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SCASHA
January 2025
A Fresh Start: Kicking Off the 2025 Show Season
The new year is here, and with it comes the excitement of a fresh start—whether you're stepping into the ring with a longtime partner or forging a new connection. The start of the show season is the perfect time to reflect, set goals, and prepare for a successful year ahead.
Now is also a great time to check in on your memberships. Are they all up to date? If not, be sure to visit our website for links to renew and ensure you're ready for the season. Staying current with your memberships keeps you eligible for year-end awards, competitions, and association benefits.
As we look ahead to 2025, what excites you most? Are you aiming for a big debut, striving for personal bests, or working toward a new milestone? Whatever your goals may be, this is the time to plan, train, and set yourself up for success.
Let’s make 2025 a year to remember in the Saddlebred community!
February 2025
Sara Mayer Joins ASHBA as Executive Director
Sara Mayer Joins ASHBA as Executive Director Sara Mayer.pngThe American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is pleased to announce Sara Mayer as the Executive Director. Sara brings a wealth of experience to the association, with an extensive background in nonprofit leadership, organizational strategy, and equine industry involvement.With over two decades of experience in executive roles, Sara has dedicated her career to fostering growth and operational excellence within nonprofit organizations and businesses. As the Chief Executive Director of Sara Mayer Consulting, she has provided strategic guidance to organizations, focusing on productivity improvement, innovative problem-solving, and comprehensive event management. Her leadership roles at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and various higher education institutions have equipped her with expertise in budget oversight, volunteer engagement, and operational efficiency.Her equine background includes experience as an assistant trainer and instructor, along with a degree in Equine Science from William Woods University.Sara’s proven leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to equine welfare make her an invaluable asset to ASHBA. We look forward to her contributions as she leads the organization into a promising future.
March Into Show Season: Get Ready for Scottsdale!
March is here, and that means it’s time to saddle up, fine-tune your skills, and strengthen the bond with your American Saddlebred! Before the show season officially kicks off, take this time to practice, build trust, and become the ultimate team with your horse.
Scottsdale is right around the corner—are you ready? Dust off those show clothes (and make sure they still fit!), pack up your must-have horse show gear, and double-check your checklist. The excitement of a new season is in the air, and you don’t want to leave anything behind!
What are you most looking forward to in 2025? Are you chasing a big win, debuting a new partner, or setting personal goals in the ring? Whatever your dreams may be, now is the time to go after them with confidence and enthusiasm.
The countdown is on—see you in Scottsdale for an unforgettable start to the season!
Behind the Ribbons:
The Role of Parents at the Carousel Charity Horse Show
At the heart of Carousel Charity Fair in Scottsdale, amidst the gleaming saddles and polished boots, are not just the elegant American Saddlebred horses and their young riders - but the parents who stand quietly behind the scenes, playing a critical role in every ride.
For parents of Saddlebred riders, show day starts long before their child enters the ring. They are early risers, double checking their show clothes, steaming show coats, hair and makeup, and helping their young equestrians into their elaborated suits. It's not just about appearances; it's about creating a sense of readiness and calm before the adrenaline of competition sets in.
"We joke that we're part parent, part groom, part therapist," laughs one parent whose child is returning to the ring for their third year. "It's a whole team effort. You learn to read their energy and know when to hype them up or just give them a quiet moment."
Mentally they act as anchors. Parents help their children visualize the ride ahead, breath through the nerves, and shake off mistakes during practice runs. Whether it's a first time show or a seasoned competitor, nerves are a a natural part of the experience. And so is emotion.
The highs of winning are electric .There's a shared joy between parent and child when the announcer calls their number, and a ribbon is placed in their hands. Parents cheer the loudest, often with tears in their eyes - not just because of the win, but because they know the hours of hard work and dedication it took to get there.
But not every ride ends with a ribbon. When disappointment hits, parents become their child's biggest support system. they offer quiet hugs, reassuring words, and remind them that every ride is a lesson. They help kids refocus - not on what went wrong, but on how far they've come.
In a special addition to Saturday's morning session, the Junior Judging event brought even more young riders into the heart of the action. Participants had the opportunity to sit ringside and judge classes comparing their selections to the actual judge's card. It added a layer of camaraderie and challenge, encouraging kids to sharpen their eye, think critically, and learn more about what makes a winning performance.
And then there's the special dynamic of barn buddies - close-knit friendships formed through shared lessons, laughter, and even a few tears in the stables. Good sportsmanship is a value that's not just taught by trainers but reinforced by parents who lead by example.
Of course, some moments can sting. Watching a friend win while you don't can be tough. But most parents use those opportunities to teach grace, humility, and the importance of celebrating others' success. The best barns foster a culture where riders wait at the out-gate to congratulate each other, win or lose.
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As the sun sets over the Scottsdale fairgrounds, the show coats come off, horses are cooled down and ribbons - whether many or none - are tucked into tack trunks. But what remains are the memories, the lessons, and the quiet pride of parents who, without ever stepping into the spotlight, make it all possible.
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