What issues do you think need to be discussed at the American Saddlebred Horse Association annual meeting?
Declining Registration Numbers 8.88%
Poor Attendance at Horse Shows 19.08%
Too Few Horse Shows 5.92%
Foreign Registries 4.93%
Reproductive Disorders and Foal Loss 5.59%
Prices of Horses 52.63%
Others (Please email) 2.96%
Dear Editor:
The breed needs to pay more attention to a rounded marketing campaign. Your numbers are down not because of foaling problems, too few horse shows, or lack of attendance, but because you’re not marketing the American Saddlebred as an “all around horse.”
I just attended the Equine Event in Springfield, Mass, and there was amazing representation and promotion from several of the breeds. Saddle horses did not even have a horse present nor could I find any promotional material, introductory material to the breed nor visual promotions.
This is the peacock of the show ring, however, this breed can do so much more and it is not promoted.
In fact, this breed can be owned and kept at home but you never see that encouraged.
On September 11, the USA reassessed its values and priorities and I am suggesting that the American Saddle Horse industry do some reassessing and open up the scope of the Saddle Horse to several other markets. This is a GREAT breed and can be as versatile as any other while doing it either with professional trainers, one day shows at some fair, or on the trails of America as the family horse that Mom, Dad and children can go out for a ride on!!!
Thank for your time, I hope this helps.
Linda Holmes
Dear Editor:
This issue falls into two categories - - declining numbers and breeders being unable to sell horses which both need to be discussed at the convention.
Here is my view of the issues at hand:
The inability to sell young unshown horses in the mid-price range of $10,000 - $25,000 needs to be addressed. Breeders cannot sell their young prospects which have not been shown or have been to a show maybe once or twice. Trainers only want to purchase horses with a proven show record who are currently winning in the show ring. This is causing a major problem for the small breeder who is raising two to three foals a year or for that matter one foal a year.
You are unable to sell your horses until they are five plus years old with a winning show record. Most breeders have nice foals sitting at home because they can’t afford to put them in training until the older horses are sold - the result of this is they stop breeding. Breeders are taking HUGE losses because they can’t get training prospects sold, are unable to sell the yearling out of the pasture and the list goes on. Pockets are only so deep on a losing situation.
I personally did not breed my two broodmares this year and if my four-year-olds are not sold by spring I will not be breeding my broodmares next year.
But talk to a trainer and the first thing out of their mouth is that they can’t find nice horses at reasonable prices - Hello!! Where have they not been looking? Or is it a game they are playing with their customers to purchase a higher priced horse which means more commission to them. Breeders are extremely frustrated.
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