ASHA Annual Meeting Plans Announced
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
LEXINGTON, Ky. - The American Saddlebred Horse Association will once again hold its Annual Meeting at the Embassy Suites in Lexington, Ky., February 20-21, 2004. Available on the ASHA web site, www.saddlebred.com, is the meeting schedule, which includes forums, luncheons, the ASHA Annual Meeting and Open Forum, American Saddlebred Museum Reception, and the ASHA Awards Dinners.
Offered this year are a variety of forums to encourage dialogue among attendees. Forums include a roundtable discussion on stallion ownership issues; questions and answers with Dr. Sherrin, an equine reproduction specialist from Rood & Riddle; guest speakers on the different disciplines in which the American Saddlebred horse participates; seminar on the large heart conducted by Marianna Haun, author of The X-Factor, and Dr. Fregin, who conducts physical examinations for the large heart; panel discussion for the amateur/owner/trainer; and, for parents with children in lesson programs or beginning their show careers, a discussion forum on things to know. “We’re delighted to have some of the industry’s most respected trainers and advisors on this year’s agenda,” said Kayce Bell, ASHA’s convention coordinator.
In addition to the forums, the Sport Horse Luncheon will host the presentation of the ASHA Sport Horse of the Year Awards on Friday. That evening, the American Saddlebred Museum will open its doors for the year's new exhibit, "The Legacy of Spindletop: Legends and Luminaries." Saturday, at the Charter Club Luncheon, ASHA will honor the Charter Club of the Year for its efforts in promoting the American Saddlebred breed. The elegant ASHA Awards dinner will be held Saturday evening; outstanding individuals in the industry will be honored, and the first ASHA Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented.
As always, the heart of the Meeting will be the Annual Membership Meeting and Open Forum on Saturday morning. This year, the Association is pleased to announce that representatives from the Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show will be available to address any questions or concerns attendees may have regarding the largest, and most prestigious, horse show of the year. During the Open Forum, members will also be given the opportunity to discuss any issues or topics of concern regarding the Association or the breed, including the recent U.S. Equestrian rule changes. “We encourage members to bring forth their concerns and questions at this annual forum,” said ASHA President Fred Sarver. “It’s a unique opportunity to openly discuss issues with the elected Board of Directors and fellow members.”
Please visit the ASHA web site at www.saddlebred.com for details regarding the ASHA Annual Meeting; new information is posted frequently, and registration is available online. Registration packets and Board of Director election ballots will be mailed to all active ASHA members in mid-January.
Embassy Suites' discounted group rate is $110 per night and includes a full breakfast. To make reservations, call Embassy Suites at 1-800-EMBASSY and mention the ASHA Annual Meeting code "ASM" to receive the special discounted room rate. To reserve on the Internet, go to www.embassy-suites.com, click on FIND A HOTEL, enter Lexington, Kentucky, click FIND IT, then BOOK A ROOM, and enter convention code ASM to receive the discounted group rate. This rate is available until February 3, 2004.
Established in 1891, the American Saddlebred Horse Association is the oldest registry for an American breed of horse, and maintains records of pedigree, ownership, breeding, and showing for the American Saddlebred horse. ASHA may be contacted at 4093 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511, or 859.259.2742, or online at www.saddlebred.com.
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