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What Matters? “You’re Welcome” Matters

What a simple concept, “You’re Welcome.” Most of the time it comes as sort of a reflexive response to “Thank You.” But it has such a bigger meaning than that. When taken alone the words, “You’re Welcome” are one of a warm greeting. Literally, it means “gladly received.”In 2018, the ASHA set about to craft a new strategic plan. As part of that plan, we outlined four core values in support of a mission to be the gold standard of the equine industry. These core values are:

    Welcoming Growth Minded Committed to Integrity Demonstrate a Physical, Emotional, and Psychological Dedication to Our Members and the Horse

“Welcome.” We see this word a lot in phrases we say every day—“Welcome to my home;” “Welcome with open arms;” “Welcome back.” All of these phrases give us a feeling of warmth; of belonging; of inclusiveness.So, what does it mean when we say the ASHA will be “Welcoming?”It means we will do more than accept those who are unlike us and think differently from us. It means we will embrace them (when we get past social distancing); we will treat them as we’d like to be welcomed; we will listen to them and seek to understand points of view different from our own. It means listening. It means smiling. That is all “welcoming.”But, it’s not enough to just say, “We’re Welcoming.” Our actions forward have to match our words.Just this past week the Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve Ranch Horse Division Rules, to be submitted to USEF for consideration to be added to the Saddlebred and Half Saddlebred Rulebook. This is welcoming. A new division that will make a place for more people to experience the American Saddlebred.Also, at this past week’s meeting, the Board voted unanimously to create a Youth Initiative Task Force which will work to develop initiatives to engage and retain more American Saddlebred enthusiasts in the 18 to 25 year old age range. This is welcoming. Making new places for friends, old and new.As a USEF affiliate breed, the ASHA also subscribes and supports USEF’s statement on Diversity and Inclusion:“Diversity and Inclusion are fundamental to US Equestrian’s vision: To bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible. We recognize the need to achieve increased diversity and that our growth and success depends on the inclusion of all people. We are committed to providing access and opportunity for people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active military personnel, people with disabilities, and those of all ages, religions, ancestries, and genders and gender identities to harness the synergy of diverse talents.”Last night we had the first meeting of the ASHA’s new Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. The mission of this group is to find specific and tangible ways to make our breed more Welcoming. This is an important task in order to meet some of the other core values: to be growth-minded and committed to integrity. In other words, we need to open our arms to new and diverse groups of people in order to grown our breed. Plus, it’s just simply the right thing to do; that’s integrity.So, the next time you’re at a show or at the barn and you see someone you don’t know, be Welcoming. The next time you’re talking with someone about the American Saddlebred, be Welcoming.What Matters. “You’re Welcoming” Matters.