Skip to content

From the Desk of Marty Schaffel: Acts of Courage



“Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the assessment that something is more important than fear.”- President Franklin D. Roosevelt

I was never prouder to be a member of our association than when I saw the statement that was signed by so many of our members. Clearly, these are difficult times. Tough decisions have to be made. What is reassuring to me is that people are making those decisions and are acting with courage.

Nothing is more challenging than facing the unknown with courage. And the coronavirus has presented many new unknowns. We are having to make many decisions as we go. As one doctor said during a press briefing, “We are building the airplane while we are flying it!”

Right now, I see several priorities for our association. One of the most important ones is to help those who need a helping hand. We are putting a task force together to thoroughly digest the new stimulus package and help guide members to utilize it effectively. We are raising money to help people who have tried all other means available and still need help. We are trying to navigate the issues presented around the various horse shows being affected by the stay at home guidelines.

We also need to address the problem of people not able to feed and care for their horses. This was a huge problem during the last recession. We have to be proactive about this. This virus came upon us very quickly.
The impact on people forced away from their normal routines has been challenging. People are not used to social distancing and staying at home.  Impatience and frustration could occasionally surface. I have heard my share of it from many members.

Now is the time for us to stand together and look out for each other. Our association and businesses depend on this now more than ever. Let us embark daily on those important acts of courage we so desperately need. Together we will get through this!

To make a donation today to the JLC Horsemen’s Relief Fund visit the UPHA website at www.uphaonline.com, click the DONATE NOW button, and select JLC Horsemen’s Relief Fund or UPHA Dewey Henderson Benevolent Fund from the “choose a cause” dropdown menu. 

Marty Schaffel, ASHA President

More Stories

  • Latest Issue 3 18 24

    Read More
  • Nominate to the UPHA Classics Program by April 1 for a Discount!

    Don't forget to nominate your American Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies, and Morgans to the 2024 UPHA Classics Program. To nominate and receive the $50 discount, nominations must be postmarked on or before Monday, April 1, 2024. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) has continued to work tirelessly over the past three weeks to address the untenable situation created when the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) chose to drop the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) as the governing body for the World’s Championship Horse Show. Read More
  • Mike Spencer Arrangements

    There will be a gathering of family and close friends at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, March 17 at the Shannon Funeral Home in Shelbyville, Kentucky, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is disappointed that we were not invited to participate in the World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS) town hall meeting yesterday. On behalf of our members, who submitted 637 questions to us, we sent a consolidation of 105 questions. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association is grateful for its membership’s concerns and questions about recent changes announced by the Kentucky State Fair horse show management.  Read More
  • World’s Championship Horse Show Virtual Town Hall Invitation

    With less than six months until the world’s most prestigious Saddlebred show, the announcement of a new governing body has positioned all levels of leadership at Kentucky Venues to deliver a great show this August. All those working to make the 121st show successful have greatly appreciated our community's positive support. Read More
  • Latest Issue 3 4 24

    Read More
  • Joint Leadership Council Reinstated

    Leaders of the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association, American Hackney Horse Society, American Road Horse and Pony Association, and the United Professional Horsemen’s Association met Sunday evening to reinstate the Joint Leadership Council (JLC), comprised of leadership from all four membership organizations. Read More
  • Latest Issue 3 24 HW

    Read More