actively protects the Saddle Mule by establishing and strictly enforcing rules which govern every NASMA approved event in order to reflect the natural ability of the animal.

To that end, NASMA is committed to the following beliefs:

• Above all, the Saddle Mule’s welfare is paramount to other considerations and the continued development of procedure which ensure humane treatment of the animals and fair competition supersedes all other considerations.
• Stringent rules established and enforced by NASMA demand that breeders, owners, trainers and exhibitors are continually responsible for the well being for the Saddle Mule entrusted in their care.
• NASMA will develop and review adequate and fair rules governing competitions and will enforce them for the common benefit.
• NASMA will encourage and assist all those involved in the breeding for, exhibition and promotion of the Saddle Mule and the continued improvement of the Saddle Mule in regard to its performance and development as a desirable saddle and harness animal.

Representatives from nine geographical zones will equally share in the governing and policy making of NASMA as it strives to provide a forum, before unavailable, for member to promote ideas, make changes and help the Saddle Mule industry grow. NASMA is based on the idea that mule owners are ready for an organization that will help them breed for, promote and use their unique animals.

The Saddle Mule, defined as any horse/donkey hybrid, is an animal resulting from the breeding of either a male donkey jack to a saddle type horse mare or a saddle type horse stallion to a donkey jennet and used for work and pleasure under saddle and in light harness. The donkeys used to produce Saddle Mules are either Large Standard or Mammoth breeds. New breeding programs are producing Saddle Mules with refinement of conformation and ability to perform. They come in all sizes and colors just as horses do. They are used in all equine disciplines from English to Western events, driving in light harness to Dressage, Rodeo to cattle working, and some events unique to the mules’ history.

NASMA has compiled a comprehensive rule book and record keeping system by which NASMA sanctioned events and contests can earn members and their mules points based on hours accrued while trail riding their mules.

The North American Saddle Mule Association encourages Saddle Mule ownership and advocates the promotion of the Saddle Mule for both work under saddle and light harness. In addition, the organization will strive to add continuity and uniformity to the effort and growth of the mule industry. In working to attain its goals, NASMA will unfailingly protect the health and well being of the Saddle Mule; encourage improvement of breeding for type, quality and the ability to perform; and work to establish and maintain fair rules for competition for the Saddle Mule.