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What Matters: Increasing Opportunities for Exhibitors Matters

To keep, train and show a horse takes a great amount of time, commitment and sacrifice, but we do it because of the tremendous love we have for the horse; particularly our love for the American Saddlebred. A recent blog post titled “This 35 Year-Old Nurse, Mom of Three Feels Guilty About Her Horse Expenses” on the website Noelle Floyd, tells the story and struggles of a nurse referred to as “Whitney W.” The scenarios she describes of hiding some equine expenses from her spouse, sacrificing vacations so that horse bills can be paid and carefully calculating the number of horse shows to attend for budgeting purposes, are certainly very familiar to exhibitors (and parents of exhibitors). We at the ASHA recognize the great passion our members have for riding and showing our amazing breed of horses, but we also recognize there are steps we can take to ease the burden on exhibitors. 

We’ve stepped into action by creating a task force to build a support program for all types of horse shows, big or small. This includes creating tiered horse show levels which would lead to cost reductions for some shows, and therefore, cost reductions for exhibitors. This group is also tasked with making recommendations to increase the number of horse shows in under-represented areas so that exhibitors in these locations can reduce their travel and hauling expenses, plus provide them with opportunities to show more frequently. 

Also, because not all exhibitors are alike, ASHA is debuting Alpha Classes for exhibitors who are ready for a level above Academy, but not quite ready for the stronger competition of Novice and Limit classes. These classes will be available for the first time at the National Academy Championships. Exhibitors will be allowed two show seasons in Alpha classes, which ASHA hopes will serve as an experience and financial bridge from Academy to Performance.

Finally, in addition to these new initiatives, we continue to enthusiastically support and encourage Select Series for non-WCHS horses to provide another level of competition opportunity for both new and seasoned exhibitors. We’re also focusing on Amateur Owner Trained exhibitors by promoting AOT friendly divisions and improving high point award programs. Both the AOT Awards and ASHA Regional High Point Awards are the two long standing programs where our members continue to be recognized for their dedication to compete their American Saddlebreds.

We at the ASHA believe that we must meet the needs of our members and meet them where they’re at. We know there’s much work ahead to help ease your burdens, but we’re committed to finding solutions and know we owe this to you because of the sacrifices you make. We thank you for your enthusiasm, love and passion for our wonderful breed the American Saddlebred.