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Staff Spotlight: Jessica Cushing

Jessica Cushing with her trail partner One Class Act, (RWC)

Jessica Cushing is the Marketing and Communications Manager for the American Saddlebred Horse Association. Her role is to develop and manage promotional, marketing and communication initiatives for the ASHA. She joined the ASHA team in September 2018 and has been an integral part of the revamped social media and increased promotional content production for the breed. Jessica has developed the Saddlebred Strong Series, Behind the Saddlebred Scenes, ASHA WCHS First Timer & Hunter Country Pleasure Features and many more programs at the ASHA this year. Jessica joined the ASHA to combine her love for the horse and desire to help modernize the promotion of the breed. When asked what Jessica loves most about the position, she shared, “What I like best about my job is contributing to the narrative of who the “Horse America Made” is. The privilege of being one of the “voices” of the American Saddlebred is not one I take lightly. This horse and its community have been central to my life for over 22 years. I love that I get to incorporate my passion and perspective into the promotion of this magnificent breed.”

Jessica marks herself as very fortunate to have grown up surrounded by horses. Whether it was her backyard ponies or the Standardbred racehorses of the family training stable, horses have been the greatest constant in her life. Jessica’s involvement with the American Saddlebred began after the gift of a hackney pony, Master Of The Universe “Clyde,” from a fellow harness racing family. From there she started saddle seat riding lessons at a Saddlebred barn. When it came time to graduate to a horse of her own, there was only one breed for her, the American Saddlebred. My Lady’s Fascination, "Roy", was her first Saddlebred. This giant bay gelding’s wonderful nature made him a great teacher and a best friend, cementing Jessica’s dedication to this breed.

Jessica spent the majority of her youth showing Saddlebreds on the Ohio and Michigan circuits as a catch rider and an AOT, but also rode Morgan horses, jumpers and reining horses periodically. After high school, the same harness racing trainer that gave her Clyde introduced her to his longtime family friend and fellow Saddlebred/Standardbred cross over Merrill Murray. This connection brought Jessica fantastic opportunities to groom for and learn from many Saddlebred trainers in Kentucky during school breaks in college. For the past ten years, Jessica has competed as an AOT with her beloved road pony, Do The Wild Thing “Tiny,” and as catch rider in and around Kentucky. Outside of the ring, she enjoys repurposing retired Saddlebred show horses as trail horses. Most recently, she has made former young five-gaited champion One Class Act, “Samme”, her trail partner.

Jessica had this to say when asked what she like best about the American Saddlebred, “I love the American Saddlebred for their personalities, intelligence and adaptability. They are the most outgoing breed, bringing so much joy and fun into their people’s lives. I find the Saddlebred to be a remarkable horse whose dependability, athleticism and versatility allow them to excel no matter the task or partner. I have had the privilege to witness the highest level of show horses thrive in roles many people could never imagine. My three favorite examples of Saddlebreds shattering stereotypes are jumping 2002 Five-Gaited World’s Grand Champion CH SS Genuine, CH Callaway’s Karla (RWC) going through hours of rough trail shortly after her retirement and seeing my mount Samme become a lead trail horse and log jumping extraordinaire. Most importantly, I love Saddlebreds because they are fabulous companions that can make any day better with their sweet natures and engaging personalities.”

Originally, from Michigan, Jessica has called Kentucky home nearly all of her adult life. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from Michigan State University and a Master’s of Science in Sports Administration from the University of Louisville. Her prior career experience is in marketing, community relations, recruiting and player development at three prominent NCAA Division I programs.  In her spare time, she enjoys being with her beloved dog Gunnar, treasured horses and ponies, friends, family, watching sports and going trail riding.