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What Matters? Taking One Step at a Time Matters.

The question is asked, “How do you get to the top of a mountain?” The answer is, “One step at a time.”  As we find ourselves climbing a mountain, we have to examine the ways that we will get there.First, you have to define the mission—to get to the top of the mountain. In the American Saddlebred industry and the ASHA, we have to get to the other side of this time. We have to envision a future that is new and made for that time. So, the goal is evident. But what are the steps to get there?The first step is to plan the journey. For the ASHA, we had to move quickly to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the federal government. Being a 501c3 charitable organization, we believed that we would be able to participate in the proposed Paycheck Protection Program. So our Executive Director and Accounting Specialist with the approval of the Board of Directors quickly prepared all of the documents necessary and got them submitted before the PPP was even completely finalized. And the result is that the finances are buoyed by a six figure loan that for both the ASHA and American Saddlebred Registry can be forgiven if we maintain our workforce.The second step was to revise the budget. We have to recognize that we are in unprecedented times and will need to conserve our cash and our resources. So, we got together and approved a budget cut of around $125,000 and decided not to fill the vacant Programs Manager positon until the office reopens, leaving us with four equivalent full-time employees on the ASHA side of the business.The third step was to continue to communicate—truthfully and transparently. Without good communications, the journey to the top of the mountain is exceedingly difficult. Very few make it to the top without help.And that’s where you, the members and supporters of the ASHA come in. We need your help by joining us with solutions and ideas. Answer the surveys truthfully. Volunteer to be on a committee. Send suggestions in when asked for; and even when not asked for. Our email is always open. Contribute to the funds to help others if you can. Please join the ASHA if you can. Even though show season had to be halted, show your participation.The fourth step was to keep working with the Joint Leadership Council to create opportunities that will bridge the trainers, instructors, and support personnel over to the top of the mountain. Few people climb a mountain alone.Of course, on any mountain climb, you will encounter unexpected obstacles—avalanches and crevices; weariness and doubt. So, too, we will encounter them along the way of this journey. But we must not lose hope and conviction and the will to put one foot in front of the other. Resolute and with purpose. With concern for helping the whole community to get to the top of the mountain.Author Barry Finlay wrote in his book Kilimanjaro and Beyond, “Every mountain top is within reach if we just keep climbing.”What Matters? Keep Climbing.