ASHBA Board Spotlight Q & A with Clif Paulsen
- Name: Clif Paulsen
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
How did you get started with the American Saddlebred? In the 1970s my family became involved with the breed after retiring from dairy farming and milk processing.
What is your involvement with the American Saddlebred currently?
Iowa Futurity Board Member
Steering Committee, Midwest Unfair Horse Show
ASHBA Youth Committee, Operations Committee, and Communications committee
Why are you passionate about serving on the ASHBA board? If you do not recognize my name, you then understand my drive to be part of the ASHBA board. It is important for the board to represent all facets of the breed, not just the same segments with high name recognition.
What other industry boards &/or committees have you served before?
Former Chair of the Iowa Limited Breeders Stake.
Registry state futurities Committee
What is your vision for bettering the breed through serving on the ASHBA board? I hope to increase the range of vision for the participation in all facets of the breed. From local all-breed shows to the highest-level dressage ring or performance pen. There are Saddlebreds all over the nation that we represent and all of them can be players in the promotion of our breed.
What committees/councils/initiatives at the ASHBA will be or are you serving on as board member? Youth Committee, Communications Committee, Operations Committee, Youth Task Force
What are the top three challenges you believe the ASHBA Board should be working on?
Inclusiveness of everyone in the ASB community. Saddlebreds have forged a name for being elitist and they are truly a breed for everyone. There are many false perceptions of the breed.
Decrease in breeding, but similar to increased demand.
Affordability and ability to enjoy ASB's at all price points.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you that you’d like to share? I do not like water chestnuts and canned peas. I am sarcastic and cynical, but I care more than you would know.