Three years ago, I was asked by that year’s Nominating Committee to serve on the ASHA board. After spending most of my life around Saddlebreds with my family, it has been an honor to be able to give back to the breed that has given us so much enjoyment, and to the horses that have taught us so much.
In this year’s election, only six will be elected. While I hope to be one of those elected so that I can continue to serve as a director, using the experience I’ve gained so far on the board, I’m confident that any of the nominees will be very dedicated to the job. I am proud to bring the Wisconsin perspective of an amateur, a son, and a father of two girls, as well as business owner directly related to the equestrian industry. I think the Saddlebred is the best family horse there is. In my business, I’ve traveled nationally and internationally and have experienced the differences in horse shows, breeds, and disciplines. Saddlebreds remain my passion, just as those who breed, own, and exhibit them. The versatility of the American Saddlebred has yet to be fully discovered, there are so many opportunities for Saddlebred growth beyond our traditional classes. At the same time, we must do everything we can to protect and grow our Freedom Hall-Saturday Night Show Horses.
We need to develop the resources to promote our breed more and better than we’ve ever done before. The horse world is more competitive than ever. But we can‘t forget that for most Saddlebred enthusiasts, and all other horse enthusiasts, they got into the industry to have fun. They didn’t get into it to make money, but they didn’t get into it thinking they would have to spend a fortune to enjoy it. We need to educate people on the enjoyment of owning, showing and riding Saddlebreds and develop ways to make it more affordable. We all must work together in positive, constructive way and even have some fun finding new avenues to raise money and promote our American Saddlebred breed.
Promoting Saddlebreds is not just up to the ASHA, but up to each and ever one of us in the breed as individuals, too. I’m going to continue to do my part in any way I can.
Thank you,
Paul M. Treiber
Paul…family owned and operated Oakwood Farms in Hartland, Wisconsin…had horses such as CH Stonewall’s Crimson and Clover, CH Night Fever, CH Santana Santana Dana, Chocolate Soldier, Sweet Echo, Reedann’s Old Spice, and Serengetty…showing career includes World’s Championships with Happy Landing, CH Attache’s Three Of A Kind, and CH Calaway’s Criterion, and the most recent purchase, Walterway’s Peak Performance.
Developed and managed two Woven Heart’s Assisted Living Care facilities in 1994 in southeastern Wisconsin…began Prime Properties of Wisconsin, Inc. a real estate investment, development and management company in Waukesha, Wisconsin…has also had business ventures in investment banking, sales, marketing, and management.
Acquired Walsh Harness and Saddlery in October 2002…The Walsh Company began in 1914 and has become the leading manufacturer of Standardbred racehorse harness in the world…The Walsh Company also manufactures over 300 horse related products for the Saddlebred, Hunter/Jumper and Thoroughbred industries.
