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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.
From the Rail to the Ring: It Takes All of Us
Why supporting American Saddlebred Horse Shows Matters
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The American Saddlebred is more than a horse breed - it's a living legacy of beauty, athleticism, and heart. Known as "The Horse American Made," the Saddlebred has long been a symbol of grace and strength in the show ring. But behind every polished performance lies a community of dedicated horseman, trainers, families, and fans who make these shows possible.
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Today more than ever, that community needs your support.
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Attendance Keeps the Ring Alive
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Every person in the stands--from lifelong fans to the fist-time spectators--brings energy and value to a horse show. Your presence sends a powerful message that our shows matter, and that the American Saddlebred deserves its place in the spotlight. A full house encourages exhibitors, boosts the confidence of young riders, and creates an atmosphere of celebration.
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Donations Make the Difference
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Horse shows rely heavily on sponsorships and donations to cover costs for facilities, ribbons, judges and youth programs. Every dollar helps maintain the quality and accessibility of these events. Whether you give a little or a lot, your contribution directly supports the future of the Saddlebred industry -- especially programs that benefit young and developing riders.
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Bring a Friend -- Grow the Audience
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Introducing someone new to the world of Saddlebreds is one of the most powerful things you can do. Invite a friend, a coworker, or a young family to attend a show with you. Seeing the sparkle of a five-gaited performance of the elegance of a there-gaited class can light a lifelong passion. Word of mouth remains one of our strongest tools for growth.
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Support Junior Exhibitors --Invest in the Future
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Junior Exhibitors are not just participants - they are the future stewards of the American Saddlebred tradition. Their enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and love for the breed are what will carry our shows forward. Supporting them means more than cheering from the stands -- it means mentoring, sponsoring youth divisions, encouraging their development, and helping make shows fun, safe, and welcoming. When young riders thrive, the entire Saddlebred community grows stronger.
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Support Your Show Photographer and Horse Media
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Behind every great moment in the ring is a talented photographer capturing memories that last a lifetime. Supporting your show photographer by purchasing photos is not only a way to cherish your experience - it's a way to ensure they can continue doing what they do best. Likewise, industry publications like The Saddle Horse Report, National Horseman and Saddle and Bridle are essential voices for our breed. Subscribing, advertising, sharing and engaging with their constant helps promote the Saddlebred world to a wider audience.
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Education Builds the Future
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Supporting clinics, junior exhibitor programs, and public outreach efforts helps engage the next generation of horse lovers know and understand the American Saddlebred. The more people learn and breed--its history, versatility, and kindness--the more likely they are to get involved.
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Community Creates Longevity
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Horse Shows are about more than ribbons. They're about tradition, mentorship, camaraderie, and the love of the horse. When you support these events, you are preserving a vibrant piece of equestrian culture and ensuring the future generations can experience the joy and connection that comes from showing and appreciating American Saddlebreds.
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In a world of ever-changing interests, our support makes all the difference.
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Attend. Donate. Volunteer. Bring a friend. Cheer for every ride. Uplift our youth. Buy the photos. Read the story. Share the moment.
Together, we keep the spirit of the American Saddlebred strong--not just in the show ring, but in the hearts and homes across the country.
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We've already felt the heartbreak of losing something special. The horse show in Flagstaff, Arizona was once a vibrant gathering filled with laughter, hoofbeats and unforgettable memories. But over time, support dwindled--the crowds got smaller, the sponsorships fewer, and the energy that once filled the arena slowly faded. Eventually, the show was gone. And with it a piece of our Saddlebred story disappeared. It's a reminder that no show is guaranteed. If we don't show up--in the stands, in the barns, with our voices and our support --we risk more than just a date on the calendar. We lose the places where our community comes alive. Let's protect what we love before it's too late.
World Championship Horse Show
After months of hard work and dedication, the opportunity to attend the World's Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky is finally within your grasp. Whether you're a first time exhibitor or a proud family member cheering from the stands, this expererince is unlike any other. It's more than just a horse show- it's a celebration of passion, talent, and the heart of the American Saddlebred world.
Louisville is bustling during the Kentucky State Fair, and everyone from hotels to rental cars can fill up fast. Booking early ensures you're close to the Showgrounds, especially if you want to be near Freedom Hall. Some families opt for golf carts to get around the fairgrounds - and yes, you'll want one with a windshield in case of rain or unexpected heat.
Your trainer may coordinate some arrangements, but be sure to confirm: will you need to book lodging, transportation, or your own show passes? Don't forget to secure lower bowl seating - you'll want to be close to the action to really take in the top-tier performances.
In the days leading up to the show, your horse will be hauled to Louisville, often with other barn mates. Before the trip, your trainer will work hard to ensure your horse is in peak condition - well-groomed, fit, and ready for the big dance. Packing and preparing your tack trunk, show clothes, and grooming tools is just like any other show....but with even more attention to detail.
You'll also start to see adds in the show magazines and publications featured throughout the venue, showcasing barns, horses, and riders who will make the trip - a testament to the pride everyone feels about making it to Louisville.
The Showgrounds can be a whirlwind - large barns, golf carts buzzing past, and the echo of hooves warming up in the morning light. Your barn setup will be your home bsse, and the barn aisle becomes a special gathering place for support, photos and memories.
And then, it's time. You're dressed, your horse is tacked and you're waiting your turn.
Standing on the ramp, nerves set in, it's often hot and humid, the kind of thick Kentucky air that clings to your jacket. You wait....and then your class is called.
As you take that ramp down into the iconic ring of Freedom Hall, you suddenly hit a wall of cool air. It's like stepping into another world. The nerves dissolve. The crowd fades. All that remains is you, and your horse.
This is it. You're in Freedom Hall - the green shavings stretch before you, the lights are bright, and the energy crackles with excitement. This is the moment you've dreamed of. The ride of your life is about to begin.
This isn't just another horse show. It's the World's Championship. It's the reward for dedication, grit, and love of the sport. Yes, it takes careful planning. Yes, it can be overwhelming.
But every moment - from the first ramp walk to your name being called in the ring - is part of a story you'll never forget.
So plan ahead. Pack smart. Bring your spirit. And get ready to make memories that will stay with you forever.
Welcome to Louisville. You've earned this.